As I have stated before the 2024 LSU softball class is loaded with talent and I was able to do an interview with one of the homegrown Louisiana stars out of St. Amant High School. Alix Franklin is an outstanding 3rd baseman and while we did talk about her softball skills we discussed much more...
Alix Franklin
Class of 2024 Commit
.533 Batting Average
.669 OBP, 2.069 OPS, 48 Hits, 22 Homeruns, 38 Walks,52 RBIs,
56 Runs
It does not take long getting to know Alix to learn that she is 100% dedicated to everything she commits to. Especially when it comes to her faith in Christ as she told me "I am a strong believer in Jesus Christ. I don’t get caught up in religion. I live by the word of God and allow the Holy Spirit to work through me." She made it a point to say "I am a follower of Christ that plays softball, not a softball player that believes in God. IDENTITY is key, and the order matters."
One thing you typically don't come across when dealing with a high school student is a business owner. She detailed how a family hardship led to her having her own business " I live in Gonzales, Louisiana and my house flooded in 2016, we were out of our house for 6 months and we lived with some friends and then in a camper and all I watched was Food Network and HGTV. So when the remodeling was happening in our house a new kitchen like on my 2 favorite shows was all I cared about, so i can attempt to be like all the bakers on Food Network. So i started baking keep in mind i was 9 years old but my mom would take pictures and post on Facebook like as a proud mom thing and i got really really good at it. I started using Pinterest and created my own recipes and designs.
In 2019 I landed my first cake order from a teammates mom. In 2020 during Covid everything took off. I made enough money to buy my $500 customized glove for my Freshman year of High School ball and people have been ordering from me ever since. I’ve been artistic and creative since day one so making food not only taste good but look good was easy." The name of her business has sentimental meaning to it as she explained "it’s named “Bernadette’s” after my grandmother. She bought me my first mixer and she was my number one supporter. She died my freshman year so i named my business after her!"Her customized glove has Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."
"I am a strong believer in Jesus Christ. I don’t get caught up in religion. I live by the word of God and allow the Holy Spirit to work through me."
Alix on whats let her know LSU was the choice for her " The southern family feel that this program has to offer was one of the many reasons I chose LSU. I love Coach Beth and the rest of the coaching staff; I can name many of the greatest that have come through LSU, and I can't wait to carry on those traditions! It just feels like home". Regarding where the staff sees her playing she said " Coach Beth communicated that I was the first 3rd baseman she has ever recruited; I also play middle infield."
We discussed some of her accomplishments she is most proud of and she stated "Before I committed in October of 2022, my high school won a 5A State Championship, and we another one in 2023. I have also, been an All-State member for 3 consecutive years. It has been an honor to a be a part of a great program at St. Amant."
I asked her to describe the differences in the two state championships and she detailed "winning the first state championship, there was just NO comparison. We were playing a huge rivalry team West Monroe, where 2023 signee Madyson Manning just graduated from. We had played them earlier in the season in an 11 inning game, so playing them in state, we knew it was going to be a dog fight. Which it wasn’t, 4 homeruns were hit by us. One from both me and AJ and she pitched a perfect game. we 10 run ruled our rivalry school in 5 innings. I also struggled with the fact that they pitched around me all year so to come through in the state championship in 2022 was the best feeling of my career.
This year we kinda just ran through most teams. We faced West Monroe again in semis, I went 3 for 3 with a single, double, homerun, and of course a walk. I had 5 RBIs in the semis and the score was like 14-1 but this year for state we faced another rivalry school, Sam Houston, their pitcher will only give up at max 3 hits every time we play them so we knew it was going to be tough. Both teams were hit-less for the first like 3 innings until i came up and hit a single and then our rally started from there. Winning was expected, we worked hard, we had the most amazing team chemistry, and we understood that we had a target on our back from last year so we were going to win and nothing was going to stop us. Last years state championship felt unbelievable. this years felt expected, we knew we earned it, there was just this feeling of confidence like we knew no one deserved it more."
She commented on her goals for her Senior season " My goals for my senior season are a little bit tougher than this past year. My junior year goals were to hit 20 homeruns, bat .500, and win state again. I batted .544, hit 22 homeruns with 38 walks and we won state. So, this last year in the St. Amant uniform, i would love to win my 3rd State Title, bat above .500,and work on my situational hitting. Homeruns are great and i would love to hit 20 more but i know I'll get pitched around next season. so just taking advantages of mistakes and hitting behind runners will prepare me for college ball."
What schools did LSU beat out for Alix's commitment "The University of Texas and South Carolina were the other two schools I had narrowed it down to." On what it means for her to wear the purple and gold and represent her home state "This is every Louisiana softball players dream- the opportunity to play SEC softball 30 minutes from my home is the biggest blessing to me. I understand that I represent something so much greater than myself and to be a tiger is the biggest flex!! "
We discussed commitments she has bonded with and she stated " Oh my goodness, yes!! I absolutely love everyone in my class and the class above me; the players are extremely talented and know how to compete. I'd probably say I talk to Zoe Calvez the most because we share similar interest in shoes." On her favorite sneakers she said "oh yea, I have a LSU customized pair of Jordan 11s that I would wear to LSU softball games and purple dunks coming in soon. I have 2 pairs of 11s, they are my favs! "
Alix on what LSU fans can expect from her " One thing about me is that I am going to bring the ENERGY and give GOD the glory while doing it. I want LSU fans to see that i serve the Lord, and the my sport is simply just a platform for Jesus to be shown through me." She says she will the the first LSU athlete in the family but her brother has the potential to be a tiger after her.
If you would like to contact Alex for any baked goods for any upcoming occasions visit her Instagram where you can message her and see examples of her work.
Alix M Franklin is a beautiful young lady inside and out. She is a great example of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ and true commitment.