SoccerWire is publishing Q&A articles with recently-committed players who have Featured Profiles in the SoccerWire Recruiting Directory. The series allows players to share their stories on the college recruiting process, travel and high school soccer, and their passion for the beautiful game.
In this edition we will showcase Alexandra ‘Lexi’ Baldwin, who has verbally committed to play NCAA Division I soccer in 2025 at Ole Miss. Baldwin plays travel soccer in the ECNL for Phoenix Rising FC.
Baldwin is a 2022 Keeper Wars Regional Champion and USYNT ID Center invitee. In 2023, she led Chaparral High School to the Arizona 5A State Championship and Phoenix Rising to an ECNL Round of 16 appearance in the National Playoffs.
SoccerWire: What made you decide to verbally commit to Ole Miss?
Lexi Baldwin: On my visit, I got to know the coaching staff, players,and the soccer program. I loved everything about it. It was a high energy, hard-working atmosphere, and the resources they have for the players were the best I had seen. I think there are big things ahead for Ole Miss, and I am excited to be a part of it!
SW: What was the recruiting process like and what did you learn about yourself while going through it?
LB: The recruiting process was definitely filled with ups and downs. I learned early to never put all my eggs in one basket. I also learned that no matter what happens, keep on playing and training hard. The only thing you can control is getting better. My new favorite saying is ‘Everything happens for a reason.’ I really feel like I am committed to the school I was meant to be at.
SW: How do you believe your skillset fits into Ole Miss style of play?
LB: They like to build out of the back and that is a style I was taught at a very young age. Early in my club years, I had a coach who wouldn’t let me punt at all for over three years. I feel like that is one of my strengths and will fit in with their style of play.
SW: What are your favorite subjects in school and what do you think you would like to study in college?
LB: My favorite subject is math, and I want to study Business/ Finance.
SW: Growing up, who was your favorite soccer player?
LB: Hope Solo. I loved her never quit attitude, every time she stepped on the field, she always gave her all.
SW: Outside of soccer, what clubs, organizations, and/or jobs are you involved in?
LB: I was involved with NCL, which is an organization that creates opportunities for mother/daughter teams to volunteer and give back.
SW: What are your favorite pair of gloves that you have ever owned?
LB: My absolute favorite gloves are One Glove. Since 3rd grade, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to train with Paul Rogers a couple times a year. He is the one who introduced me to them, and that’s all I have used since.
SW: What has your experience been like playing for Phoenix Rising?
LB: It has been good. They have never restricted us based on age. I have had the opportunity to play up two years with 05’s for a season. It was a great way to push myself and get used to a quicker paced game with hard shots. Throughout my time with Phoenix Rising I have been surrounded by amazing teammates who have a desire to get better and compete.
SW: If you could give one piece of advice to a younger player that wants to play as a goalkeeper what would it be?
LB: My piece of advice is that there are always going to be ups and downs. You need to mentally stay positive, and no matter what, keep practicing and pushing yourself to get better every day.
SW: Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you both on and off of the field?
LB: I would like to thank Andrew Weber, who has been my goalkeeper coach since the beginning, regardless of which club I was with. He has always believed in me and been there whenever I needed him. I also want to thank one of my previous club coaches Kelly Cagle. Her style of coaching and her belief in her players makes you believe in yourself and know with hard work and determination you can achieve your goals.
