WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Driven, intelligent and compassionate, yet persistent on the field, freshman catcher/infielder Alexa Binckes looks to make an impact on the Boilermakers in 2017. A two-time all-district honoree, while leading her team to a pair of state championship appearances, Binckes reunites with former travel ball teammate Emily Kenny at Purdue.
As a senior, the Ashburn, Virginia, native batted .394 with a .494 on-base percentage and a .697 slugging percentage, while acting as team captain. She looks to bring those leadership skills to the Purdue dugout.
"Binckes is a solid option behind the plate," head coach Boo De Oliveira said. "She has very good glove work, blocks the ball well, and has a strong arm. Offensively, she is a gap hitter that can drive the ball for us. Binckes is young, but she is mature in how she handles pitchers during the game. She isn't afraid to say the things that need said in tough situations."
Binckes says that blocking the ball, recovering it and throwing out the runner to complete the play is the best feeling defensively. As a catcher, she loves being able to touch the ball every play, see the entire field and therefore, help lead the team. Her favorite thing about playing third base is that you have shots hit your way, so you have to react quickly and finish the play.
The rookie's most memorable sports moment was hitting a home run to tie up a game after a teammate of hers hit one earlier in the game. Needless to say, their team ended up winning that contest.
The future orthopedic surgeon has a few talents off the field as well, listing her best non-athletic talent as singing, and also notes that she can gift shop for anyone and they actually like their gift. Get to know this multi-talented, former two-sport athlete below.
Fun Facts
Sweet or salty: Sweet
Chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate
Dogs or cats: Dogs
Cooking or eating: Cooking
Vacation: To the quiet country or to the big city: Depends on the city
Coolest place I've ever been/or most unique locale: British Virgin Islands
Place I dream of visiting someday: Island of Capri, Italy
Person I look up to most & why: My mom because she is the definition of a perfect role model. She is a determined, intelligent, hardworking, caring, and my best friend. She pushes me to be the absolute best and provides that boost of confidence when in doubt.
Best feeling in the field (defensively): Blocking a ball for the pitcher, recovering the ball, and throwing out the runner to complete the play.
Best Feeling at the plate (offensively): Getting a base hit, and scoring the runner!!
Favorite thing about my position: I get to touch the ball every play, see the entire field, and help lead my team while catching. At third, you have slots hit your way, so you have to react quickly and finish the play.
Three words that describe me: Driven, Intelligent, Compassionate
One word to describe my game: Persistent
Team I am most excited to play in 2016: UNC
My most memorable sports moment: Hitting a home run to tie up a game after a teammate of mine hit one earlier in the game, and we ended up winning the game
Celebrity crush: Zac Efron
Celebrity who would play me in a story of my life: Reese Witherspoon
Person I would like to have dinner with: Carrie Underwood
Best non-athletic talent: Singing
My stupid human trick is: I can gift shop for anyone and they actually like their gift
Dream job: Orthopedic Surgeon
Song I have to listen to before a game: Springsteen by Eric Church
Favorite thing about playing at Bittinger Stadium: The stadium is absolutely stunning and the field is always in top condition.
Place I am most excited to play in 2017: Hawaii
Person who has impacted my life/made me who I am: My dad because he is also my best friend. He expects nothing but the best from me, as I have high expectations for myself and my team. He also helps me put things in perspective, and realize what needs to be done at the given time so I do not overwhelm myself. He encourages me and works with me even in the freezing cold.
Favorite things
Favorite sweet treat: Chocolate Chip Cookies
Favorite ice cream flavor: Cake batter
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Favorite sport besides softball: College basketball
Favorite sports team: Kansas City Royals
Favorite Athlete: Salvador Perez
Favorite TV show: Impractical Jokers
Favorite Movie: The Last Song
Favorite Book: Safe Haven
Favorite Musical Artist: Jason Aldean
Favorite type of pizza: Cheese
Favorite Actress: Melissa McCarthy
Favorite Food: Strawberries
Favorite place on campus: The engineering fountain
Favorite city: Huntington Beach
Favorite outdoor activity: Hiking
Favorite animal/furry friend: My dog, Winston
Favorite class at Purdue: EDPS
Favorite Purdue professor: Ms. Brianna