Diamonds in the Rough: Lexi Hastings

For Kansas City Diamonds outfielder Alexis Hastings, softball has always been about more than wins and losses. It is about purpose, faith and becoming the person she once needed herself.

“I want to be the person that my younger self needed to look up to, especially foster youth and being a light for them, proving everyone that believed in me right,” Hastings said.

That mission has shaped every step of her journey. Hastings grew up in foster care and understands firsthand the challenges many young people face while searching for stability and confidence. 

Hastings shares not only her story, but what it takes to make her dreams a reality. As she begins her professional career with the Diamonds, she hopes her story can be a light for others. 

“We can let negative experiences define us or we can put our energy into learning from them, stay positive, and keep moving forward,” Hastings said.

For Hastings, Softball became the vehicle that helped her through it all.

Before she ever stepped onto a softball field, Hastings competed in figure skating and cheerleading. Sports were introduced into her life as a way to build confidence and teach teamwork.

At 9 years old, she picked up softball for the first time and quickly fell in love with the energy of the game. While she played other sports, softball was the one she always loved.

“I loved the chants. I loved being loud and silly and performative,” Hastings said. “And putting on a show for people.”

That joy she embodies never faded. Over the years, Hastings developed into a dynamic athlete known for fearless play, relentless energy and leadership. Along the way, several coaches helped shape her journey, including youth coach Kenny Mount, who spent countless hours helping her develop offensively, and longtime mentor Larry Kilby, who taught her to “go to the places you’re appreciated, never tolerated.”

That phrase still guides her today.

Hastings committed to University of Connecticut during the COVID-19 recruiting period without ever meeting her coaches in person. The relationship immediately felt different.

“They were recruiting me as a person beyond just talent,” Hastings said.

At UConn, Hastings became part of a culture-changing era for the Huskies softball program. After years of falling short, the team captured its first conference championship in more than two decades.

“Who I became on that journey and the leadership I developed is something I’ve taken with me in every aspect of my life,” Hastings said.

One of the defining moments of her college career was being a part of the first championship team to bring a Big East Title back to Storrs, CT in 24 years. 

“Working towards a championship and holding up that trophy with the group of girls that you believed alongside for years, was a moment that I will chase in every aspect of my life,” Hastings said. “Our motto for the year was ‘foot on the gas’ and training to dominate.”

Not only did they win, but they beat the Big East record by the second inning for most runs scored in a Big East championship game.

“I will forever be grateful to have experienced the build and the reward with that group of wonderful ladies, coaches, staff, alumni, fans, and families,” Hastings said.

Hastings hopes young players see her fearless drive when they watch her compete, wanting to inspire the next generation of athletes.

“I want them to see someone who really loves the game, keeps you on the edge of your seat and respects the game,” Hastings said. 

Now, Hastings brings that same energy to the inaugural season of the Kansas City Diamonds. After seeing the organization on social media, Hastings was drawn to the team’s vision, later on signed to be a part of the team.  

“I find myself constantly in places that are building,” Hastings said. “Those are the places I want to be a part of.”

As the Diamonds prepare for their first season, Hastings is excited to help create a lasting legacy for women’s professional softball in Kansas City.

“How awesome is it to be one of the first and create something that’s going to last beyond our time here?” Hastings said.

Her goals extend far beyond statistics or others praise. Hastings wants to leave every place better than she found it. She wants to be remembered as fearless, transformational and impossible to replicate.

And above all, she wants young athletes watching in the stands to believe their own dreams are possible too.

“I think this whole team is about to shine,” Hastings said.