Athlete Spotlight: Alexandra Ruprecht
Alexandra Ruprecht, better known as “Big Al,” to her teammates, is one of the co-captains of the BSU Softball team. As a freshman at BSU, Ruprecht found her home in centerfield, where she has played for the last five years. Alex is now a Graduate Student, currently in her master’s program for Special Education.
“Big Al” is a longtime member of BSU Softball, and an accomplished one at that. She earned the title of co-captain in her junior year and is currently in her third year leading her teammates, along with senior co-captains pitcher Kelley Reichert and fellow outfielder Emma Healy. Some of her other accomplishments include Rookie of the Year and Second All-Conference team in 2018 and First All-Conference team in 2021.
This past week, Ruprecht was named MASCAC Softball Player of the Week. This is the second consecutive week she’s been given the title. Over her Bridgewater State career, she has earned the accolade four times.
Ruprecht has been a dominant force on and off the field for her team over the past five seasons and does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon. This season, the starting outfielder has slashed .475/.540/.875. While leading the Bears, she has three home runs and has 16 RBI in this first month of the season.
“The game has always been just a sport to me, but once I got to BSU, I became part of a family. Being a part of something so great is a privilege and is something I will remember for years to come,” Ruprecht said, on her favorite part of the BSU softball team.
The Bears currently stand 7-8-1 on the 2021 season, before they take on Wheaton College at home in a doubleheader on March 31. They will not face a conference opponent until this weekend when they take on Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA).
As for this season, the captain is happy to be in a grove with her teammates. The most challenging part of each season, Ruprecht admits, is getting into a groove with every member of the team and figuring out how to be successful as one. Challenges always make the team stronger and more successful. No matter the circumstances, Ruprecht brings this positivity to the locker room and finds ways to inspire her teammates each year.
“Big Al” is hopeful for the remainder of the spring. “We have had a slow start to the season, including our ups and downs as a team, but this happens every year for us, and we always manage to bounce back. I have no doubt that we will pull it together and have another MASCAC championship to end the season,” she mentioned.
The Bears will face MCLA in a home doubleheader on Saturday, April 2nd. The first game will begin at 1:00 pm.
