Q&A with Bowie softball player, Austin area resident Alyssa Lusk
AUSTIN, Texas — At just four and a half feet tall, 15-year-old Alyssa Lusk is the tiniest girl on the Varsity Bowie Softball Team. She joined the team last year as one of only two freshmen on the lineup and while Alyssa may be following in her older sister’s footsteps- in both softball and in Future Farmers of America (“FFA”)- she is also blazing her own trail.
Alyssa has been playing softball since she was four years old. Her family includes dad, Craig, mom, Rebecca, older sister, Addison, and younger brother, Jakob. Addison was also on the Bowie softball team and in FFA. She graduated in 2021, is currently playing softball at Trinity University, and plans to go on to Texas A&M veterinary school. Jakob will be starting 7th grade at Gorzycki in the fall and playing golf at Greyrock.
The Lusks have been very involved with the Oak Hill Youth Sports Association for many years and that’s where Alyssa got her start. She also plays select softball with Texas Premier Fastpitch. While at Gorzycki Middle School she also participated in cheer and dance. Let’s get to know her a little better with some Q & A!
Hi Alyssa, it sounds like you’ve been playing softball for quite a while. What do you love most about it?
Alyssa Lusk: Softball continues to challenge me every day. It helps me to push myself and have motivation to be the best I can be. It helps me to face difficulties with a positive mindset and deal with diversity.
What is your biggest challenge in softball, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
Lusk: In my opinion, the hardest part of softball isn’t a physical aspect, but it’s keeping a positive mindset and attitude- even when things don’t go your way. Softball is a game where you are likely to make mistakes, so keeping your head up and looking forward to your next opportunity is crucial for success.
Describe a mistake you made while competing and how you overcame it.
Lusk: During games, I face very tough competition. Sometimes I strike out or get out one hitting. So, I reflect on what happened and I use the tools and advice my coaches and dad give me in order to improve next time.
What is the best piece of advice you received from a coach or mentor?
Lusk: One of my coaches told me “Don’t play scared to make a mistake, because then you won’t play to your fullest potential.” This really helped me to be more confident and aggressive. I also had a neighbor once tell me “If it’s worth doing, do it right” and that’s stuck with me ever since. It helps me to find the motivation and drive to go all out, every opportunity I get.
What has being a member of a team taught you?
Lusk: That it’s ok to depend on others. There are times when I don’t perform as well during a game but thankfully my teammates are there to pick me up, and they always have my back.
Do you have a pregame ritual you follow?
Lusk: I don’t. My teams do fun stuff, but I just try to think positive, stay confident, and thank God for everything I have.
What do you like to do outside of softball?
Lusk: Outside of softball I am also involved in FFA- I showed a steer last year. I enjoy hanging out with friends, swimming, and going to my family’s ranch (near Brownwood, TX).
Alyssa’s mom, Becca, chimed in here to share more about her FFA involvement as it is also a huge part of her life! Alyssa has had her steer, Cash, since he was just a few months old and he’s almost 1100 pounds now! Her last show with him was this past spring at the Austin Rodeo. She also recently won the calf scramble at the San Antonio Rodeo & Stock Show last winter where she won $1,200 to go towards a heifer for next year. And she won first place in creed speaking for the Bowie FFA this year. Way to go, Alyssa!
In addition to softball and FFA, Alyssa is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She misses some school for softball or FFA events but she doesn’t let it set her back- she keeps up with her school work and is a straight-A student. I asked her about her future goals and dreams both on and off the field and she says that she hopes to play collegiate softball while earning her degree. Alyssa plans to be a Speech Language Pathologist.
“She’s so sweet and loving (except to her brother, ha!). She thinks of others and is always willing to help anyone in need, says her mom. “She has the sweetest heart and is just truly a good little human being. Becca and Craig are so proud of all three of their children and it’s been so fun getting to know Alyssa- what a blessing she is to her family and to all those who know her!
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