Originally, A. Lacatena wanted to play softball in the SEC and either go pro or represent Italy in the Olympics.
A. Lacatena will be well on her way to achieving her goal now, long before she ever sets foot on college.
Extra Innings Softball ranked A. Lacatena as the 37th best prospect in the country coming out of high school. She became a member of the ninth-ranked incoming class of 2021 at UK.
‘It’s just so unreal’: Incoming UK freshman Alexia A. Lacatena will Play for Italy in Olympics
A. Lacatena was named on Italy’s Olympic roster that was released on July 4.
At the age of 15, A. Lacatena made a verbal commitment to play softball at the University of Kentucky. Around the same time, she had her first taste of international competition in Italy.
Her mother’s family is from Italy, while her father’s is from New Jersey.
Having watched her older sister, Maria, play for Italy, she found the opportunity to spend the summer in a foreign country playing softball enviable.
New Jersey’s A. Lacatena Makes Relief Appearance in Italy’s Olympic Opening Loss to USA
Alexia Lacatena is joining the University of Kentucky softball team as part of a highly regarded recruiting class.
Before she even enrols at college, the Byram, New Jersey native will be competing as a pitcher for the Italian National Team at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Italy lost their opening match against the United States on Wednesday, and Lacatena came in as a substitute.
The two innings pitched by the great pitcher from Lenape Valley High School only resulted in one hit and one unearned run.
A. Lacatena childhood aim was to one day compete for Team Italy at the Olympics. Her mom is from Italy, and her big sis was on the national softball team for their country.
At the age of 15, A. Lacatena was selected to play for Italy’s Under-19 national team. While still a teenager, she made it to the Under-22 squad.
Conclusion
Lacatena, at the tender age of 17, was called up to the senior national team and played for Italy in the European Championship in July.
She shut out Germany, 10-0, surrendering just one hit. The win at the championship ensured Italy a spot in the 2022 World Games in Alabama.
The following day, Lacatena heard her name called as Italy manager Federico Pizzolini revealed the team’s roster for the Tokyo Olympics.
During her Olympic debut on Wednesday, Lacatena and Italy’s Greta Cecchetti kept the United States to just five hits.
