The Softball America Spotlight: 2025 Lexi McDaniel

As Softball America grows its coverage at all levels, we kick off our recruiting spotlight series with 2025 recruit Lexi McDaniel.

McDaniel is currently ranked second in our 2025 position rankings as the Missouri native is committed to the Oklahoma Sooners. McDaniel has a powerful bat from the right side that will provide a significant amount of run production in the middle of the lineup. She has an elite arm and great range on the infield that will make her a versatile player at the next level. McDaniel recently had two home runs and drove in eight runs with a .538 batting average at the 2024 Nicki G Classic in May.

We caught up with McDaniel to get to know her more.

Name: Lexi McDaniel
Primary Position(s): SS/2B
Class Year: 2025
Hometown: St. Joseph, Mo.
Travel Ball Organization: ACES FASTPITCH 18U

What about Oklahoma did you love the most? 

The thing I loved most about Oklahoma was the culture. The OU coaching staff is filled with some of the best people you will ever meet, the fan support is unreal, and the players you’re surrounded with are incredible, like-minded people. The championship mindset is so true for this school, and the competitive, yet encouraging atmosphere is like no other. Oklahoma’s ability to repetitively compete for a National Championship while also growing young women in their faith is so special and one of the many things that I love.

What is your favorite travel ball memory? 

Just this past summer we were in Chino Hills, at the Alliance Nationals where we played for a national championship. Each game someone different stepped up and led our team to success. This memory was one I’ll never forget because everyone contributed and had fun, so that when we went out on the field we were playing for each other.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from a coach?

The most important thing I’ve learned from a coach is to compete, in every single situation. There is always a game inside the game, and it’s my job to find those and win them even when things are difficult. I’ve learned to be okay with being uncomfortable, to face adversity, and make an adjustment. When I first joined the Aces, I was thrown right into playing with girls much older than me. This experience has grown me extremely well as a player, and has taught me that I am capable of doing challenging things.

How do you get interested in softball? 

I played many sports growing up, and enjoyed every one. However, over time softball was the sport I fell in love with. When I joined the Aces at age 11, I knew that softball was the sport I wanted to pursue.

What are your strengths as a player? What are you trying to improve on the most? 

I feel that my strength as a player is my love and passion for the game. This I feel, leads me into having fun and being a good teammate in every situation. I want to be joyful, uplifting, and encouraging to others. I also feel that I have a strong determination and drive to continuously get better. This is why I want to improve on every area of my game because there is always something I can do to enhance my skills.

What player(s) do you look up to the most? 

Two of the players I look up to most are Tiare Jennings and Grace Lyons. They are such outstanding players and people. I love analyzing each thing they do to make myself better, while also being encouraged by their attitudes and personalities.

What are your favorite hobbies outside of softball? 

My favorite hobbies outside of softball are playing basketball, traveling, and spending time in the water. I also enjoy visiting many amusement parks and going on any roller coaster I can.

What are you most excites you the most about playing college softball? 

I am most excited to compete. These four years will be so much fun and I want to embrace every minute. I’m excited to be surrounded by such great athletes and coaches who I can lean on, yet challenge me to be the best version of myself I can be. I’m also so excited to be backed by the best fans in the country.