17-05-2025
IB senior Lexi Brinkman enjoys the rough, vital role of playing catcher
GLASFORD, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — She always wanted to play softball.
But Lexi Brinkman didn't have too much say in what position she was going to play.
'I started catching when I was ten. My mom was the coach, she said 'you're going to catch.' Ever since then, I've always enjoyed it,' Brinkman said.
Yes, the Illini Bluffs senior actually enjoys playing catcher.
It's the position that requires all the equipment, the position where you get dirty, the position where you take foul balls off your body. But also the position that puts you in every play.
'I feel like it keeps me more engaged in the game. You're in every single play,' Brinkman said. 'I feel like it keeps me in the game. I call pitches. It helps me know the batters. I'm behind the plate, I can see the batters better. I can see what they are doing with their hands, where they are in the (batter's) box.'
Brinkman has been the Illini Bluffs starting catcher since her first year of high school softball.
'It's a special athlete that wants to be a catch,' said IB softball coach Lindsey Lox. 'And her freshman year, she stepped up when we had an injury and she has been catching us ever since. She has that leadership. A great catcher, a great leader.'
Brinkman has signed to play college softball at Illinois State. She and her IB teammates begin the postseason next week.
Her goal is to keep her team relaxed as it begins its quest to make it to the state finals for a sixth straight season.
'I like making sure everyone is calm,' said Brinkman. 'They make sure they know if they make a mistake or an error, we can pick them up. I try my best to lead like that and help everyone else.'
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