Many high school athletes play multiple sports, but most compete in different seasons, easing the challenge of balancing athletics and academics. That's not the case for Branford High School senior Alex Whitfield.
Whitfield, the UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week, is currently juggling both track and softball — and excelling in each.
"I get tired every now and then, but it's definitely worth it, and I don't know what I would be doing if I wasn't out there every day competing," Whitfield said. "I love doing both and am dedicated to being the best at each of them, so I get into my routine and don't look back."
Her daily routine includes school, track practice, then a shift over to the softball field before heading home to complete homework. While the schedule would be draining for most, Whitfield prioritizes recovery and self-care.
"Alex is always making sure she's on top of her recovery. She's a very quiet person but extremely dedicated to doing what she needs to stay healthy," said athletic trainer Erin Clark. "It's amazing to watch her inner drive and how humble she is, knowing she's going to take that work ethic onto the field and do everything she can to beat the opponent."
Whitfield holds school records in the 200-meter, 400-meter, 4x100-meter and 4x400-meter relays. She medaled in the 4x400 at the state track meet earlier this week. Following that performance, she helped lead the Buccaneers softball team to a regional final win over Madison County, sending them to the state final four next week.
"We lost in the championship game last year, so this entire team has been motivated to get back there again and finish the job," Whitfield said. "I've been playing with most of these girls since we were 8 years old, and we really want to finish off high school right. We are hungry, and this is our last chance to get the job done."
Whitfield's playing career isn't ending with high school. She has committed to play softball at the University of West Florida next season. She batted over .300 this year and led the team with 26 stolen bases. However, she points to her defensive skills as the most valuable part of her game.
"My teammates say I have a cannon, but I just love tracking balls down in the outfield," she said. "I use my speed to try and get to everything, and that has helped us win a lot of ball games. My dad got me into softball a long time ago, and it's crazy to think I still get to keep playing this game. But it's definitely something I want to be doing for a long time."
Branford (21-6) has won eight of its last nine games. Thirteen of those wins have come by five runs or more. The Buccaneers will face Trenton on Tuesday in the state semifinals with a spot in the championship game on the line.
Each weekly winner of the UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week award becomes eligible for the UF Health High School Athlete of the Year scholarship — a $2,500 prize to be awarded at the end of the 2024–25 academic year.