AMES – Iowa State senior outfielder Angelina Allen is making marks before the 2025 softball season begins. Recently named a preseason second-team All-American and ranked among the top 30 players in the nation, Allen’s talent and leadership shine bright for the Cyclones.

As one of just two seniors on a fairly young team, Allen has become a valuable member for her younger teammates. Her presence provides motivation and guidance, inspiring others to follow her example both on and off the field.

Allen’s stellar junior season saw her post a .435 batting average with 74 hits, 43 RBIs and 33 extra-base hits, proving her place as one of the top players in the country.

Her rise began as a freshman, where she earned the starting first baseman position, hitting .325 and earning All-Big 12 Freshman Team honors. Allen’s sophomore season started slow but heated up in the Big 12 Tournament, earning a spot on the Big 12 All-Tournament Team.

Iowa State head coach Jamie Pinkerton had nothing but praise to say about Allen.

“First off, she’s a good human being,” Pinkerton said. “She leads by example and helps the newcomers by pulling them aside and saying, ‘This is what we’re gonna do and this is why.’”

Pinkerton also praised Allen’s influence outside of softball, as well as her ability to mentor the team and help ease the transition for freshmen and transfers.

“She’s great in the classroom, and off campus in her regular life, she’s a quality individual,” Pinkerton said. “She does community service, gives back to others and is very cognizant of other people’s feelings. She has a very open mind. She plays every game like it’s her last, and it’s kind of infectious, it spreads throughout the team, as was shown during the fall.”

Freshman infielder Jessie Clemons also spoke highly of Allen, sharing how their bond formed quickly.

“The first time I met [Allen] was at one of the camps,” Clemons said. “I immediately connected with her over her extreme positivity and inclusiveness. She’s one of the main reasons I was drawn to Iowa State.”

Underclassmen admire Allen as the perfect example of an Iowa State athlete, appreciating both her leadership and ability to make the game fun for all.

Allen’s leadership is evident in how she supports her teammates in hitting, which is the area she is most passionate about. Many of her teammates regularly seek her advice on their swings.

“I love having conversations about being a little better with our swing or what we are feeling that day,” Allen said.

Her willingness to help guide her teammates in hitting is just one of the ways Allen has led by example.

Angelina Allen hits the ball during the Iowa State vs. UNI softball game at Cyclones Sports Complex, April 2, 2024.

The culture of collaboration has created a supportive environment, where players constantly help and pick each other up. When asked about her role on the team, Allen reflected on her journey and goals.

“I’m very grateful to be in the position I’m in, and I’m excited to see what the present has in store for me,” Allen said. “My role has always been to lead by example. I earned the title of captain as a sophomore, and I’m grateful to have a relationship and a voice for this team.”

As she enters her senior season, Allen is focused on making her final year one to remember. She has a goal in mind and wants to make it a reality.

“I think our goal is to go to regionals,” Allen said. “That’s been the goal all four years, but it would be amazing to get there in my senior year. Another goal is always to have fun, represent the Lord, finish strong and enjoy the time.”

Whether it’s guiding a freshman during practice or representing Iowa State in the community, she sets a standard of excellence. Her ability to make softball enjoyable for her teammates while pushing them to be their best goes back to her character and leadership.

Off the field, Allen has excelled academically, earning a spot on the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll for six semesters. She was also named Academic All-Big 12 First Team in 2023 and 2024.

After graduating, Allen plans to pursue a master’s degree in statistics and data science, with the ultimate goal of becoming a sports science analyst for an MLB team. She has worked hard toward this dream by taking on internships and other projects to prepare herself for her next competitive field.

Allen has become a key leader in the Cyclone softball program’s continued growth under Pinkerton. Her leadership in crucial moments and dedication to her teammates highlight her influence on the team.

As Allen prepares to close out her collegiate career, her impact both on the field and as a mentor will continue shaping Iowa State softball for years to come.



Source link


administrator