A Rising Star in Coaching
Lexi Velasquez is just four years into her coaching career, but she’s already making a big impact as the Head Softball Coach and Junior High Cross Country Coach at West Plains High School.
Before joining West Plains, she coached at Amarillo High School from 2021 to 2024. One of her most memorable moments came during a JV Perryton game when one of her players pitched for the first time, and another hit a grand slam.
Watching her varsity team erupt with excitement solidified her belief in the special culture they’re building. Facing tough opponents like the two-time defending state champions, Coahoma, has helped her team realize their potential for greatness.
The rest of this story is only for subscribers.
Ribbons, Rockys, and Hidden Talents
Coach Velasquez’s game day tradition is all about connection—she always wears ribbons in her hair, and one of her players helps fix them.
Her favorite pre-game meal is Chick-fil-A’s grilled chicken with their signature sauce, and her hidden talent? She can pitch a strike under her leg from center field!
If she weren’t coaching, she’d still be involved in sports, likely as a personal trainer or giving lessons full-time. Her favorite sports movies, all of the Rocky films, reflect her love for underdog stories and perseverance.
Resilience and Growth Every Day
Coach Velasquez’s coaching philosophy is rooted in resilience and continuous improvement.
She believes, “Adversity provides an opportunity to develop resilience in all aspects of life,” and her motto, “Learn and adjust to get 1% better every day in efforts to achieve excellence,” inspires her players to grow both on and off the field.
Her favorite drill, the Figure 8 Fielding Drill, emphasizes the importance of precision and adaptability. This season, her goals include deepening relationships with her athletes and making a strong playoff run.
A Community That Feels Like Family
For Coach Velasquez, the best part of coaching at West Plains is the family-like atmosphere. The community supports one another and celebrates each other’s successes, both in sports and in life.
She’s also passionate about the Texas Panhandle softball scene, where coaches and leaders are working together to develop youth programs and build a sustainable league for future generations.
With David Goggins podcasts playing in her office, Coach Velasquez leads with charisma, energy, and wisdom, inspiring her athletes to dream big and work hard.