FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Athletes Unlimited Softball Season Four

by John Wroblewski

Aug 30, 2023

Odicci Alexander photo courtesy of Jade Hewitt Media – Athletes Unlimited.

Athletes Unlimited softball completed its fourth season with the crowning of Odicci Alexander as champ. Cheered by her AU mates and the Rosemont crowd, Alexander received her champion medal after clinching the win in the last game of the season.

Odicci Alexander

Odicci Alexander photo courtesy of Jade Hewitt Media – Athletes Unlimited.

Alexander was a star at James Madison University, leading the Dukes to their first-ever Women’s College World Series championship in 2021. This was her third season with AU.

Odicci Alexander

Odicci Alexander photo courtesy of Jade Hewitt Media – Athletes Unlimited.

AU is a new concept in women’s sports. Fielding leagues of lacrosse, volleyball, softball and basketball, AU utilizes a fantasy-like scoring system, rewarding points for individual and team performance. Each league features four teams playing five weeks, with teams redrafted every week. The end result is a lot of player combinations, tremendous play and one lone champion at the end of each season.Athletes Unlimited Softball Athletes Unlimited Softball

It sounds odd and perhaps even confusing, but in the end it is all about the sports. Softball is my favorite, and it helps that AU has played all four softball seasons in the Chicago suburb. A fan of women’s sports in general, I also follow the other three AU sports although I have not been to any games, played in locations including Dallas and Las Vegas.

softball

Rachel Garcia, Georgina Corrick, Tony Feddeler and Kelsey Harshman

All AU leagues are run by the players. All include a charitable aspect. A portion of each player’s salary goes to a charity of their choosing. Also, in softball, 10 trees are planted for every run scored. This season, that means AU is responsible for 2,000 new trees. AU is also about inclusion on every level.

Megan Wiggins

Megan Wiggins

It was another fun season of catching up with longtime favorite players and meeting new ones. About 20 of the fans are long-timers, going back to following the old Chicago Bandits in the early 2000s. Over the years, we became more than just fellow fans. We developed real friendships.Athletes Unlimited Softball

The end of AU softball signals the end of summer. I already miss the players, friends and ballpark. I’m clinging to the anticipation of a few fall ball college games before bracing for the upcoming winter.

Abby Ramirez

— John Wroblewski, online writer

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Nov 4, 2024

Have an Autumn Wine Soiree The SLO Way in San Luis Obispo

Yes, it’s harvest time — and that means great fall wine festivals, including the third annual Autumn Soirée The SLO Way Nov. 9 on California’s Central Coast. The event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Garden Courtyard at luxury boutique Hotel San Luis Obispo, recognized as a MICHELIN Guide One Key property.

United Airlines First to Purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel for ORD

Chicago O’Hare International Airport will soon receive sustainable aviation fuel, all thanks to United Airlines, which became the first airline to purchase SAF for use at the airport, one of the largest in the United States. Neste, a producer of SAF, will provide up to 1 million gallons of its Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The first supply arrived in August.

Daily
Nov 4, 2024

7 Hotel Restaurants Worth the Travel

Book a reservation at one of these hotel restaurants around the country, providing excellent dining experiences you won’t soon forget.

Slideshow
Nov 4, 2024

7 Reasons to Put Strasbourg, France, on Your Travel List

It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Strasbourg, France, with us.

Pick Your Paradise: Experience Bali at 3 Incredible Hotels

Bali is a name synonymous with island bliss. But there is more than just one side to this incredible place. Get a sense for the variety of experiences Bali offers by learning about three hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with distinctive opportunities for adventure and relaxation. With the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card, earn points for free nights at each of these properties.

Daily
Nov 4, 2024

8 Must-Have (and Must-Pack) Perfumes for 2025

Still on the search for your next favorite perfume? Whether traveling, heading out to a fancy dinner or simply spending the day at home, finding the scent that works for you and lasts for hours is essential. These are our eight perfume recommendations for 2025:

Daily
Oct 31, 2024

Ananda in the Himalayas Unveils New Deluxe Suites, Renovations

The Ananda in the Himalayas, a wellness retreat, recently debuted new additions to its luxury accommodations and a series of stylish renovations to its premier suites.

Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands

Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are a hidden gem of Greece, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for every traveler. Comprised of four main islands — Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros — this island cluster is renowned for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches.

Daily
Oct 31, 2024

Denver International Airport Completes Concourse Expansion

The expansion and renovation of Concourse A-East Ground Load at Denver International Airport was recently completed as the final phase of a $2.5 billion program to accommodate passenger growth as DEN is currently the third-busiest U.S. airport. The renovation was led by WSP.