Morristown, N.J. – This fall, incoming freshman Alexia Jorge of Lyndhurst High School will earn the exclusive distinction as Saint Elizabeth University's first female student-athlete to join the baseball program, and approximately the 16th woman to ever play college baseball in the United States.
 
The early days of baseball for the Jorge family included tee-ball and baseball as a regular way of life. Dad coached while Alexia's older brother played, and mom watched intently from the stands. One summer, the tee-ball team was short of players, and despite the five-year old minimum age to compete, three-year old Alexia stepped right in. From that day moving forward, Jorge never missed the opportunity to play the game. She climbed the ranks through Little League into high school, and now college baseball.
 
"Growing up with my family and playing baseball was great," said Jorge. "We would always be together because my parents didn't have to split time going to different baseball and softball fields."
 
Jorge played just about every position at some point, but fell in love with the catcher spot around age six or seven. Since then, she has consistently improved and credits her incredible work ethic to her family and Little League coaches.
 
"Growing up in Little League I had several amazing coaches who really impacted the way I carry myself and the way I approach the game," said Jorge. "Some players used to give me a hard time when I was younger for being a girl, but because of my coaches growing up I was able to not let it get to me. I was never intimidated and always stood up for myself. Being in the spotlight, my parents have always supported and helped me embrace being a standout and thriving."
 
Jorge played an important role on the Lyndhurst High School baseball team at catcher, and even secured a spot on the Pan-Am Gold Medal winning USA Women's National Team as the youngest player on the roster in 2019.
 
"I am one of those players that has to rely on hard work," said Jorge. "I am constantly competing with top talent, and if I don't work extremely hard, I don't think I get some of the opportunities I have earned along the way."
 
In addition to her success on the diamond, Jorge is also an incredible student. She earned academic honors in high school, and plans to study sport management at Saint Elizabeth. Her career goal is to work in baseball in some capacity. She aspires to be a coach, scout, or in the front office of a Major League Baseball franchise.

"Alexia will be a tremendous addition to our program and we can't wait to welcome her to campus," said Saint Elizabeth head coach Arlan Freeman. "She exhibits outstanding leadership qualities and work ethic. We are thrilled to have her join the Eagles family."
 
Jorge chose SEU because she felt most comfortable around the program while she was being recruited.
 
"I think the teammates and coaches that were at the campus and clinics at Saint Elizabeth were awesome," said Jorge. "I couldn't have asked for a better experience with the Eagles program as a recruit. I also chose SEU because I wanted to stay close to home to be near family. I'm looking forward to growing up and maturing both academically and athletically over the next four years at SEU. Overall, I can't wait to embrace and enjoy the experience."