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Alex Storako
Alex Storako
Alex Storako
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Alex Ryann Storako (born March 6, 2000) is an American softball pitcher for the Oklahoma City Spark of Women's Professional Fastpitch (WPF). She played college softball for Michigan and Oklahoma. As a junior in 2021, she set a Michigan program record with 22 strikeouts in a game and was named Big Ten Pitcher of the Year.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Storako was born in Frankfort, Illinois, to Rob and Jamie Storako, and moved to Bourbonnais, Illinois at the age of seven. Storako attended Bishop McNamara High School in Kankakee, Illinois her freshman and sophomore years of high school, before transferring to Lincoln-Way East High School in Frankfort, Illinois.[1]

High school career

[edit]

As a freshman, she averaged more than a strikeout per inning and pitched the Irish to a third-place finish in Class 2A.[2] As a sophomore, she led Bishop McNamara to the Class 3A Elite Eight, and finished the season with a 1.85 earned run average (ERA) and 201 strikeouts. Offensively, she hit .433 with 19 extra-base hits and 35 RBI. She earned second-team all-state honors in 2016.[3]

Following her sophomore year, she transferred to Lincoln-Way East High School in Frankfort, Illinois. As a junior, she posted a 22–3 record with a 0.86 ERA and 289 strikeouts in 178+1⁄3 innings. Offensively, she hit .419 with eight doubles, four home runs and 35 RBIs. She was subsequently named The Herald-News Co-Softball Player of the Year, and Daily Southtown Softball Player of the Year, and earned first-team all-state honors in 2017.[4][5]

As a senior, she posted a record of 21–2 with a 0.76 ERA and 255 strikeouts in 128+2⁄3 innings. Offensively she hit .439 with 11 doubles, five home runs and 31 RBIs while having a .780 slugging percentage and a .495 on-base percentage. Following an outstanding season she was named the 2017–18 Lincoln-Way East High School's Senior Female Athlete of the Year, Southwest Suburban Conference Softball Player of the Year and The Herald-News Softball Player of the Year, and earned first-team all-state honors in 2018.[6]

She finished her high school career with a 70–19 win–loss record and 918 strikeouts.

College career

[edit]

Storako made her collegiate debut in the season opener against NC State on February 8, 2019, striking out six through three hitless innings. During her freshman year, she posted a 14–6 record with a 2.02 ERA and 190 strikeouts through 142+1⁄3 innings. She earned back-to-back Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors to close out the regular season, and was named the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. During her sophomore year, she posted an 8–3 record with a 2.43 ERA and 141 strikeouts through 75 innings in a season that was cancelled after 23 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She ranked fourth nationally in total strikeouts (141) and third in strikeouts per seven innings (13.2).

During her junior year, she posted a 22–3 record with a 1.05 earned-run average, 270 strikeouts and a .138 opponent batting average. She posted seven complete-game shutouts and contributed to six more.[7] On March 11, 2021, in the second game of a double-header against Nebraska, Storako tied the Michigan single-game strikeout record with a career-best 19 strikeouts in a one-hit complete game shutout.[8] On May 5, 2021, she set a Michigan single-game record with 22 strikeouts in a 1-0 victory over rival Michigan State. She allowed just two hits and two walks over nine innings en route to the complete-game shutout.[9]

Storako led the nation with 12.9 strikeouts per seven innings and ranked fourth with 3.26 hits allowed per seven innings, and ranked eighth with her 1.05 ERA. Following an outstanding season, she was named Big Ten Conference Pitcher of the Year, a unanimous selection to the All-Big Ten first team, and named NFCA second-team All-American.[10][11][12]

On March 5, 2022, Storako pitched her first career no-hitter and struck out 13 batters in a game against Drake. She was a sixth-inning walk away from a perfect game.[13] During her senior year, she posted a 22–7 record with a 1.69 earned-run average, 274 strikeouts and a .167 opponent batting average. She led the conference and in total strikeouts (274), strikeouts per seven innings (11.3) and shutouts (9).[14]

On June 13, 2022, Storako announced she would transfer to Oklahoma for her final year of eligibility. In her four seasons with the Wolverines, she posted a 69–20 record, 20 shutouts, a 1.71 lifetime ERA, and 901 strikeouts in 563+2⁄3 innings.[15] In her final season at Oklahoma, she finished with an 18-0 win/loss record and an ERA of 1.15. She played a crucial part in Oklahoma's winning a third straight NCAA Division 1 national championship.

Professional career

[edit]

On April 17, 2023, Storako was drafted first overall by the Oklahoma City Spark in the 2023 Women's Professional Fastpitch draft.[16][17]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Alex Storako

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Alex Storako (born March 6, 2000) is an American former softball pitcher known for her standout college career at the and the , where she helped secure the 2023 NCAA national championship, followed by a brief professional stint with the Spark, where she was the first overall pick in the 2023 Women's Professional Fastpitch Draft, before medically retiring in 2025. Storako, a native of , began her collegiate career at in 2019, where she quickly emerged as a dominant right-handed . Over four seasons with the Wolverines, she compiled a 69-20 record, recorded 901 strikeouts, and achieved 20 shutouts, earning accolades such as Big Ten Pitcher of the Year as a junior in 2021 with a 1.05 ERA. In 2021, she was named an All-American, highlighting her precision and control on the mound. Seeking a final season at a program with national title aspirations, Storako transferred to in 2023, where she went undefeated at 18-0 with a 1.15 and 108 strikeouts over 103 . She played a pivotal role in the ' Women's College World Series run, starting Game 2 of the finals against State and allowing just one run in four innings to help secure the sweep and the program's seventh . Her performance that year solidified her as a key contributor to one of the most dominant teams in history. Following her college success, Storako signed with the Spark of in 2023, appearing in games during the 2023 and 2024 seasons with a total of 19 strikeouts over 30.1 . She re-signed with the team in August 2024 for the 2025 campaign, but announced her medical retirement from the sport in June 2025 after years of dedication. Transitioning to athletics administration, Storako joined in February 2025 as Assistant Director of the Terrier Club, where she manages fundraising events, donor relations, and works with the board on solicitations and mailings. She holds a B.A. in from (2022) and an M.Ed. in Athletic Administration from (2024), along with prior internship experience with the in corporate communications and ticket sales.

Early life and high school

Early life

Alex Storako was born on March 6, 2000, in . She grew up in the Chicago suburbs, where her family relocated to , when she was seven years old. Storako was raised in a supportive athletic environment, with sports playing a central role in her childhood. Her father, Rob, fostered her interest in the game by taking her to baseball games, where she idolized pitchers like . This early exposure to in Frankfort, a southern suburb of , laid the foundation for her passion for pitching. Storako's introduction to softball came through local recreational and travel leagues. She began playing travel at age 10, initially as a , , and left-handed , before transitioning to pitching at age 12 after a coach noticed her large hands. Her father supported this shift by practicing with her using a bucket of softballs and a catcher's , helping her develop her skills despite initial doubts from others about her potential as a . For her early education, Storako attended local schools in the Frankfort and areas before transitioning to high school. This period marked her foundational years in the suburbs, where she balanced academics with growing involvement in .

High school career

Storako began her high school softball career at Bishop McNamara Catholic School in , where she played her and seasons as a for the Fightin' Irish. As a in 2015, she averaged more than one per and pitched both games at the IHSA Class 2A state tournament, helping her team secure a third-place finish. That year, she earned second-team all-state honors in Class 2A. Prior to her junior year, Storako transferred to Lincoln-Way East High School in Frankfort, Illinois, where she continued as the primary pitcher for the Griffins. Over her entire high school career, she compiled a pitching record of 70 wins and 19 losses, along with 918 strikeouts. At Lincoln-Way East, she received Southwest Suburban Conference Pitcher of the Year honors in both 2017 and 2018. In her junior season of 2017, Storako led Lincoln-Way East to the IHSA Class 4A state semifinals, where she threw a complete-game three-hitter with 11 strikeouts in a 1-0 loss to Oak Park-River Forest. She was named the Daily Southtown Player of the Year and earned first-team all-state recognition that year, along with MaxPreps Underclass All-American honors. As a senior in 2018, Storako posted a dominant 21-2 record with a 0.76 and 255 strikeouts, guiding the Griffins to another deep playoff run that included a tight pitching in the state tournament. She repeated as Daily Southtown Player of the Year, secured first-team all-state honors for the second time, and was selected to the MaxPreps All-American First Team.

College career

University of Michigan

Alex Storako enrolled at the in 2019 as a freshman right-handed pitcher, standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and batting left while throwing right. Her high school achievements at Lincoln-Way East in , including all-state recognition, had positioned her as a top recruit for the Wolverines. Over four seasons with Michigan from 2019 to 2022, Storako compiled a 69-20 record with a 1.71 earned run average (ERA) and 901 strikeouts in 121 appearances, including 86 starts. As a freshman in 2019, she quickly emerged as a key contributor, posting a 14-6 record, 2.02 ERA, and 190 strikeouts in 38 appearances, earning Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors and NFCA All-Great Lakes Region second-team recognition. The 2020 season was abbreviated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but she went 8-3 in 17 appearances before play halted. In her junior year of 2021, Storako solidified her status as the team's ace with a dominant 22-3 record, 1.05 ERA, 270 strikeouts, and a .138 opponent batting average across 28 appearances (21 starts), leading the Big Ten in multiple categories. Storako's 2021 campaign included setting a Michigan single-game record with 22 strikeouts in a 1-0, nine-inning victory over State, a performance that underscored her growth into the program's premier pitcher. For her efforts, she was named the unanimous Big Ten Pitcher of the Year and earned NFCA Second-Team All-American honors. As a senior in 2022, she added a 25-8 record, 1.71 ERA, and 300 strikeouts in 200.1 innings, securing All-Big Ten first-team and NFCA All-Great Lakes Region first-team selections, along with Academic All-Big Ten recognition. Storako's progression from a reliable freshman starter to the Wolverines' unquestioned ace was instrumental in the team's consistent postseason success, including NCAA Tournament appearances each year of her tenure. Her command of the circle, particularly her strikeout prowess and ability to limit opponents' hitting, helped anchor Michigan's pitching staff and contributed to multiple Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles during her time in Ann Arbor.

University of Oklahoma

In June 2022, Alex Storako announced her commitment to the as a graduate transfer, joining the after exhausting her undergraduate eligibility at the . This move allowed her to pursue a while utilizing her final year of eligibility in the competitive . Her prior experience at Michigan had equipped her with the resilience needed for high-stakes competitions. During the 2023 season, Storako delivered a dominant performance, compiling an undefeated 18-0 record with a 1.15 across 103.2 , including 108 strikeouts and four shutouts. She started 18 games for the , anchoring the pitching staff alongside teammates and Nicole May, and held opponents to a .138 . Her consistency was recognized with Second Team All-Big 12 honors, highlighting her role in Oklahoma's undefeated 18-0 conference record. Storako's contributions proved pivotal in guiding the Sooners to their seventh national championship, capping a 61-1 overall season. A standout moment came on March 3, 2023, when she threw her second career —a complete-game effort against No. 17 in an 18-0 run-rule victory at Marita Hynes Field. Storako had previously thrown her first career on March 5, 2022, in an eight-inning 1-0 win over Drake while at . In the postseason, she solidified her status as a top by starting Game 2 of the finals against Florida State on June 8, 2023, where she pitched four innings, allowed one run on three hits and two strikeouts, and earned the win in a 3-1 victory that secured the title.

Professional career

Oklahoma City Spark

Alex Storako was selected first overall by the Oklahoma City Spark in the inaugural (WPF) draft on April 17, 2023. Her standout performance at the , including an undefeated 18-0 record and contributions to the 2023 , elevated her draft position. In her 2023 debut professional season with the Spark in the WPF, Storako made key starts as part of the team's pitching staff during the league's inaugural year. She pitched 26.1 innings and recorded 14 strikeouts, also appearing in pinch-running roles to support team efforts. The Spark finished second in the regular season standings with an 18-6 record, advancing to the championship series. Following the Spark's departure from the WPF in December 2023, the team operated independently in 2024, and Storako re-signed for the season. She appeared in four games, pitching 5 innings with 4 strikeouts, and contributed in relief roles during exhibition matchups, including a debut inning against Great Britain where she tallied two strikeouts. The Spark secured the 2024 championship with a 15-7 regular season record, showcasing strong pitching depth. Storako re-signed with the Spark ahead of the 2025 independent season, continuing her role as a right-handed on the roster. Through her two professional seasons in 2023 and 2024, she accumulated 31.1 and 18 strikeouts, primarily in and spot-start capacities, helping anchor the team's rotation amid transitions in league affiliation.

Retirement

On June 1, 2025, Alex Storako announced her immediate medical retirement from professional via posts on X and . This decision culminated her brief but impactful professional tenure with the Spark. Storako attributed the retirement to accumulated medical issues stemming from years of intense pitching, which ultimately prevented her from continuing to compete at an elite level. In her announcement, she described the sport's toll while expressing profound sadness over the timing, noting that the chapter was ending "sooner than I hoped." Reflecting on her journey, Storako conveyed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunities provided, from cherished experiences at the to securing a with the in 2023 and achieving professional success with the Spark. She emphasized that the game transcended achievements like statistics or titles, crediting it with forging lifelong friendships, introducing her to a supportive community, and teaching invaluable lessons in resilience, grace, and perseverance amid setbacks. Storako specifically thanked her parents and family for serving as her foundation, biggest supporters, and motivators through sacrifices that enabled her path. She affirmed her enduring pride in the journey and appreciation for the people encountered, concluding with a biblical reference to John 13:7 and her lasting affinity for the sport symbolized by "#8 Forever, Rock." In the immediate aftermath, Storako addressed online speculation via on June 3, 2025, clarifying that her retirement was solely due to medical reasons and not related to . Though her presence continues to highlight her identity as a former pro and her ongoing connection to softball's .

References

  1. https://mgoblue.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=20668
  2. https://www.si.com/onsi/softball/pro/ou-softball-national-champion-announces-retirement-alex-storako
  3. https://woffordterriers.com/staff-directory/alex-storako/569
  4. https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/36219746/storako-taken-1st-women-professional-fastpitch-softball-draft
  5. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2018/03/12/michigan-recruit-alex-storako-hoping-to-add-to-mound-of-state-memories-for-lincoln-way-east/
  6. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2017/06/17/alex-storako-is-the-daily-southtown-2017-softball-player-of-the-year/
  7. https://issuu.com/sportstalkmedia/docs/bs_june_2023
  8. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/2021/05/20/michigan-wolverines-softball-alex-storako-big-season/5180952001/
  9. https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2021/05/michigans-alex-storako-maintains-one-pitch-focus-amid-historic-season.html
  10. https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/sports/2023/06/09/5-things-to-know-about-lincoln-way-east-graduatecollege-world-series-clinching-pitcher-alex-storako/
  11. https://www.shawlocal.com/2018/06/24/lincoln-way-easts-storako-repeats-as-softball-player-of-the-year/
  12. https://soonersports.com/sports/softball/roster/alex-storako/15868
  13. https://www.oakpark.com/2017/06/10/twice-as-nice-oprf-softball-repeats-as-4a-state-champs/
  14. https://saturdaytradition.com/news/college-football/alex-storako-michigan-softball-ace-reveals-transfer-destination/
  15. https://mgoblue.com/news/2021/6/2/softball-storako-named-to-nfca-all-america-second-team.aspx
  16. https://mgoblue.com/news/2022/5/11/softball-first-teamers-blair-storako-headline-michigans-eight-big-ten-honorees
  17. https://www.michigandaily.com/sports/from-unknown-to-ace-alex-storakos-journey-to-the-top/
  18. https://soonersports.com/news/2022/6/17/softball-sooners-add-storako-for-2023.aspx
  19. https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/34086173/former-big-ten-pitcher-year-alex-storako-joins-back-back-ncaa-champion-oklahoma-sooners-softball-program
  20. https://www.soonerstats.com/softball/players/details.cfm?playerid=306
  21. https://big12sports.com/news/2023/5/10/softball-2023-all-conference-awards.aspx
  22. https://soonersports.com/news/2023/3/3/softball-storako-throws-no-hitter-offense-explodes-on-marita-hynes-opening-day
  23. https://mgoblue.com/news/2022/3/5/softball-recap-michigan-splits-on-day-two-of-john-cropp-classic.aspx
  24. https://www.ncaa.com/game/6049459
  25. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/2023/04/17/okc-spark-select-alex-storako-ou-softball-sooners-womens-professional-fastpitch-wpf-draft/70124388007/
  26. https://www.okcspark.com/post/oklahoma-city-spark-concludes-inaugural-season-with-remarkable-success
  27. https://www.okcspark.com/post/alex-storako-returning-for-2025-spark-season
  28. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/2023/12/21/oklahoma-city-spark-leaves-wpf-league-play-independent-pro-softball-team-2024-season/72003273007/
  29. https://www.okcspark.com/post/a-royal-sweep-spark-take-two-over-great-britain
  30. https://www.okcspark.com/post/spark-showcase-power-and-pitching-to-secure-2024-championship
  31. https://www.instagram.com/p/DKX8xqfprye/
  32. https://x.com/alexstorako/status/1929297791945257082
  33. https://d1softball.com/alex-storako-announces-retirement/
  34. https://www.tiktok.com/@alexstorako/video/7511853631092608302
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