Whether be it behind the plate, in the outfield, or trying to tack on the latest subject in her classes, San Pedro High softball sophomore C/OF Alexa Ponce is ready for any type of challenge.

The latest in the long line of catchers who have excelled at San Pedro High, and the latest athlete in a very athletic family, Ponce has been outstanding in the classroom since becoming a high school student, maintaining a 4.0 GPA in her first three semesters, and currently is making her own mark with the Pirates' storied softball program who will begin Marine League play on Wednesday at Gardena.

Ponce, whose brother Michael was a former starting quarterback, and older sister Sasha a former starting outfielder both at Banning of Wilmington, is currently batting .233 with two doubles and 6 RBIs, and has a strong cannon for an arm behind the plate, never thinking twice on when to pull the trigger, catching one batter stealing.

In her first year as a Pirate, Ponce would hit .333 with a home run, 6 doubles and 17 RBIs en route to being named to the All-Marine League second team, while posting an impressive 52.4% rate in catching 11 runners stealing in 21 attempts, including one runner who tried to steal third base.

One particular moment truly stood out for Ponce as her favorite in her stellar freshman year.

Facing a 1-and-1 count in a Marine League home game against visiting Washington Prep of Los Angeles on the day San Pedro High had their scoreboard dedication at both the softball and baseball fields, Ponce would drill one over the left field fence for her first career home run. 

How did Ponce commemorate this crowning achievement?

As she rounded third and eventually touched home plate, Ponce's mother was seated right near the plate, and that's when Alexa turned towards her and blew a kiss.

In the first game of a doubleheader this season against Peninsula of Rolling Hills Estates, Ponce caught Peninsula's senior catcher Savanna Norcio, a strong and fast runner, trying to steal and threw a spiral towards San Pedro sophomore second baseman Johnie Cortez who slapped the tag for the inning-ending out.

Ponce is also part of San Pedro's Leadership group, adding on to her perfect example of what 'student-athlete' should really be about.

Pretty soon, the rest of the Marine League will be reminded you should not test Alexa Ponce.