The pain in Alexandra Maldonado’s right shoulder was supposed to heal with time. Instead, it ended her softball career and quietly rewrote her future.
During her freshman year at Lamar High School, Maldonado was diagnosed with rotator cuff impingement and biceps tendinitis, forcing her to step away from the game she loved. But in losing her spot on the field, she found something bigger: A calling to care for athletes who, like her, were learning to rise after setbacks. Now, as she prepares to enter Iowa State University to become an athletic trainer, Maldonado’s story stands as proof that sometimes the hardest losses lead to the greatest purpose.
“Softball had been part of my life for so long that hearing I might not be able to play anymore felt like my future was being taken away,” said Maldonado. “I felt lost, angry, and scared of what life would look like without the sport that defined me.”
At the time, softball was Maldonado’s safe place, motivation, and identity, giving her confidence, structure, and a sense of belonging. But the ongoing pain was something she could no longer ignore.
“There was a point when I was taking three ibuprofen before games and three more after just to be able to play,” said Maldonado. “When pain management became part of my routine, I knew deep down that this wasn’t normal and that something was wrong.”
Walking away from softball felt like losing a part of herself. But as one chapter closed, another quietly began, one that would place her on the opposite side of the training table.
“At first, it was emotional,” said Maldonado. “Seeing other athletes hurt reminded me of my own experience. But it also helped me heal, because I understood exactly what they were feeling.”
Maldonado wasn’t ready to walk away from sports entirely. She still wanted to be part of that world, and learning that Lamar didn’t have water girls for the football team but did have athletic trainers helped set her on a new career path.
“Athletic training gave me a way to stay connected and feel useful again,” said Maldonado. “I began to realize I played a vital part in athletes’ well-being when they began to trust me not only with injuries but also with their emotions, often coming to me for reassurance and support. This is when I knew this was more than a role. It was a responsibility.”
“The thing that stood out about Alexandra when she first started was the look in her eyes,” said HISD athletic trainer Louis Ray. “She reminded me of myself when I was a student at Jones High School. I knew exactly what I wanted to do, and I saw that gleam in her eyes as well.”
What began as a way to stay close to sports soon became a full-time commitment, demanding far more than most people ever see.
Maldonado’s days are long and demanding, demanding focus, patience, and care.
“On practice days, I usually stayed until 7 p.m.,” said Maldonado. “On game days, I sometimes wouldn’t get back to school until almost 11 p.m. After games, I have to clean up and reset the training room before heading home.”
She sacrificed socially, missing out on time with friends, family events, and typical high school experiences. While others were relaxing, she was still working.
“It wasn’t easy, but I believed in what I was doing,” said Maldonado. “Balancing school, long hours, and responsibility was exhausting. There were days when I questioned myself, but I always reminded myself why I started.”
“Alexandra was extremely dependable as an athletic trainer,” said senior defensive end Martin Davis-Wheatfall. “She was always there when we needed her, whether during practice or games or after hours for treatment. She created a sense of comfort and security because we knew we were in good hands. When I was recovering from my MCL and AC joint sprains, she created a rehab plan that focused on strengthening and stability while ensuring I didn’t push too hard, too fast. Because of her guidance and support, I was able to recover properly and get back to playing safely.”
While she was learning to manage time and exhaustion, another pressure quietly followed – the responsibility of being the first in her family to take this path.
“Being a first-generation college student means breaking barriers for my family and creating opportunities that weren’t always accessible to us,” said Maldonado. “It’s something I carry with pride. My mom played the biggest role in guiding me through the college process. Even though she didn’t get the chance to graduate, she understood the system and made sure I didn’t walk into it unprepared. Her experience and support helped me navigate everything with confidence.”
“One of the biggest obstacles has been wanting to set a high standard for my little sister,” said Maldonado. “I want her to see what’s possible when you work hard and pursue college, so there’s extra pressure to lead by example and make choices she can look up to. That responsibility isn’t always visible to others, but it’s always with me.”
With each challenge she faced, Maldonado leaned on something deeper than ambition: her faith and a growing sense of purpose.
“My faith reminds me to lead with compassion and humility,” said Maldonado. “I see athletic training as a way to serve others and show care that extends beyond physical injuries. During the hardest moments, I stay motivated by remembering why I started and by thinking about the athletes who rely on me. Knowing I can make a difference keeps me going.”
Guided by faith and strengthened by experience, Maldonado then faced her most significant decision yet: where to take her talents next.
As a softball player early on, Maldonado’s attention was drawn to schools like Texas A&M, the University of Oklahoma, and Baylor because of their level of competition. However, once the softball dream faded, Iowa State’s 3+2 program quickly became intriguing.
Iowa State’s 3+2 program gives students the opportunity to complete both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years. During the final semester of the fifth year, students can complete externships with professional sports teams that count toward their course grade, highlighting the program’s focus on hands-on learning and real-world career preparation.
Maldonado’s long-term goal is to become a professional athletic trainer and to continue advocating for athletes’ health, safety, and longevity.
“In 10 years, I hope to be working as an NFL athletic trainer, caring for athletes at the highest level of the profession.”
Alexandra Maldonado
“In 10 years, I hope to be working as an NFL athletic trainer, caring for athletes at the highest level of the profession,” said Maldonado.
From injury to opportunity and from loss to leadership, Maldonado’s journey has come full circle. On February 4, 2026, she signed her letter of commitment to attend Iowa State University.
“Knowing that my journey can inspire others and that I’m turning my hardest loss into something meaningful keeps me moving forward,” said Maldonado. “Your injury does not define you. Even when it feels like everything is falling apart, there is still purpose ahead.”
About Alexandra (Alex) Maldonado:
Class: 2026
IG: @al3xita_7
Twitter: @amald12077
Favorite artist: Frank Ocean
Favorite subject: Science
