Alex Laporta has been a star forward for the UMSL Women’s Basketball Team for five seasons, earning multiple All-GLVC honors and becoming a rebound career leader, setting the team to the highest record in program history for the past season. .. LaPorta also prioritized scholars and enrolled in Pierre LacledeHonors College and College of Business Administration. Last weekend she graduated with her MBA after previously earning her bachelor’s degree and honorary college certificate. (Photo by August Jennewein)
There was no doubt that Alex Laporta, who grew up across a river in Highland, Illinois, would become an athlete.
Her father played soccer at William Jewel University and her mother played basketball and softball at Drake University. From her childhood, she and her brothers have followed in their footsteps.
“My parents have probably taken us out of the house since we were little and advised us that all four would bother them and run around to do something,” she said. Told. “But we all loved it. We all liked a variety of sports, but found a way in athletics and part of its community.”
All four will continue to compete in college. The oldest Olivia played volleyball at Fordham University, and the youngest Bella played volleyball at William Jewel. His younger brother Sam is the tight end of the University of Iowa football team.
Meanwhile, LaPorta has become a star forward at the University of Missouri, Cent. She has won several All-GLVC honors for Louis’ women’s basketball team. She will be a rebound career leader. And she set the team to the highest record in program history for the past season.
During her time at UMSL, she performed equally impressively in the classroom as a student at Pierre Lacreed Honors College and the Faculty of Business Administration. Last weekend she graduated with her MBA after previously earning her bachelor’s degree and honorary college certificate.
Plan changes
LaPorta initially intended to play volleyball at college, but the plan was changed because it wasn’t widely adopted. However, as a junior, she was part of the first state-qualified women’s basketball team at Highland High School. The bulldog participated in the tournament and ended up in 3rd place.
This experience had a positive impact on La Porta and changed her mindset. She decided to pursue basketball at the college level instead for the senior season. UMSL coaching staff immediately began contacting her after she changed course.
La Porta was impressed with what she heard.
“I could just feel they were serious about their intentions,” she said. “I had the same coach for the five years I was here, and they can help me with what I can do, what I can be, and I become a UMSL program. He told me. “
Despite the ups and downs over the next five years, LaPorta will be an integral part of the team’s success.
Learn to lead
As a freshman, LaPorta was primarily a role player during Tritons’ successful 2017-18 season, but still shines. She set a rebound record for her freshman by hooking 236 boards and winning the distinction between the Great Lakes Valley Conference All-Freshman Team and the Academic All-GLVC.
The next two seasons were what LaPorta characterized as a development period. When she was in her second year, a core group of freshmen joined the team and helped the program grow together. Personally, LaPorta continued to hone her skills on the court and she won a selection of two second teams, All-GLVC, but she also matured as a leader.
“I had to find it in myself,” she explained. “My coach always wanted me to be a more vocal leader, so I stepped into that role.”
There was a cloud in the 2020-21 season as the team continued to improve.
Universities and professional athletic organizations continued to work on the COVID-19 pandemic and how to coordinate safe live sporting events. Eventually, it led to a shortened 20 game season with an empty stand.
LaPorta’s orbit continued to rise despite the situation. She beat William Jewel for 1,000 career points and was honored with the first team All-GLVC and the prestigious mention All-American.
“At that point, it was hard because I didn’t know that the NCAA would qualify us for the fifth year, called the COVID year,” Laporta said. “I myself and all the other seniors thought we wouldn’t have a fan in our final year, my parents couldn’t come to see, everything got shorter, in retrospect. It was great that we were still able to play, but it was a bit sad that our parents couldn’t see. “
Another shot
After the NCAA announced that it would qualify for the fifth year, LaPorta said he was more free to play, knowing that his seniors would get another shot.
They counted it.
This past season, LaPorta led Tritons to a record of 23-6, finishing first in the GLVC Central Division. Regular season performance marked the team’s first tournament appearance since the 2013-14 season, securing a large berth as the sixth seed in the Midwest region of the NCAA Division II tournament.
Triton fell to the third-seeded Drally University in the first round, but Laporta was excited to play a part in setting a winning school record.
“This last year was the best season in the history of the program, so it seemed like the perfect end to my career,” Laporta said. “Everything was perfectly organized.”
It was the culmination of a lot of dedication and sweat, but it wasn’t the only thing LaPorta worked hard on.
Student before the athlete
Her family encouraged athletics, but always focused on education.
“My parents have always taught me the importance of scholars,” La Porta said. “It’s a cliché, but it’s a former student of an athlete. They never let me forget it with my coach. I’m definitely proud of the scholar.”
When she came to UMSL, it was the driving force behind Laporta’s decision to enroll in the Honorary University. Her small classes, discussion-focused courses, and her rigor appealed to her, and she enjoyed a unique experience. Her business has also been interested in her since she entered school.
LaPorta loved the idea that one day it would become part of an interconnected global market. In the Faculty of Business Administration, she found a mentor for Michael Costello, an assistant teaching professor specializing in business law and international business. She also had a very rewarding experience in Associate Professor Perry Drake’s marketing course.
While student athletes’ obligations and schedules can be challenging, women’s basketball head coach Katie Bourne and women’s basketball assistant coach Emily Samuelson are dedicated to helping athletes improve their academic performance.
“I think athletes really have an advantage in that, as there are so many additional people on our side that help us maintain the course in our program,” Laporta said. rice field. “My coach is everyone in the athlete division and really supports athletes to make sure we all graduate and do well.”
LaPorta has graduated from UMSL, prepared to succeed in the business world, but she has no plans to cut sneakers yet.
“I’m currently working on going abroad to play professional basketball,” she said. “It’s a long process, but I’m working on it. It’s kind of the first step because I signed with an agent. He’ll take me, hopefully some It looks like a club, but I wanted to travel and live in Europe for a few years when I was young. “
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