The center of attention on the softball field

Newport junior shortstop Alexis Barashkoff wants her team to become a perennial powerhouse.

By Shaun Scott • March 15, 2019 1:39 pm

Newport Knights shortstop Alexis Barashkoff knew in March of 2018 that the fortunes of the Newport Knights softball team were going to change immediately.

The Knights, who finished with just six victories during Barashkoff’s freshman season in the spring of 2017, was impressed with new Newport head coach Parris Mamon on the first day of practice last season.

“When Parris showed up the first day of practice, he just kicked our butts (intense practice session). I was like, this is going to be a good season and was really excited to see where it took us,” Barashkoff said with a smile.

The Knights finished the 2018 season with an overall record of 21-8 and had a respectable 3-2 record at the Class 4A state tournament in Spokane. Barashkoff, who is in the midst of junior season this spring with the Knights, wants to see her squad return to Spokane for the big dance for the second consecutive season.

“We want to get back to state (tourney) and really prove to everyone that it wasn’t just a one-time thing. Newport is here and they’re here to stay,” Barashkoff said.

While Barashkoff remains confident, she knows it will be a formidable journey in order for the team to reach its goals.

“It is not the same team as last year. We’re going to have to start from the bottom and build back up. We just can’t expect to come back where we left off. We have to work our way there. Nobody is going to give it to us. We have to take it,” she said.

Playing shortstop fits Barashkoff’s personality to the T.

“I have to have eyes everywhere. I’m one of the big communicators on the field. I have to let everyone know what is going on,” Barashkoff said.

Recently the Bellevue Reporter had an opportunity to ask Barashkoff some questions about her life away from the softball field.

Bellevue Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Alexis Barashkoff: My favorite movie of all time is “Now You See Me.” I really like magicians, so I think that is really cool.

BR: What is something unique about you that nobody would know?

AB: I sing all the time when I’m by myself.

BR: If you could pick one person to go to dinner with, who would it be?

AB: Michelle Obama. I think she is a really influential person and I really like what she is doing.

BR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

AB: It is slow walkers. I like to go fast and I like to get where I am going. When people get in the way, I just go around.

BR: How many text messages do you send per day?