While adding to her impressive accomplishments on the diamond by landing All-Conference and All-Region honors for a fourth time this spring, recent GW softball alumna Alessandra Ponce made an extraordinary addition to her professional resume, earning induction into the prestigious national paralegal honor society Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX).
Ponce was recognized for her excellence this school year while securing a graduate certificate in Paralegal Studies during her fifth year as a member of the Buff and Blue. It’s an exclusive honor reserved for the top academic students in the program who also display integrity, character and the potential to lead the profession.
Although Ponce could not attend the formal induction ceremony because she was competing at the Atlantic 10 Championship, Paralegal Studies Program Director Toni Marsh presented her with a certificate and pin at GW Athletics Commencement on May 10.
“The commitment, drive and leadership that Alessandra displays on the field were just as evident in the classroom,” Marsh said. “In a cohort of high achievers, she distinguished herself and mastered the rigorous paralegal curriculum and demonstrated she’s equipped to lead the profession. She’s destined for great things, and I’m very much looking forward to following her success.”
Ponce made the most of her final collegiate season, on and off the field.
The veteran slugger was named to the All-Conference First Team and NFCA All-Region Second Team at first base after slashing .363/.419/.536 on the season with a team-high 61 hits, including 17 doubles and four home runs, plus 35 RBIs and 23 runs scored.
Her offensive production out of the No. 3 hole and strong defense at first helped the Buff and Blue to win a second straight A-10 regular season title before capping the season at the National Invitational Softball Championship.
Ponce joined former teammate Jenna Cone on the list of four-time All-Conference and All-Region honorees in program history. She finished as the club’s all-time leader with 59 doubles and also ranked among the top five all-time in hits (222), home runs (26), extra-base hits (89), RBIs (167) and total bases (277).
Away from the diamond, Ponce earned her first selection to the A-10 All-Academic Team this spring and was also honored with GW Athletics’ DCR Teammate award at the department’s annual Georgey Awards in recognition of her spirited leadership.
This year, Ponce found a good academic fit pursuing the Paralegal Studies certificate after graduating with a Criminal Justice degree in May 2021. She was able to hold down a part-time job to gain experience in her field this spring while finishing up her time leading the Buff and Blue.
Up next, Ponce will remain in D.C. to start a full-time position at a local law firm as a legal researcher/assistant. She plans to eventually attend law school to study criminal law with hopes to become a prosecutor and ultimately, a judge.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity that I had to come back for a fifth year and continue my education,” Ponce said. “Learning in the World’s Most Powerful City has opened doors for me that would not be possible elsewhere.
“My teammates and coaches have been supportive of all my academic aspirations and have continued to support me as I transition into this next step. I feel confident going into this next chapter of my life in the legal field thanks to the university, and specifically the GW Paralegal Program and GW Athletics.”
