RPN x Alex Black Interview: Part II (Chicago, IL)
MECHANICSBURG, PA -- The RPN Factory has been one of the premier marketing brands inside the basketball world for years, but did you know that football has had it's shine as well?
Fine, fine, we can agree to 'soccer' for the casuals in the back.
It's a small group, nothing insane, nothing flashy though, but believe it or not - our soccer group has had more success than the majority of recruits we've hosted.
That's not to undermine the successes of those from years past by any means, but once you get to know Alex Black, you're going to understand why we stick to our words and don't walk back.
Multiple All-State nominations, Mid-Penn All Conference selections and laying down a commitment before her senior season, Black has been one of the premier footballers across Pennsylvania in her high school career. She was one of the firsts recruits to sign to the RPN over a year ago, but has represented herself in great light and with honor. Although, our time was short compared to the original Avengers, Black is now in preparation for Chicago as we wish her the best of luck in the Midwest.
For the very last time, the RPN caught up with Alex Black in an interview on the navigation of her career, time at Mechanicsburg and decision to choose Chicago State.
Alex Black Interview
Tyreese Smith: "Alex Black, welcome back to the Factory. A little rusty, so excuse my English. How's everything been lately? I know you're busy with Lacrosse at the moment, so thank you for making time for this."
Alex Black: "Life has been going great. I am now in the lacrosse season which has been cut somewhat short because of my health, but I am already doing better and it has been the best season yet. I am coming to the last day of my high school career, which is super sad, but I have been making the most of it with my friends. Life has been going smoothly and it has been great within this last semester of school, but I am not ready to leave and go to college so soon."
Tyreese Smith: "A lot to be thankful for at this point in life. You’ve sacrificed a lot of time, sleepless nights and even time in the E.R. to become the best version of yourself these last four years. What has been the driving force leading to your success?"
Alex Black: "Knowing I am playing for my family to make them proud has motivated me to do so much better. Just as much as I put in sleepless nights and time, they have to wake up just as early as me to take me to showcases or pay for camps for me to showcase myself. They are cheering me on the entire time. I also know that younger me would be so proud that I am living into her dreams, which has been a driving force to keep going. The constant love and support from my family, friends, teachers, and coaches has helped me get to this point because without any of their support, I would have never gained my confidence again and not be where I am today. I would not change this for the world because of how far I have come and it has been a long journey with soccer within my health and injuries."
Tyreese Smith: "Going back into time, you committed to Chicago State last July. Heading out into Midwest territory to continue your student-athlete career. What factors led to your decision to head to Chitown?"
Alex Black: "I chose CSU because when I was struggling with deciding between schools, the coaching staff at Chicago opened my eyes to an amazing experience. The coaching staff didn't make me feel like I was just a random person, they were super encouraging and welcoming as we talked. I also loved the program along with the campus. I felt heard here and constantly enjoyed talking to them, which made me know I made the right choice in going there to play."
Tyreese Smith: "How was your senior year?"
Alex Black: "Senior year was amazing. It was amazing fulfilling the captain role my senior year with my best friends by my side the whole season, which made my senior year one to remember. The team chemistry and bond that Mechanicsburg Girls Soccer has is an unbreakable one. It made my senior year memorable. Some of the wins that we had and upsets made it an unforgettable season and one to cherish."
Tyreese Smith: "How would you describe your time at Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School?"
Alex Black: "Moving to Mechanicsburg was a completely different change. As you guys know, I'm originally from Lancaster County. Going from fields and a smaller school to a large school and highways surrounded everywhere, I have gained a lot within a perspective. Leaving my old school and best friends was so hard especially right before high school. I wasn't sure if I would fit in but Mechanicsburg has been the best blessing all 4 years. I felt welcomed and was able to meet new friends and experience new sports teams. Although, it has gone by so fast and it feels like I was just a freshman, I wouldn't change it for the world."
Tyreese Smith: "What are the most important lessons you have learned to this point in life?"
Alex Black: "Some of the most important lessons I have learned are to live your life to the fullest. Life is so fragile and anything can happen, so it is important to live it to the fullest and make the most of each day. Time is precious, so we should make the most of it. Along with this, I have learned to accept failure. Don´t be afraid of failure. No matter who it is, it is important to know that failure is okay. In order to succeed you need to fail."
Tyreese Smith: "What's the preparation projected to look like for you in these next couple of months?"
Alex Black: "I am right now working on the importance of housing, honors college, and finishing any last scholarship work. In the next few months, I am going to have to start getting everything ready little by little to be able to move in when I do. Aside from getting ready to move in, I am going to have to start working on my summer packet to get ready for preseason. The season as I am going to need to work hard when I am there, and learn as much as I can as a freshman."
Tyreese Smith: "How do you visualize yourself in five years?
Alex Black: "In the next five years, I find myself finishing my soccer career and continuing my major in business after these years in college. I will look to become a real estate agent and continue my dreams of those while also helping out the community. I want to come back and help out while chasing my dreams in the business world."
Tyreese Smith: "Thank you Alex for joining me in this outro. Better now than later, but glad you were able to join me these last two years and help spread my body of work to others. One final question before we end this off. Do you have any last words of encouragement or motivation for people?"
Alex Black: "Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity, it has been amazing. To others, you are so much stronger than you think. We are our worst enemies, but we are so worthy and so much stronger than we think. Along with this, everyday is a new opportunity to start fresh. Even when failures happen, each day is a fresh start to a better day. Never underestimate what you can achieve and trust the process. Everything happens for a reason, so never give up and make yourself proud."
Contact Tyreese Smith
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myrpnlife
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/reesejawn
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyreese-smith-rpn
RPN LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rpn-factory
Email: rpnfactory@gmail.com
