New York, N.Y.- At just 5-foot-8, junior Alexa Charles is redefining what it means to be a powerhouse in Division III women's basketball. Leading the nation in scoring with an incredible 29.6 points per game, Charles has cemented herself as a force to be reckoned with on the court. But what makes her story even more compelling is that basketball is only one facet of her remarkable journey.
Charles, who is also tied for fourth in the nation in steals per game (4.62) and sits in the top ten for total steals, embodies the ethos of hard work and resilience. Her relentless attitude and unyielding work ethic are not just the driving forces behind her athletic achievements but extend to all aspects of her life. She achieved her 1,000-point milestone in just two seasons, is the program leader in steals, and is quickly climbing the total points leaderboard.
From an early age, Charles knew the sting of being overlooked. At 15, her AAU coach benched her and refused to give her playing time—a moment that might have crushed others but instead ignited a fire within her. "I realized I had to work harder than everyone else. I wasn't going to let someone else define my potential," Charles reflects. Financial constraints meant fewer opportunities to participate in high-profile AAU tournaments, but Charles found ways to channel her frustration into motivation. Her high school coach at Sleepy Hollow, Anthony Pignataro, played a pivotal role in her transformation.
"What can I say about Lex that isn't obvious?" Pignataro says. "She's like a great ingredient for a chef—you just let her talent speak for itself. Lex is special in every way. Her success comes from tremendous hard work, sweat, and tears. She is the definition of success."
Under Pignataro's guidance, Charles evolved from a one-dimensional slasher to a multi-faceted player with a complete offensive arsenal. "Coach Pignataro helped me see the game differently. I wasn't just a driver to the basket anymore; he taught me how to develop secondary moves and how to read defenses better," Charles says. Even now, during the off-season, she still trains with her high school mentor to sharpen her skills.
When the time came to choose a college, Charles made the deeply personal decision to stay close to her roots in Tarrytown and attend Hunter College. Family has always been at the heart of her life, and staying connected to her support system was a top priority. Reflecting on her childhood, Charles recalls her love for sports blossoming at family gatherings, where she was determined to keep up with her older cousins—whether on the court, in the field, or anywhere competition could be found.
"We've built such a great culture here on and off the court," Charles says of her team. "We lift each other up, and that chemistry is what makes us successful." That bond is paying off, as the Hawks currently sit atop the conference and look poised to contend for the league title.
Off the court, Charles is equally impressive. As an accounting major with a passion for finance, she spends her downtime building her stock portfolio, a hobby that reflects her discipline and forward-thinking mindset. This summer, she will take her talents into the corporate world with an internship at PKF O'Connor Davies, LLP, setting the stage for a promising future beyond basketball.
As Charles continues to dominate this season, her influence extends far beyond the stat sheet. Hunter College women's basketball head coach John Garrett captured her multifaceted impact on the program:
"When we first saw Lex play, it was immediately clear that she would be a game-changer for us," Garrett shared. "Her scoring ability is unmatched in the history of Hunter College basketball, yet her defense might be even more impressive. She consistently creates scoring opportunities with her defensive prowess, which has been a cornerstone of our success during her time here."
Garrett also highlighted how Charles' leadership has shaped the team's culture. "Over time, I've come to realize that her impact goes far beyond her incredible skills on the court. Lex has an innate ability to bring people together and inspire them to push their limits. Her relentless drive to improve has become infectious, elevating the entire team to new heights. This group is one of the hardest-working teams I've ever coached, and Lex is a major reason for that," he said.
Beyond basketball, Garrett emphasized Charles' exceptional qualities off the court: "As phenomenal as Lex is on the court, she's even more remarkable off it. Her energy and commitment extend to every aspect of her life, from academics to personal growth. Her time management, communication skills, and discipline have been key to her success in both basketball and beyond. Lex is truly the complete package—a leader, a competitor, and an inspiration to everyone around her."
