Alix Worley (Fort Worth, Texas)

Croquet Anthony Alexander thrives on creativity and the pursuit of new adventures, always chasing experiences that turn into timeless memories. Alix Worley embodies this same spirit, choosing to live each day as if it were her last.

This phenomenal young woman is overflowing with talent—and one of those talents happens to be croquet.

Alix, tell us about where you’re from and what it was like growing up there. 

I grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, and I feel really fortunate to have been

raised there. My parents definitely had their hands full with me, I’ve always had

a big, adventurous spirit, and in Texas they say everything is bigger, which I

think fits me pretty well. Growing up, I was always on the move, either trying out

different sports, picking up new hobbies, or spending time outside.

A big part of my childhood was centered around horses; I spent countless hours

in the barn, riding and competing, which taught me discipline, responsibility, and

resilience at a young age. I also played a lot of softball, and that experience gave

me a love for teamwork and healthy competition.

Fort Worth itself was a great place to grow up. Even though the summers can be

brutally hot, there’s a real sense of community, and the opportunities for both

adventure and growth are endless. The people are warm and genuine, and that has

always stuck with me. No matter where life takes me, Texas will always feel like

home.

Q: What’s the passion or work that really lights you up, and how did you find it?

A passion that really lights me up can be summed up in one word: people. I

love sharing the things I care about with others and helping those around me find

a sense of adventure. For me, it’s never just about the activity itself, it’s about the

connections it creates.

That’s actually one of the reasons croquet has become so meaningful in my life.

It’s a sport that brings people together in a unique way. On the surface it’s

competitive, but there’s also this social, lighthearted side where you get to laugh,

strategize, and enjoy being in the moment with others. Through croquet, I’ve been

able to build community, create friendships, and share experiences that go beyond

the game.

At the heart of it, my passion is really about cultivating those kinds of connections

whether on the croquet lawn, at work, or in everyday life. That’s what gives me

energy and purpose.

Q: Can you share the story of how Croquet first came into your life?

I first got into croquet in a funny way, I joined it as a club sport in university

because I honestly thought it was a joke. But it didn’t take long for me to realize

just how serious the game can be and how strong the croquet community really is.

I played with the Oklahoma Wesleyan University team and even had the chance to

compete at collegiate nationals twice in Philadelphia.

During that time, I met Steve Fisher, who became our coach. He played such an

important role in my journey, I owe him a lot for opening doors and helping me

connect with the larger croquet world. Because of those connections, I was invited

to training events and tournaments across Florida and Oklahoma, where I got to

meet members of the USCA and USA Croquet.

What really struck me was how patient and generous the community was. Players

took the time to teach me technique, strategy, and how to really handle the mallet.

The more I learned, the deeper my love for the game grew. Eventually, that path led

me to one of the greatest honors so far: being invited to represent the United

States at the U21 World Championships in New Zealand.

When I transferred to Texas A&M University my love for croquet didn't stop. With

the help and support of Coach Steve and the USCA I was able to start a TAMU

team. We would play in a drainage ditch or an uneven backyard with trees. This

became a weekly get together with pizza, wine and lots of croquet and loads of

fun. The TAMU team made it to the collegiate nationals in Philadelphia where we

competed with 3 teams for the title. We had a fantastic time and brought more

excitement and love for the game back to Texas to share with even more college

students.

Q: When did Croquet shift from being something you played to something you

truly loved?

Croquet shifted from something I just played to something I truly loved

when I started to experience the community around it. At first, it was just a fun

club sport I joined almost by accident, but as I learned more through the

patience of other players, the mentorship of Coach Steve Fisher, and the

opportunities to compete nationally and internationally, I realized how much

depth there is to the game. The real turning point was when I transferred to

Texas A&M and started a team there. We weren’t playing on perfect lawns, we

were in drainage ditches and uneven backyards, but the joy, camaraderie, and

weekly gatherings made it clear that croquet was more than just a sport for me.

It had become a passion that connected me with people and gave me a sense of

belonging.

Q: If you could pass on one message or gift to the next generation of Croquet

players, what would it be?

If I could pass on one message, it would be that croquet is so much

more than hitting a ball through hoops, it’s about building community,

learning patience, and finding joy in both the competition and the

friendships that come with it. Don’t be afraid to start small even if it’s in a

backyard with uneven ground because the spirit of the game lives in the

people you share it with. The beauty of croquet is that it welcomes all

kinds of players, and if you lean into the community, it can open doors

and experiences you never imagined.

You can keep up with Alix and her adventures by following her on Instagram @alix.mae02.