Alessandra Samperio

My name is Alessandra Samperio and I was born and raised in San Pedro. I have a big family thanks to my Sicilian and Mexican background with 4 parents, 5 siblings and a niece. My dad, David Samperio, late mother, Rose Buscemi, step-mom, Gina Samperio and step-dad, Joe Buscemi have been my biggest supporters and have been in my corner since day one.

I attended Holy Trinity (elementary through middle school), Mary Star of the Sea High School, played Division 1 softball and graduated from Loyola Marymount University in 2024 with a BA in Graphic Design.  

I have attended Destiny in Long Beach for almost 5 years and have been apart of Iron Sharpens Iron Leadership since Summer of 2023. For both Destiny and Iron Sharpens Iron I am a photographer, capturing moments that happen when God’s word is being spread. For Iron Sharpens Iron I have also re-designed the logo and website, which continues to be updated weekly. 

While I was born, raised, baptized and schooled in the Catholic Church, my love for Christ came later on in my college years. Growing up I had lost the meaning behind what I believed in and felt more like a religion than it did a relationship. Praying and going to mass felt like a chore more than it did a choice. 

After my mother passed away in 2021, a bad sports injury a few months later and getting out of a relationship that wasn’t meant for me is when God slowly started to lift my head towards Him. He surrounded me with a pretty great community from teammates, family, counselors to members in my church. From there I was re-baptized in 2023 at the FCA Player’s Conference in Long Beach. 

I have countless blessings to be thankful for and God continues to give everyday. Without Him and His love for me, I don’t know what journey I would be on today. The scripture that has gotten me through some pretty difficult times is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. He is speaking from a finished place.