A Spencerport teen has been thrust into the national spotlight after her likeness is gracing candy shelves across the country.
The Berry family is a family of athletes.
“I played softball, my sisters played. A big legacy there," Krissy Berry said. "And my father played baseball, and my husband played baseball, and [Alayna's] brothers.”
So it’s no surprise their daughter Alayna got into the sport herself.
“When you have someone in your family who’s famous for it, you’re obligated to love it,” Alayna said.
But the high school sophomore never imagined she would see her likeness on a pack of Big League Chew.
“It was kind of a surprise, I had no idea," Alayna said. "It was really sweet, [my aunt is] amazing.”
Her aunt is a freelance artist, who was commissioned by the company to create their first female character to grace the pack of gum. She chose her niece as inspiration.
“Big League Chew has been a company for a while, like 40 years, and they’ve always had a boy, a strong man on it," Alayna said. "And then they get this girl who has a bat playing softball, it’s just to show that girls are just as strong and capable as men are.”
There’s a couple minor differences, but everyone agrees the likeness is uncanny.
“The first time I saw it — because in pictures it’s so different — and then you have it in your hand, and you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh that’s me,’" Alayna said. "It’s crazy, it’s such a weird experience.”
And her mother says they couldn’t have found a better fit.
“She’s all about empowering other girls," Mrs. Berry said. "And she has two brothers, so she has never backed down to ‘boys are stronger than girls.’”
And Alayna says she's honored.
“It’s crazy. It’s a cool experience," Alayna said. "I’m really humbled and honored to be on that as the first woman.”