Order of the O Alumni Spotlight: Lexi Bando
Lexi Bando was a four-year letter winner on the University of Oregon Women's Basketball team from 2015-18, including back-to-back tournament runs to the Elite 8 in 2017 and 2018. Bando finished her storied career at Oregon as the program's all-time leader in games played (130), three-pointers made (283), and three-point field goal percentage (45.7%, 283-of-619).
Following her standout career on the court, Lexi remained in the Eugene community and opened up a local boutique in Fifth Street Market downtown!
Order of the O recently did a Q&A with Lexi to learn about her experience as a Duck and how that has also helped shape her success as a business owner building her own brand! Click HERE to browse Bando's online store to get some holiday shopping done for your loved ones (or yourself!).
"The boutique is a culmination of all of my passions, and it has been so exciting to watch it come to life. I started Bando's because I love fashion and wanted to offer my hometown a wider selection of items." - Lexi Bando
LEXI BANDO PROFILEName: Lexi Bando
Major(s) & Minor(s) - Planning, Public Policy, & Management
Sport and Position: Women's Basketball - Shooting Guard
Years Played: 4 (2015-18)
Current Location: Eugene, Oregon
Hometown: Eugene, Oregon
Current Professional Title: Business Owner at Bando's - a boutique clothing store located at Fifth Street Market in Eugene
LEXI BANDO Q&A
Why did you choose the University of Oregon?
I chose the University of Oregon because of the culture, opportunities available to student-athletes, and the people. I felt very lucky to have an incredible coaching staff around me, support staff on the academic side, and family/friends from being from Eugene and playing in front of my home town.
What is one of your favorite memories while attending University of Oregon (in school or your sport)?
One of my favorite memories while attending the University of Oregon was my senior year when we won the Pac-12 tournament and made it to the Elite 8.
Tell us a little bit about what you're doing now:
I currently run my own business in Eugene. I opened up a clothing boutique at the 5th street public market in December of 2021. I'm currently working on creating my own brand.
How has your education and experience as a student-athlete at the University of Oregon influenced or helped you in your life and career?
It has helped me in my life by always pushing me to be the best version of myself. Always showing up and giving it my all every single day. I think basketball has translated so much to my professional career with time management, competitiveness, and always wanting to grow and do better.
What is one professional highlight/project, either currently or in the past? How did you go about making it a reality?
Starting my business has been the most rewarding experience. I love being able to create a place for my local community that I grew up in to shop at! I've been extremely grateful for the support from the local community.
What advice do you have for current student-athletes?
Take advantage of all the opportunities you are given. Give back, volunteer, get involved in SAAC & O heroes, do internships, create your own brand, etc. The opportunities are endless and the people around you will help you get to wherever you want to go!
What is best thing about being a Duck?
Oregon is very unique because of how close knit the university and sports programs are with Phil Knight. The facilities are top notch, academic centers, and endless opportunities available.
