An Inspiration To All
February 09, 2024 | Softball
STARKVILLE – Alex Wilcox will forever be remembered for her smile that could light up a room and her courage that became an inspiration to all.
From the moment she stepped on the campus of Mississippi State University, Wilcox built a lasting legacy both on and off the field.
"She was a big-time recruit and really talented softball player," head coach Samantha Ricketts said. "Initially, we thought that's what her legacy was going to be but it ended up being so much more [because of] just who she truly was as a person."
Wilcox was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when she was 16 years old, but she did not let her disease get in the way of making her dreams come true by playing collegiate softball.
As a member of the Mississippi State softball team in 2018, Wilcox displayed her determination to compete on the field by appearing in eight games despite undergoing chemotherapy treatments throughout the year.
Throughout that season State wore teal uniforms in support of the fight against ovarian cancer. Her inspirational phrase "No One Fights Alone", which continues to bring awareness to the disease, rings loudly across the college softball landscape to this day.
"It's such a good way to put everything into perspective," Ricketts said regarding Wilcox's passion for the game. "When [the team] has to get up at 6 a.m. for weights or they're out there and it's hot and they're tired, Alex lived for that. She found so much joy in those moments. To remember that struggle that she went through and how much joy she found in it is what it's really about."
Ovarian cancer is one of the most challenging types of cancer detect, leading to it being known as "the silent killer". The symptoms can be vague, and it ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women.
But through all the trials and tribulations Wilcox faced during her battle, she never let that stop her from doing what she loved.
Although she is no longer with us, her memory will last forever. To honor her fight against this disease, the Bulldogs open the 2024 season by competing in The Snowman: Alex Wilcox Memorial Tournament.
"It's really important for us each and every year to continue to remember Alex and to honor her," Ricketts said. "One thing her father has said all along is that if her story can help save one more young woman in the battle against ovarian cancer, then it's worth it."
Along with The Snowman tournament, the Bulldogs will host Tennessee later this season for "All For Alex Weekend" in which all 13 SEC softball teams will sport teal uniforms support the fight against ovarian cancer.
"It's really special, and it's honestly more than I could have ever imagined," Ricketts said regarding teams around the country honoring Wilcox's fight. "Whether it's the Wall Sit Challenge that we do or "All For Alex" where the SEC goes teal. They're a big part of our fight as well."
Wilcox's story will forever impact MSU and the softball community. The bravery and tenacity that she displayed during her fight will be remembered and honored for years to come.
From the moment she stepped on the campus of Mississippi State University, Wilcox built a lasting legacy both on and off the field.
"She was a big-time recruit and really talented softball player," head coach Samantha Ricketts said. "Initially, we thought that's what her legacy was going to be but it ended up being so much more [because of] just who she truly was as a person."
Wilcox was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when she was 16 years old, but she did not let her disease get in the way of making her dreams come true by playing collegiate softball.
As a member of the Mississippi State softball team in 2018, Wilcox displayed her determination to compete on the field by appearing in eight games despite undergoing chemotherapy treatments throughout the year.
Throughout that season State wore teal uniforms in support of the fight against ovarian cancer. Her inspirational phrase "No One Fights Alone", which continues to bring awareness to the disease, rings loudly across the college softball landscape to this day.
"It's such a good way to put everything into perspective," Ricketts said regarding Wilcox's passion for the game. "When [the team] has to get up at 6 a.m. for weights or they're out there and it's hot and they're tired, Alex lived for that. She found so much joy in those moments. To remember that struggle that she went through and how much joy she found in it is what it's really about."
Ovarian cancer is one of the most challenging types of cancer detect, leading to it being known as "the silent killer". The symptoms can be vague, and it ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women.
But through all the trials and tribulations Wilcox faced during her battle, she never let that stop her from doing what she loved.
Although she is no longer with us, her memory will last forever. To honor her fight against this disease, the Bulldogs open the 2024 season by competing in The Snowman: Alex Wilcox Memorial Tournament.
"It's really important for us each and every year to continue to remember Alex and to honor her," Ricketts said. "One thing her father has said all along is that if her story can help save one more young woman in the battle against ovarian cancer, then it's worth it."
Along with The Snowman tournament, the Bulldogs will host Tennessee later this season for "All For Alex Weekend" in which all 13 SEC softball teams will sport teal uniforms support the fight against ovarian cancer.
"It's really special, and it's honestly more than I could have ever imagined," Ricketts said regarding teams around the country honoring Wilcox's fight. "Whether it's the Wall Sit Challenge that we do or "All For Alex" where the SEC goes teal. They're a big part of our fight as well."
Wilcox's story will forever impact MSU and the softball community. The bravery and tenacity that she displayed during her fight will be remembered and honored for years to come.
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