(We made a list. We checked it twice. From now until New Year’s Eve, we are counting down the top ten headlines of 2018. Today, we look at #6 on our list.)
6. Alex Wilcox inspires
Who knew that a Mississippi State freshman would become one of the most beloved softball players nationwide, and that it would have nothing to do with her on-field endeavors?
Alex Wilcox was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2015, while still in high school, but committed to Mississippi State to play softball. She played her freshman season while receiving treatments, persevering through fighting cancer to appear in eight games for the Bulldogs.
Wilcox’s inspiring fight inspired the No One Fights Alone campaign that took the SEC and the sport of softball by storm, bringing together rivals and competitors to raise awareness for ovarian cancer. Wilcox’s Mississippi State teammates led the way, donning teal uniforms and holding a moment of silence during midweek games.
Other SEC programs joined the fight during the course of the season, raising awareness for the disease as well as honoring Wilcox specifically. The SEC softball teams earned the conference’s Sportsmanship Award for their show of support for Wilcox in her fight.
Wilcox passed away on June 25th at the age of eighteen. In August, Mississippi State announced plans to retire her #8 jersey, the first-ever softball number to be retired in Starkville.
