Mississippi State softball to retire Alex Wilcox’s number in ceremony

HATTIESBURG, MS - SEPTEMBER 5: Bully mascot for the Mississippi State Bulldogs during their game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles on September 5, 2015 at M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The Mississippi State Bulldogs defeated the Southern Miss Golden Eagles 34-16. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
HATTIESBURG, MS - SEPTEMBER 5: Bully mascot for the Mississippi State Bulldogs during their game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles on September 5, 2015 at M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The Mississippi State Bulldogs defeated the Southern Miss Golden Eagles 34-16. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)

Alex Wilcox’s story is one that will resonate with the Mississippi State softball program for years to come

The Mississippi State softball team is honoring one of its most inspiring players to ever play for the Maroon and White. This past season, Alex Wilcox was a freshman with the Bulldogs and her story is truly an inspirational one.

Unfortunately, Alex Wilcox didn’t get anywhere near enough playing time. But that wasn’t any fault of hers or the Mississippi State softball coaching staff. It had nothing to do with anything on the field or any off the field controversy. Alex Wilcox fearlessly battled ovarian cancer.

Wilcox had been battling the horrific disease for years. But, she did so bravely and showed love to all of those around her. And that love spread.

People were inspired by her story and went out of their way to find ways to share support for her cause and for her directly. It started somewhat slowly. But, gradually, as more and more learned about who Alex Wilcox was and who she was, support poured into Starkville for her. It came from all over the south, from the rest of the country, and then all over the globe.

Central Arkansas went out of their way to help raise funds for her family to cover medical bills. Ole Miss and other members of the SEC donned teal and added it to their game day attire. Chinese professional softball teams showcased their support for Alex and the No One Fights Alone campaign.

Alex Wilcox’s courage and strength inspired people internationally.

https://twitter.com/HailStateSB/status/1032729413702623232

Now, the Mississippi State softball program is honoring her and will celebrate who she was. The Bulldogs are going to retire her number to preserve her legacy and continue to inspire with her story.

On September 15th, during halftime of the Mississippi State football game, Wilcox will have her number retired. From Mississippi State’s official release:

"Dubbed the “Snowman” by her teammates and family, Wilcox’s jersey will be retired on Saturday, Sept. 15 in a special halftime ceremony during Mississippi State football’s contest versus Louisiana. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT. Wilcox will become the first female student-athlete in Mississippi State history to have her jersey retired."

Be sure to be there for this. Alex Wilcox was certainly “True Maroon” and her legacy deserves all of the respect that we can possibly give it. And please, still support Alex Wilcox’s family and their medical bills. You can do so right here.