Welcome to Behind the G! This is a Georgia Way platform that shares student-athlete stories, hobbies, and what is important to them. To the world, student-athletes are viewed by their outcomes in their sports, but they are so much more than that. Our goal is to share with the world in their own words who they are as people, and the numerous ways they represent the G on and off the field.
“Keep fighting and pushing every single day. Don’t let anything slow you down, whether it’s cancer or some kind of disease. Don’t let anything slow you down, and just have the great life that you plan to have. Don’t let anything stop you from that. NO ONE FIGHTS ALONE.”
-Alex Wilcox
On March 20, softball teams across the SEC wore teal in support of the All for Alex campaign. Alex Wilcox was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in high school, but she never made excuses or never let it slow her down. Alex grew up in Brantley, Ala., where she attended Brantley High School and she excelled across the board. She played travel ball for the Birmingham Thunderbolts and was highly recruited. Despite her cancer, she ended up playing softball for Mississippi State, where she used her platform to raise awareness about the disease.
Alex’s life proves that our sports do not define who we are. Our lives are about so much more than the wins and losses, more than the dropped balls and all-star plays. Although our sports play a huge part in our lives, we are so much more than them. Not only was Alex one of the best softball players in the nation, she was an even better person, and that is what made her so special. Alex Wilcox died of ovarian cancer during the summer of 2018, but her legacy lives on through her family, friends, and softball programs everywhere.
Although only a few people on the softball team here knew Alex personally, wearing teal was an honor for everyone. Some had on the names of family members or friends with ovarian cancer also, so not only were we honoring Alex, but everyone affected. Teal represents courage, unity, and determination. On this day, teams across the SEC came together to show that no one fights alone.
Here is what wearing teal meant to members of the UGA softball team:
Savana Sikes #3:
I didn’t get the opportunity to meet Alex, but my nannie passed away from ovarian cancer and it just meant a lot to be able to wear the teal jersey and play for her, especially that day. It was like I had a piece of her with me out on the field that day. I loved it.
Tyler Armistead #22:
Getting to wear teal to support the #AllforAlex campaign was an honor. I was blessed with having Alex as a friend and her strength continues to inspire me everyday. Seeing not just our team wearing teal, but teams all across the SEC was incredible and is proof of the lasting impact Alex made on everyone she encountered.
Jacqui Switzer #23:
Wearing the teal means a lot to me. The teal not only gives remembrance to Alex, it also honors her fight. Wearing the teal puts into perspective that we are all playing for a greater cause. And it encourages people to support and raise awareness as a community. It’s more than just a game. It’s about unity, awareness, and fight!
Shelby Suplee #18:
Getting to wear teal to celebrate the courageous life of Alex Wilcox and so many others who have been affected by ovarian cancer was a special day. It was an honor to shine a light on the life she lived and although I did not know Alex personally, I’m inspired by her fight and faith. No one fights alone!
Britton Rogers #55:
Wearing Teal to me represents more than softball. It represents a sisterhood that we all share, a sisterhood that shows that beyond our sport we stand with one another in our battles and will always have each other’s backs, despite the team or field we play on.
Lacey Fincher #44:
Teal represents courage, strength, and a determination to fight a hard battle against ovarian cancer. I was honored to wear teal in remembrance of a good teammate and friend, Alex Wilcox, who impacted not only my life but many people around the world.
Aniyah Black #2:
To me, the teal game meant playing for something and someone that did not get the opportunity to do what I get the chance to do every day. Just like playing in the SEC, playing in the teal just means more and brings a sense of gratefulness to the game.
Riley Orcutt #10:
I didn’t know Alex personally, but I could really feel the love and connection with my teammates who knew her on this day. This game opened my eyes to the bigger picture of why we do what we do. It was amazing to see so many teams band together in support of this cause. It’s not only important to spread awareness, but to remember those who lost their lives in the fight and those still fighting so they know they aren’t alone.