TRUE MAROON: Alex Wilcox signs with Mississippi State University for softball
Published 10:32 am Thursday, November 17, 2016
Last week, Brantley High School senior Alex Wilcox officially signed with Mississippi State University for softball.
Wilcox began her softball career in the fifth grade as she took on the title of manager for the BHS softball team. After serving in this position for two years, she finally had her chance to hit the field as outfielder and later on pitcher.
“I love that softball is something that lets me just get away and is just something I enjoy,” she said.
“I went over to MSU for a camp and a visit, and I just fell in love with it. I love the campus and the atmosphere over there. It has a very family-oriented campus, and I love the coaches.”
A signing ceremony was held for Wilcox at BHS last Thursday, which gave the student body and coaches the chance to celebrate this milestone with her, as well as reminisce on her past at BHS.
“She started being manager for me when she was in the fifth grade, and I knew that she was an exceptional player from there,” said Cindy Hawthorne, BHS head softball coach.
“And then she just continued on, started JV in seventh grade and ended up being on varsity as well. She’s been a joy to coach. She’s going to work hard no matter where she is. That’s what it takes when you go to the next level, and she’s already there. The transition’s not going to be hard for her.”
While she’s not ready to leave BHS just yet, Wilcox is excited about her decision, and is ready to see what this year’s softball season has in store for the Bulldogs.
“I’m going to miss the people that care about you and support you all of the time, and just being here,” she said.
“It meant so much to have everyone here today. They put a lot into this, and just being here for me meant a lot.”
Hawthorne has seen Wilcox grow into the player she is today, and she is ready to see what all Wilcox accomplishes in the future.
“This girl, as far as I’m concerned, has left her legacy for Brantley High School softball. She has been a blessing to me and my family and to this program,” Hawthorne said.
“She is our leader, on and off the field. If she’s only in a chair on the outside, she’s our leader; she showed us that through her battle. We’ll be losing a great player, a great leader, but most of all a great kid. She’s the face of Brantley softball. Go Hail State, but go Brantley Bulldogs first.”