Tampa native was a member of the Bulls program from 2020-23.
TAMPA, Feb. 15, 2024– Former University of South Florida softball player and Tampa native, Alexis Buchman, who inspired the Tampa Bay community during her more than two-year battle with brain cancer, passed away at her home on Thursday morning.
“It is devastating to lose a teammate, friend, and beloved member of our Bulls family,” USF Softball Head Coach Ken Eriksen said. “Alexis was a light in all the lives she touched and was truly courageous and inspiring in her fight. Our thoughts and prayers are with her parents, Steven and Kris, and family. We were blessed to have Alexis in our lives and to learn from her example of grace and determination. Her memory will long live within our program.”
“Today is a very sad day for USF Athletics and the Tampa Bay community as we have lost far too soon a member of our Bulls family whose courage and resilience inspired all of us,” USF Vice President for Athletics Michael Kelly said. “Alexis Buchman’s light shined brightly even in the most trying of times. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends and all whose lives she touched.”
Buchman was diagnosed with brain cancer in the fall of 2021 after undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumor. Through her diagnosis and continuing treatments, Buchman remained an active and present member of the softball team, serving as a student manager through the 2023 season.
She joined the South Florida Softball program in 2020, appearing in seven games and scoring two runs in her first season while displaying quickness on the bases, stealing bases in two out of three attempts. In her second season of 2021, she appeared in four games and scored three runs.
Described as a true friend, a warrior, and someone who could make you laugh no matter what, support for Buchman and her battle poured in from all over South Florida Athletics and the Tampa Bay community she called home. Every year, the softball team and members of the athletics department participated in the annual Miles for Moffitt race. This past fall, Buchman was named the recipient of the “Spirit of Moffitt” Award. In 2023, she was honored at the Tampa Bay Sports Commission’s Sneaker Soiree as the Community Hero, recognizing her courage and determination in her fight against cancer and how it inspired and helped others.
Arrangements for funeral services will be announced at a later date.
Buchman will be honored with a moment of silence before the softball team’s game Thursday night at the USF Softball Stadium. The team and staff will wear gray “Play4Buc” wristbands and commemorative “AB” patches on their batting practice shirts honoring Buchman. A celebration of Buchman’s life and courageous battle against cancer will be part of Friday’s softball contests at the stadium.
Those wishing to participate in the fight against cancer are encouraged to support the Moffit Cancer Center and its annual fundraising initiatives around Miles For Moffitt.
About USF Softball
Be sure to follow USF softball on social media (Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information. The USF softball program has been one of the most successful on campus, making 17 NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the Women’s College World Series in 2012.
– #GoBulls –
