Softball is more than just a game. It is not just nine people on the field. It is not just a team. It is asisterhood that lasts longer than a lifetime.

On September 1, 2021, the Xavier community and softball team lost a leader, friend, teammate, daughter and sister. Kylie “Flo” Rodgers was a 4-year varsity softball pitcher, outfielder and manager at XCP, who was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in April of 2017 during her sophomore year. Kylie endured a year of cancer treatment and a hip and femur replacement. She went into remission in March of 2018, all while continuing her Xavier education online. Kylie’s determination and strength, combined with the supportive Xavier community, allowed her to complete her junior year while in treatment.

She returned to Xavier in time for the 2018 softball season. She enjoyed her senior year as the varsity softball manager, continuing her leadership and love for the game. Kylie graduated in 2019 with full academic honors.

Right before Kylie was supposed to attend the University of Washington, in September of 2019, her cancer relapsed. Again, she went through cancer treatment, a bone marrow transplant, and several more surgeries. Against all odds, in November of 2020, Kylie was once again pronounced cancer-free. Kylie finally went to UW in January of 2021, but in February, relapsed for the second time. She chose to stay in Seattle at UW for treatment at Seattle Children’s Hospital and UW Med, and she completed her freshman year at UW in June of 2021.

No words can accurately express the goodness, the strength, the love, and the spirit of Kylie. In my experience, she was an older sister to me. She is always the light that shines on me, even now. As a pitcher in the circle, she dominated the field. She had a fire in her that engulfed every person around her. In the dugout, Kylie was our biggest fan. As a friend, she was pure comic relief, a shoulder to cry on, a reminder how great life is, and the best support anyone could ask for. Nothing beats Kylie Rodgers.

At Xavier, especially the XCP Varsity Softball Team, we have the honor and duty to spread the light that Kylie gave to us, and continue her legacy. On February 12, 2022, we created the first ever Fight Like Flo Softball Clinic in honor of Kylie to spread her fire to the next generation of softball players. All proceeds benefited one of Kylie’s favorite organizations, Lighthouse For Hope, which is a local Phoenix organization that directly helps families that are battling pediatric cancer. The clinic was a wonderful success with over 100 young softball players attending, and we have vowed to continue this tradition in her honor to light that fire for her love of the game.

Our 2022 season is dedicated to our sister, Kylie. This upcoming Tuesday, March 1, 2022, we are celebrating and honoring Kylie at our home opener by retiring her softball number, and dedicating our beloved dugout to our fierce Flo at the conclusion of our game. The game begins at 3:45 on Petznick Field at Xavier College Preparatory.

Please join us to honor Kylie on March 1 after the game, and visit linktr.ee/KyliesWishes to learn more about Kylie and see how you can help other families battling pediatric cancer.

And in the words of Kylie herself, remember to Live Bravely, Love Fiercely, Be a Good Human, and always and forever, Fight Like Flo.