Ayers came to ASU in the fall of 2010 and spent the next two seasons as part of the Lady Hornets soccer team.  As a junior she sat out the season due to the disease and continued to be a part of the program working with Head Coach Jodie Smith as a student assistant.
 
She stayed home during the spring and fall semesters of 2013 as she continued to battle the disease.  She was able to make it back to campus during the fall as the Lady Hornets celebrated Senior/Alumni weekend.
 
"Anytime a young person passes away so early in life is sad," Head Coach Jodie Smith said.  "But to have it be a member of our team brings home the idea of how important those lifelong friendships and memories you make with your teammates are so precious.
 
"Alex was a very outgoing personality that was all about enjoying life and making those around her smile.  She chose to be a part of a growing program and helped build a team!  We were better on and off the field for having Alex on our team."
 
A memorial will be held on campus Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 11:45 a.m. at the Equinox in the Quad.  The funeral will be held in Atlanta at the Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church Thursday Feb. 20 at 1 p.m.
 
The family has requested in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Lupus Foundation.