Henderson State's Bethany Allen will be honored prior to Friday's Women's College World Series contest between Florida and LSU in Oklahoma City as the Reddie shortstop will throw out the first pitch.
 
The game between the Tigers and Gators is set for a 6 p.m. start and will be televised on ESPN.
Allen is being recognized for her determination and perseverance in her battle to overcome brain cancer and return to the field.
 
In April, Allen was presented the Ben Hogan Award of Perseverance which is an award that recognizes a student-athlete who has overcome adversity or injury to return and excel in their respective sport.
 
During Allen's sophomore year at Weatherford College, the Mineral Wells, Texas native collided with a teammate in an effort to catch a fly ball. Allen laid in pain and was taken immediately to the hospital where she was first diagnosed with a concussion. For precautionary measures, a MRI was conducted where doctors found what was described as a "massive brain tumor". As time went by, it was determined that Allen had Grade 3 brain cancer.

Allen went through radiation treatments for over six weeks every morning but it did not stop her from playing the game she loved. Despite the early morning treatments, she was back on the field each afternoon.

"I don't believe in giving up and not going after your goals," said Allen. "I still believe you can do whatever you want to accomplish. If you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything."
Since arriving to Henderson State in August of 2016, Allen traveled from Arkansas to Fort Worth for an MRI every month. She went through numerous tests and additional treatments, but through it all, she has remained positive and it has made a lasting impression on her Reddies teammates and coaches.

"Bethany has had a positive impact and has been as inspiration to this team," said HSU Head Coach Beth Jackson. "Bethany is an exceptional athlete with tons of ability and even more heart. With her heart and mindset, she will make her challenges seem not as big as they really are."

Despite having to sit out for nearly six weeks early in the season and continuing treatments, Allen started 29 games for the Reddies and accumulated a .289 batting average.
In 30 games played, Allen went 26-for-90 at the plate and drove in 12 runs to go along with four doubles and 12 runs batted in.

Even more impressive is the fact that Allen has a 3.86 grade point average in recreation sports management and will receive the D2 Athletic Directors Association Academic Achievement Award.

"My faith in God is how I am here today. And my mom is up there watching with him. He has her sitting next to him to help me get through everything," said Allen. "I wish she was here for this, but I know she knows and is proud of me."