Posted: Apr 12, 2024
Weatherford, TX- It is with deep sadness that Coastal Bend College Coach Bethany Allen has passed away following her battle with Grade 4 Astrocytoma. She was 28 years young.
Coach Allen was an integral part of the CBC staff, and her presence will be sorely missed. She was a person of unique talents, dedication, and kindness to our workplace, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Coach Allen spent the majority of her time at CBC coaching softball (2021-2023) before recently joining the volleyball coaching staff (2022-2024).
Allen started her coaching career in the Fall of 2018, serving as an assistant at NJCAA Division II Murray State College in Oklahoma. Following the 2019 softball season, Allen accepted assistant coach position at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland. As a member of the Blazers' staff, Allen assisted in all facets of the program including practice and game organization, player development, academic success, recruiting and fundraising. Along the way, she also earned her master's in business administration. Allen then joined the Ball State softball program for the 2021 season.
Prior to her coaching career, Allen played two seasons at Henderson State University (2017-18) where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management and two seasons at Weatherford College (2015-16) where she earned an Associate's Degree.
Allen started her collegiate playing career as an all-conference (NJCAA Region 2) and all-region selection as a freshman at Weatherford. She helped guide the Coyotes to a 32-16 overall record that season, leading the team with a .362 batting average and 35 stolen bases, while collecting 14 doubles, three triples, 20 RBI and 37 runs scored.
She started her sophomore season looking to do the same, batting .420 with 10 doubles, 11 stolen bases, 11 RBI and 20 runs scored through the first 23 games. However, a collision in the outfield turned out to be a life-saving incident for Allen. Originally diagnosed with a concussion, a precautionary MRI revealed a massive brain tumor which was later determined to be Grade 3 brain cancer.
Determined to get back on the field, and keep up with her academic work, Allen would battle through radiation treatments for over six weeks every morning, only to find a way to be with her teammates at practice in the afternoon. She would also complete her associates degree in the process.
In 2017, after enrolling at Henderson State, Allen was presented with the Ben Hogan Award of Perseverance for her determination to return to the field. She also threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the 2017 NCAA Division I Women's College World Series.
She was a .293 career batter in her two seasons with the Reddies, tallying seven doubles, a triple and her first collegiate home run. She also collected 16 RBI and 24 runs scored over 42 career games played a Henderson State.
Allen started her collegiate playing career as an all-conference (NJCAA Region 2) and all-region selection as a freshman at Weatherford. She helped guide the Coyotes to a 32-16 overall record that season, leading the team with a .362 batting average and 35 stolen bases, while collecting 14 doubles, three triples, 20 RBI and 37 runs scored.
She started her sophomore season looking to do the same, batting .420 with 10 doubles, 11 stolen bases, 11 RBI and 20 runs scored through the first 23 games. However, a collision in the outfield turned out to be a life-saving incident for Allen. Originally diagnosed with a concussion, a precautionary MRI revealed a massive brain tumor which was later determined to be Grade 3 brain cancer.
Determined to get back on the field, and keep up with her academic work, Allen would battle through radiation treatments for over six weeks every morning, only to find a way to be with her teammates at practice in the afternoon. She would also complete her associates degree in the process.
In 2017, after enrolling at Henderson State, Allen was presented with the Ben Hogan Award of Perseverance for her determination to return to the field. She also threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the 2017 NCAA Division I Women's College World Series.
She was a .293 career batter in her two seasons with the Reddies, tallying seven doubles, a triple and her first collegiate home run. She also collected 16 RBI and 24 runs scored over 42 career games played a Henderson State.
Allen is from Mineral Wells, Tx. She has two brothers, Bryson and Braxton and dad Garry Allen. In her spare time, Allen enjoys working out, reading and traveling.
As we come to terms with this loss, let us take a moment to remember Coach Allen and the positive impact she had on each of us during her time at Coastal Bend College. We ask to keep Coach Allen and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.