This is Brentt Eads of Line Drive Softball and I’m going to do something here I rarely do: encourage us all in the softball community to rally behind one person.

In April, we first posted the news that Aly Bermudez, the 31-year-old head coach at New College of Florida, an NAIA program in Sarasota, was diagnosed with a rare type of ovarian cancer and would begin a half-year series of chemo treatments.

A GoFundMe called Coach Aly Cancer Expenses was started with the goal of reaching $45,000 to offset her medical expenses and care along with the loss of income from her not being able to her softball business including private lessons, camps and clinics.

As of today, the GoFundMe has raised a bit more than 35 percent of the goal but as of this week—exactly six months after initial cancer treatment was started— Coach Bermudez’s health, pain and discomfort has worsened as she recently detailed on her social media:

*****

Our purpose with this update is to encourage our readers and followers to support Coach Aly in whatever ways possible: financially, through the GoFundMe if circumstances permit making a donation, or, simply, through best wishes and prayers for her.

• Click HERE to make a donation of any dollar amount
• Click HERE to SHARE the GoFundMe link

Those close to the beloved coach have rallied behind her and have reached out to Line Drive Softball to express their admiration as well as concern for Coach Bermudez who is originally from the Northeast.

Here’s what some close to her have to say:

*** Sadie Armstrong is a 6-foot pitcher/first baseman and freshman at Longwood University in Farmville, Va. and has taken lessons from Coach Aly.

From Portland, Maine, she states:

“Aly is an inspiration for demonstrating to her students how to battle through adversity with grace. She’s never stopped giving of herself even while so much has been taken from her and is unrelentingly positive and courageous.”

“Coach Aly sets the bar so high for her students with her own behavior that anyone learning pitching from her walks away with a lesson that will not only improve their athletic performance, but their lives.”

“I’m grateful to know Coach Aly and call her my friend.”

*** Jen Hoar is a Tincher Certified softball pitching coach who resides in Westford, Mass. with 12 years of experience at Westford Academy and is currently in her second year at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

She also works as a private softball pitching coach and balances her coaching roles with a career as a pharmacist, wife and mother of two children. Aly and Jen met through a common friend in the softball pitching community and became “instant friends,” Coach Hoar remembers.

“Over the past three years, we have collaborated on a few pitching clinics where she has shared her experience and expertise with many of my pitching students.”

“I feel so incredibly lucky and fortunate for the opportunities to learn from her as her passion for coaching is infectious,” Jen continues.

“She’s fun, engaging, and dynamic and you just can’t help but love being in her presence. I am a better coach because of Aly and for that, I will be forever grateful.”

***** Mike Ellison, the Head Coach and Pitching Coach at Edward Waters University and owner, creator, and instructor of PURE POWER Pitching, wrote on his Facebook page yesterday:

Please please put New College of Florida Head Softball Coach Alyson Bermudez in your prayers!! This amazing young lady is trying to battle cancer and lead her young ladies.

Edward Waters University Softball loves you Coach Aly!!! We can’t wait to see you win this battle and back on the field!

***** Bridget DeRoche is a parent whose daughter, Addison, is a standout 2027 pitcher and infielder who helped lead her Cheverus (Maine) High team to a state championship and was named this year’s Gatorade State Player of the Year.

Addison has participated in several pitching clinics at which Coach Aly has taught also and works full-time with Coach Jen Hoar (quote above) to enhance her pitching skills.

Both Mother and Daughter DeRoche are huge fans of the ailing college head coach.

“Aly is WONDERFUL!” Bridget writes in all caps. “The softball world is soooo large but tight at the same time and we are hoping to send out the news to a larger audience. Coach Aly is only 31 years old and has the same cancer my mom passed away with this past July.”

“We are hoping to get the help of a larger audience in softball to support Aly and this would mean a lot to us.”

***Finally, another parent of a former pitching student, recently spoke of how impactful Coach was for his daughter.

“Coach Aly is not just a wonderful pitching coach,” began Jason Tessler, “she is who you want around your child. She’s a role model, an example of who you can become when you put in the time and the effort.”

“For my daughter, she was the perfect balance of toughness and empathy. Coach Aly helps the girls realize what they can become and assists them on their journey. We haven’t worked with her since she moved away; however, we still keep in touch and Coach is still focused on helping my daughter.”

*****

Head Softball Coach Aly Bermudez of New College of Florida (NAIA) Battling Cancer with Courage & Determination

Originally published April 7, 2024 on Line Drive Softball

On the sun-soaked fields of Southwest Florida, where the crack of a bat and the cheers of supporters echo through the air, one woman stands as a beacon of strength and resilience.

Aly Bermudez, a dedicated softball coach with a heart as big as her passion for the game, is facing her toughest opponent yet: cancer.

Aly’s journey into the world of softball began in Londonderry, N.H, where she developed a love for the sport at a tender age. From elite travel teams to college-level play at Lasell University, a private university in Newton, Mass., Aly’s life has been intertwined with the game she adores.

But it’s her role as a coach and mentor that truly defines her.

Having worked with a roster of talented young players in Southwest Florida, including promising young talent such as Victoria Ash, Paige Bettermann, Payton Breadmore, Adrianna Manetta, Natlie Recker, Lollie Lane and many more, Aly has left an indelible mark on the youth softball community.

Her coaching philosophy goes beyond winning games, however; it’s about fostering a culture of positivity, collaboration, and personal growth.

Now, as the current head coach at New College of Florida—an NAIA located in Sarasota, Fla. and one of the country’s top liberal arts colleges—Aly is determined to build the Mighty Banyans team that not only competes at a high level but also supports each other in becoming the best versions of themselves.

Her commitment to healthy, efficient movement in softball is evident in her involvement with the Tincher Pitching School and her collaboration with experts in body mechanics.

However, Aly’s journey took an unexpected turn when she received a devastating diagnosis: mucinous ovarian cancer, a rare and aggressive form of the disease.

At just 31 years old, Aly found herself facing a grueling battle against a relentless adversary, but, despite the physical and emotional toll of chemotherapy, Aly’s spirit remains unbroken.

In her own words, Aly shares the harrowing reality of her fight against cancer.

“It’s very aggressive and, unfortunately, I’ve been delayed in getting the right treatment due to doctors not being sure how to treat.”

“After finding a specialist who is experienced with this cancer, my plan is now the six months of folfox chemo and a hipec procedure after, which is a highly invasive, but potentially life-saving surgery.”

From the debilitating side effects of treatment to the financial strain of medical bills and lost income, Aly’s journey is marked by both pain and unwavering determination, yet, even in the darkest moments, she finds strength in the outpouring of support from friends, family, and the softball community.

“I am very sick and weak from the chemo and need all the help I can get. Even before the chemo I had significantly declined physically in the last couple weeks due to the fast spreading of the cancer. I am asking for any amount of donation that anyone can help with. Your donations will go toward:

• • significant loss of income being unable to do softball lessons, clinics, and camps,
  • medical bills, ER visits (they’re frequent), out of pocket costs and copays,
  • supplements and holistic support,
  • meals, meal deliveries, nutritional support,
  • home care,
  • supplies,
  • supportive therapies not covered by insurance and
  • transportation costs

Now, Aly is reaching out to the wider world for assistance.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help alleviate the financial burden of her treatment and support her in this time of need. Donations will go towards covering medical expenses, essential supplies, holistic therapies, and everyday necessities.

Every contribution, no matter how small, is a lifeline for Aly as she navigates this challenging chapter of her life.

As Aly continues her fight against cancer, her resilience serves as an inspiration to us all. Her unwavering determination to keep her mind strong, stay positive, and never give up embodies the true spirit of a champion.

“I am so grateful for everyone’s support, love, and concern so far,” she begins. “Without it I wouldn’t still be here. It’s tough to keep fighting and suffering this much, losing the ability to do the things I love and basic everyday things.”

“My goal is to keep my mind strong, stay positive, and keep up the will to fight. I cannot explain how hard it is some days. Thank you everyone!”

In the face of adversity, Aly Bermudez stands tall, a shining example of courage, grace, and the power of community.

Together, we can rally behind this remarkable woman and help her continue to make a difference both on and off the softball field.

— Tracy Bettermann / Florida JO Director

*****

*** To support Aly in her battle against cancer, please consider donating to her GoFundMe campaign by clicking HERE.