2023 Female Comeback Athlete of the Year: Bradyn Barnett

For the seventh straight year, UK HealthCare Sports Medicine is proud to present the 2023 Female Comeback Athlete of the Year Award. This year's recipient is Bradyn Barnett, a sophomore from St. Mary High School in Paducah.

Two Comeback Athlete of the Year Awards — given to one male student-athlete and one female student-athlete — are presented annually to young people who have overcome illness or injury that affected their ability to participate in sports sanctioned by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association. Athletic trainers from across Kentucky review nominees submitted to the KHSAA, and recipients are determined based on their sportsmanship, ethical behavior on and off the field, and academic standing.

Congratulations to Bradyn Barnett on being this year's female recipient!

About Bradyn

When she was in seventh grade, doctors discovered a tumor in Bradyn's right femur. In the three years since that discovery, Bradyn has undergone six surgeries and attended 1,300 hours of physical therapy.

Bradyn's form of tumor, chondroblastoma, is rare; chrondroblastoma account for just one percent of all bone tumors in the United States. 

However, Bradyn's beaming spirit is even more rare. On the soccer field and basketball court, Braydyn's drive and enthusiasm are unfazed by the challenges she's experienced. She's also determined in the classroom, where she has a 4.0 GPA.

Bradyn was nominated by Brad Ehlers, the athletic director at St. Mary High School.

"I have been the AD here for 10 years," Brad wrote in his nomination letter. "I've seen a lot of athletes and a lot of injuries, but nothing compares to the obstacles that Bradyn has overcome. Not only is she overcoming them, she's done so since day one with a smile on her face and an attitude of positivity and grace. She has been a beacon of hope and optimism for our school and its community."

Bradyn's passion and positivity serve as models for all of us — good prevails, especially within the halls of a small western Kentucky high school.