At the conclusion of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League All-Star Cup, Athletes Unlimited, powered by Give Lively and the Give Lively Foundation, will make a grant equal to 100% of each competitor’s win bonus to the organization of their choice.

Throughout the AUSL All-Star Cup, we’ll spotlight athletes each week, sharing the personal stories behind the organizations they’re representing and the impact they hope to make both on and off the field.

Volts right-handed pitcher Aliyah Binford selected Alex’s Lemonade Stand, an organization dedicated to changing the lives of children with cancer by funding research, raising awareness and supporting families.

For Binford, the cause carries a deeply personal meaning. She recently lost her 17-year-old cousin, Angelina, to ovarian cancer. As a softball player herself, Angelina grew up looking up to Binford, giving the Volts star another reason to play in her honor during this year’s All-Star Cup.

Playing for Angelina

Q: Why was Alex’s Lemonade Stand the organization that you wanted to support?

Binford: I chose Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and it’s all about finding funding for research on cancer for children. They really just caught my attention because of their name, and I knew I wanted to support cancer research this summer.

I recently lost my 17-year-old cousin Angelina to ovarian cancer. Watching her fight and everything that she was going through, it kind of just changed me in a way that I never expected.

This year, I kind of just wanted to play for her. She played softball as well, and I was someone she looked up to. She definitely wanted to be a lot like me growing up, so it hit really close to home.

I just don’t think kids should have to go through that. I love that Alex’s Lemonade Stand is finding ways to help children.

Anyone Can Make a Difference

Q: The foundation began with a child who wanted to help other kids. What does Alex’s story show you about anyone’s ability to make a difference, regardless of their age or resources?

Binford: It hits close to home. I think that a lot of people look past little things and look past someone who’s young just because they’re small and young.

Being able to see that a kid took it upon themself to be something bigger than what people were going to let them be is amazing. It just continues to tell the world, continue to strive for what’s best. Continue to strive for what you think that the world deserves.

Supporting Families Through the Fight

Q: The foundation also supports families with expenses such as travel to help children access treatment. How important is it to support the family going through that process, too?

Binford: Coming from a family who did need support, I think it’s amazing. Not everybody can do it by themselves, and it feels great to have at least something that makes you feel like you’re not alone. You’re not doing it by yourself.

Using Her Platform to Raise Awareness

Q: What do you hope a child with cancer or their family can take from your story and your platform as a professional athlete?

Binford: I want them to know that they’re not alone. Other people see them and feel for them and want what’s best for them.

I think kids are just beautiful to the earth, right? They’re great humans. I don’t think that they should have to go through everything that they’re going through.

I hope that with my platform, I can show that this is something that needs more awareness and needs more help, and I’m just happy that I can be a part of it.

Learn more about Athletes Unlimited’s Athlete Causes program.

Siera Jones is the digital media reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram and X @sieraajones.