Mississippi State’s Cinderella Softball Journey Fueled by Broccoli Superfan

Jim Stewart Allen’s story is one of passion, persistence, and a whole lot of positivity. He’s become a cherished figure in college sports, especially in softball.

People know him for his broccoli-waving dance moves. Somehow, Allen’s found a way to connect with both athletes and fans, lighting up every game he attends.

This article takes a look at Allen’s journey—how he went from a high school track kid to a superfan who’s now woven into the Mississippi State Bulldogs’ wild Cinderella run in the 2026 Women’s College World Series (WCWS).

Jim Stewart Allen: From Humble Beginnings to Superfan Stardom

Allen grew up in Tacoma, Washington, the oldest of three siblings. He didn’t make the high school baseball team, but he found his place in track and cross-country.

His teammates always called him “most inspirational.” He just never seemed to run out of energy or encouragement.

Sports became a big part of his life outside the track, too. He and his dad, Mike, would hit up all kinds of sporting events, and that’s where Allen really built his connection to athletics.

Discovering a Passion for Softball

Allen’s love for softball happened by chance. In 2024, he went to his first softball game at Western Washington University and was instantly hooked by the vibe and the camaraderie on the field.

He started buying season tickets to University of Washington softball. That eventually led him to the Eugene Regional, where he met the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

The Broccoli-Waving Phenomenon

The broccoli thing? That started at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, where Allen first danced with Russet potatoes. The next year, he swapped them out for broccoli, thinking it looked like pom-poms and matched the green of so many Pacific Northwest teams.

Fans and players noticed. Before long, Allen and his broccoli were fixtures in the stands—quirky, memorable, and just a little bit contagious.

Embracing the Mississippi State Bulldogs

At the Eugene Regional, Allen’s solo broccoli dance caught the eye of Mississippi State freshman Ally Supan. She joined in, and that sparked a connection.

Allen stuck with the Bulldogs as they kept winning. The team started celebrating with him and even brought broccoli into their own rituals.

A Cinderella Story in the Women’s College World Series

The Bulldogs’ run to the WCWS felt like a miracle. They beat St. Mary’s in the regional championship and then shocked everyone by upsetting the Oklahoma Sooners in the Super Regional, ending the Sooners’ nine-year streak of WCWS appearances.

Allen’s broccoli-waving and relentless support fired up the team. He helped build a real sense of unity, even if he’d probably shrug off the credit.

The Impact of a Superfan

The Bulldogs and their families noticed Allen’s dedication. They set up a GoFundMe to help with his travel costs so he could keep cheering them on in Oklahoma City.

Fans loved it. He even got his own moment on the Jumbotron’s “Broccoli Dance Cam,” which just sealed his status as a true superfan.

Jim Stewart Allen: The Power of Positivity in Sports

Jim Stewart Allen’s story really shows how far positivity can go. One person can genuinely shape a team and its fans in unexpected ways.

He started out as just a high school track team member. Now, he’s known as a superfan, and honestly, his passion and dedication are contagious.

There’s something special about the joy he brings, just by connecting with others through sports. When the Mississippi State Bulldogs take the field in the WCWS, Allen stands out—dancing with broccoli in hand, cheering them on no matter what.