Athlete – Basketball
Born January 13, 1971, Michael Allen is the son of Sarah Elizabeth Allen and Samuel Allen. He has two siblings, Gary Allen and Cathy Allen, whom he dearly loves with all his heart. Mike also has one son, Isaiah Allen, who is the heartbeat of his life, and two grandchildren, Kayson Allen and Kylin Allen. He is currently dating Carla Buford, who has been a very instrumental figure and a true blessing in his life.
In high school, Mike was a star guard at Bryan High School from 1987-1989. A prolific scorer, Mike held the high school scoring record in Lexington for 28 years. Still the Defenders’ all-time boys basketball leading scorer, Mike averaged 35 points a game during his senior year. His 1989 team made it to the KHSAA Sweet Sixteen State Tournament, losing in the semifinals to Wayne County. The veritable scoring machine was a First Team All-State selection in 1988 and 1989. Mike was also selected to the Kodak All-American High School Basketball Team. Coached by the legendary Bobby Washington, Mike earned the distinct honor of having his Bryan Station High School Jersey retired in 2017.
After high school, Mike played at Connors State Junior College in Muskogee, OK. Coached by the late, legendary Ed Stepp of Versailles, KY, the Cowboys won the National Junior College Championship in 1990. Mike was named to the Junior College All-American Team in 1990.
Following a successful junior college career, Mike transferred to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He was named the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year in 1994 and was inducted into the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Hall of Fame in 2014. Mike also had the distinct honor of having his Ragin’ Cajuns jersey retired at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in November 2016.
Mike obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Campbellsville. He has more than 21 years of experience working for Fayette County Public Schools as a Family Resource Coordinator and as a School Social Worker.
Currently the School Social Worker at Southern Middle School, Mike has a passion for working with youth, families, and the community. He believes that building positive relationships and providing our youth with different learning experiences to grow to their capacity is essential as we look forward to each student becoming college and career ready. Mike also has more than 25 years of coaching experience at the high school and middle school levels.
