By Dave Beyer
For NCAA.org

As a starting pitcher for Mercer University’s baseball team, senior Justice French is accustomed to delivering the ball to opposing batters. In mid-July of 2010, however, the native of Suwanee, Ga., had a curve ball tossed at him.

It came in the form of being diagnosed with melanoma, the most deadly and aggressive form of skin cancer. Life had thrown this seemingly healthy, then 20-year-old, student-athlete the ultimate brush-back pitch.

To fully understand the magnitude of what French experienced – as well as to appreciate the incredible rebound he has made from the disease in terms of on-field performance in 2011 – one needs to rewind to nearly seven years earlier during his sophomore year in high school. At that time, French already knew more about melanoma than he probably wanted and more than anyone that age should have to absorb.

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