Mia Hamant, a goalkeeper for the University of Washington women’s soccer team, has died at age 21.
The university’s athletics department confirmed the news in an official statement, sharing that Hamant, who was from Corte Madera, California, passed away “following her courageous battle with stage 4 kidney cancer.” The university confirmed she died on Thursday, Nov. 6.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with her parents, Candice and Kevin, her family, teammates, coaches, friends, and all who were fortunate to know her,” the university said in its statement.
“Mia’s legacy and spirit will forever remain a part of the University of Washington,” the statement continued. “Her heart, selflessness, and resilience inspired everyone. Mia’s courage, optimism, and grace touched the lives of the entire Husky community. She will always serve as an inspiration for everyone whose life she was able to touch.”
Washington Women’s Soccer head coach Nicole Van Dyke described Hamant as “the heart of our program,” adding that she was “someone who lifted up everyone around her with her joy, courage, and kindness.”
“Even in the most difficult moments, she showed an unshakable spirit that inspired her teammates and coaches every single day,” Van Dyke said. “Mia made us all better people, and her impact will be felt in this program and in all of our lives forever.”
Team physician Ashwin Rao shared that he had the “privilege” of knowing Hamant throughout her four years as a student-athlete at the university.
“I was also fortunate to be with her to the end of her journey,” Rao said. “Throughout the process, Mia fought her cancer as fiercely as she played. She wished to be an inspiration to others also fighting cancer, as well as a source of awareness and destigmatization.”
The University of Washington noted that details about a memorial or celebration of Hamant’s life will be shared at a later time.
Hamant first revealed her diagnosis of “non-sickle cell SMARCB1-deficient renal medullary carcinoma (RMC)” in an Instagram post this May.
“Everything happens for a reason,” she wrote in the caption, alongside a photo from her hospital bed surrounded by friends. “If you told me a month ago I would be diagnosed with and fighting cancer, I would have laughed in your face, but here we are.”
She expressed gratitude for the support she received from friends and family following her diagnosis, acknowledging that “normal life has been put on pause.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, RMC is “a rare, aggressive cancer that forms deep inside your kidney.” While there is no known cure, treatments such as chemotherapy can help extend patients’ lives.
Just two weeks before her passing, Hamant attended a Huskies football game and sounded the siren at Husky Stadium, ESPN reported.
“Mia Hamant on our soccer team is going through tough, tough struggles with cancer. We’re just trying to be there to support her,” wide receiver Denzel Boston said after the game, per the outlet.
