Mia Hamant, the goalkeeper of Washington’s women’s soccer team, has died of kidney cancer, the university announced Friday.
She was 21.
“We are heartbroken by the passing of Mia Hamant after her courageous battle with cancer. Mia inspired everyone around her with her strength and spirit. Our love is with her family, teammates, and all who knew her. Her legacy will forever live in Husky Athletics,” the Washington athletic department said in a statement posted to X.
“Mia was the heart of our program – someone who lifted up everyone around her with her joy, courage, and kindness,” Washington head coach Nicole Van Dyke said in a separate statement. “Even in the most difficult moments, she showed an unshakable spirit that inspired her teammates and coaches every single day.”
Hamant was diagnosed in April with stage 4 SMARCB1-deficient kidney cancer in April. Her diagnosis was only the 14th documented case of its kind, NBC affiliate KING 5 in Seattle reported.
With Hamant in goal, the Huskies reached the Big Ten tournament semifinals in 2024 after she made three big saves in a penalty shootout to beat Iowa in the quarterfinals.
She missed her senior season following her diagnosis.
The native of Corte Madera, Calif., appeared in 18 games over the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Huskies.
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