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Washington women’s soccer star Mia Hamant died at the age of 21 following a battle with Stage 4 kidney cancer, the school announced Thursday.
“Mia was the heart of our program — someone who lifted up everyone around her with her joy, courage, and kindness,” Washington coach Nicole Van Dyke said in a school release. “Even in the most difficult moments, she showed an unshakable spirit that inspired her teammates and coaches every single day. Mia made us all better people, and her impact will be felt in this program and in all of our lives forever.”
Hamant, a goalie, learned in April that she had been diagnosed with Stage 4 SMARCB1-deficient kidney cancer, a rare and aggressive form.
The Corte Madera, Calif. native experienced lingering respiratory issues at that time that led her to visit an emergency room and undergo testing, and she was informed that she could have autoimmune disease, an infection or cancer, she told Washington’s student paper, The Daily, this May.
She posted a photo of her in a hospital room supported by those closer to her in May while explaining the challenging road that lied ahead.
“Everything happens for a reason🧡. 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,” Hamant wrote on May 5.
“April 11 i was diagnosed with non sickle cell SMARCB1-deficient renal medullary carcinoma (RMC). this is an extremely rare kidney cancer that was caused by nothing more than bad luck. Since then, my friends and family have pushed me to get through all the challenges that come with this diagnosis. while my normal life has been put on pause, i have been able to get better and start to feel like myself again.
“My family has done so much for me and now i want to do something to help them. here is a link to a go fund me that was created to support my family and me: thank you to everyone for your support🫶🏻.”
The Go Fund Me page has raised over $135,000 for Hamant, who missed her senior season this year while she battled the disease.
Hamant emerged as a star in her junior season after missing her freshman year due to injury and appearing in one game her sophomore season.
“Mia’s condition is so rare that many medical facilities may only see a single case per year,” the Go Fund Me page states. “Mia has always been one of one — known for her grit, fearless spirit, competitive fire, and the ability to lift everyone around her. She leads with heart, toughness, and an authenticity that inspires all who know her. She has never backed down from a challenge, and she won’t now.”
Hamant’s teammates wore orange patches on their jerseys to support her, and she remained positive while she began chemotherapy.
She made an appearance in a wheelchair at the football team’s 42-25 home win over Illinois on Oct. 25 with a “Huskies for a Cure” theme, handling the traditional siren sounding.
The NCAA posted photos of her at the game to its Instagram account, stating how she served as an inspiration.
Hamant recently posted to Instagram a carousel that she captioned “proof of life,” featuring her with friends and exploring.
“My goal with treatment is to find a way to get back to my daily life as a 20-year-old,” Hamant told The Daily in May. “Just living my everyday life, living at my college house, and being independent fully.”
The university said it will release details regarding a memorial or celebration of life.
“Mia’s legacy and spirit will forever remain a part of the University of Washington. Her heart, selflessness and resilience inspired everyone,” the school said in its statement.
“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.
