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University of Washington women’s soccer player Mia Hamant has died after a months-long battle with stage 4 kidney cancer, the school announced Thursday. She was 21 years old.
Hamant, a California native in her senior year, was diagnosed with stage 4 SMARCB1-deficient kidney cancer in April after suffering symptoms such as shortness of breath and a persistent cough, according to The Seattle Times.
Mia Hamant (00) of the Washington Huskies looks on during the second half against the Seattle Reign at Husky Soccer Stadium in Seattle, Washington on March 8, 2025. (Caean Couto/Getty Images)
The university confirmed Thursday that Hamant died after months of battling an extremely rare form of cancer.
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“Mia’s legacy and spirit will always remain a part of the University of Washington. 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 to all whose lives she was able to touch,” the school’s announcement said.
Huskies women’s soccer coach Nicole Van Dyke remembered Hamant for her impact on the team and those around her.
Nicole van Dyke of the Washington Huskies celebrates on the field after the Huskies defeated the Wisconsin Badgers during the semifinal round of the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Energizer Park in St. Louis, Missouri, on Nov. 6, 2025. (Jeff Curry/Big Ten/University Images via Getty Images)
“Mia was the heart of our program: someone who lifted everyone around her with her joy, courage and kindness,” Van Dyke said. “Even in the most difficult times, she showed an unbreakable spirit that inspired her teammates and coaches every day. Mia made us all better people, and her impact will be felt in this program and all of our lives forever.”
NIKOLA TOPIC BY THUNDER IN CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT FOR TESTICULAR CANCER
Athletics director Pat Chun echoed that sentiment.
“The University of Washington mourns the heartbreaking loss of Mia Hamant, whose strength, kindness and spirit touched everyone around her. Mia embodied everything we hope for in a Husky student-athlete: perseverance, grace and an unwavering commitment to her teammates and the community. Her remarkable courage through adversity and the legacy she leaves behind will forever inspire the University of Washington family.”
Maylen Montoya (12) of the Washington Huskies celebrates with his teammates after scoring against the Wisconsin Badgers during the semifinal round of the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Energizer Park in St. Louis, Missouri, on Nov. 6, 2025. (Jeff Curry/Big Ten/University Images via Getty Images)
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Amid Hamant’s cancer battle, his teammates won the Big Ten regular season championship on October 19. And on Thursday, they defeated Wisconsin 2-1 to advance to the Big Ten Tournament Championship Game against Michigan State, scheduled for Sunday.
