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University of Washington Goalkeeper Mia Hamant Dies at 21 After Rare Kidney Cancer Battle

The university disclosed her death during the Big Ten tournament, with memorial details to follow.

Overview

  • Hamant’s passing was confirmed by Washington Athletics, which shared condolences from her coaches, teammates, and family.
  • She was diagnosed in April with stage 4 SMARCB1-deficient kidney cancer, a subtype local reporting has described as extraordinarily rare.
  • Hamant sat out the 2025 season for treatment after starting 15 games in 2024 and earning All-Big Ten Tournament honors.
  • Head coach Nicole van Dyke, athletic director Pat Chun, and team physician Ashwin Rao praised her resilience, with Rao noting she hoped to inspire others and raise awareness.
  • The announcement came as Washington, the top seed, prepared to face Michigan State in Sunday’s Big Ten final, two weeks after Hamant appeared at a 'Huskies for a Cure' football event.