Mia Hamant, a goalkeeper for the soccer team at the University of Washington, has passed away at the age of 21.
The athletics department of the university released an official announcement, indicating that Hamant, originally from Corte Madera, California, passed away “after her brave fight against stage 4 kidney cancer.” The university confirmed to PEOPLE that her passing occurred on Thursday, November 6.
“Our condolences and thoughts are with her parents, Candice and Kevin, her family, teammates, coaches, friends, and all those who had the chance to know her,” stated the university.
“Mia’s spirit and legacy will always be intertwined with the University of Washington. Her heart, selflessness, and determination inspired everyone around her. Mia’s bravery, hopefulness, and elegance impacted the entire Husky community. She will continually be a source of motivation for all whose lives she influenced,” the university further commented.
In a message released through the department, Nicole Van Dyke, head coach of Washington Women’s Soccer, referred to Hamant as “the soul of our program," adding that she was “someone who uplifted everyone with her joy, bravery, and kindness.”
“Even during the toughest times, she displayed an unwavering spirit that motivated her teammates and coaches every single day. Mia improved all of us as individuals, and her influence will endure within this program and in every aspect of our lives,” Van Dyke added.
In the same announcement, team physician Ashwin Rao mentioned he had the “honor” of knowing Hamant during her four years at the university as a student athlete.
“I was also lucky to be with her through the entirety of her journey. Throughout this time, Mia confronted her cancer with the same intensity as she played. She wanted to be a beacon of hope for others also battling cancer, as well as a means of raising awareness and reducing stigma,” he stated.
The University of Washington will provide information about a memorial or tribute to celebrate Hamant's life at a future date, according to the statement.
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Hamant revealed she had been diagnosed with “non-sickle cell SMARCB1-deficient renal medullary carcinoma (RMC)” on April 11 in a May Instagram update.
“Everything happens for a purpose,” she shared in the caption of the post, accompanied by an image of herself in a hospital bed surrounded by friends.
“If you had told me a month ago that I would be diagnosed with and battling cancer, I would have laughed, but here we are,” she continued.
The athlete expressed her appreciation for the support she received from her friends and family after her sudden diagnosis, pointing out that “normal life has been paused.”
RMC is identified as “a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops deep within the kidney,” according to the Cleveland Clinic. At present, there is no known cure, although treatments such as chemotherapy may assist patients in extending their lifespan.
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