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

Seattle, Washington – Mia Hamant, a beloved goalkeeper for the University of Washington's women's soccer team, passed away at the age of 21 on Thursday, November 6, following a courageous battle with Stage 4 SMARCB1-deficient kidney cancer. The university's athletics department announced her death, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from the Husky community and beyond. Hamant's fight against the rare and aggressive disease, diagnosed in April, had inspired many.

The University of Washington Athletics Department expressed their profound sorrow, stating in a tweet, "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." This sentiment was echoed by university officials and teammates.

Hamant, a native of Corte Madera, California, was a standout player for the Huskies, particularly during her junior season in 2024. She helped lead the team to the semifinals of the Big Ten tournament and achieved the third-lowest single-season goals against average in program history at 0.66. Her diagnosis in April led her to step away from playing, but she remained a fixture on the sidelines, supporting her team.

Women's soccer head coach Nicole Van Dyke praised Hamant's impact, saying, "Mia was the heart of our program — someone who lifted up everyone around her with her joy, courage, and kindness. Even in the most difficult moments, she showed an unshakable spirit that inspired her teammates and coaches every single day." Athletic Director Pat Chun added that Hamant "embodied everything we hope for in a Husky student-athlete — perseverance, grace, and an unwavering commitment to her teammates and community."

Her battle with SMARCB1-deficient kidney cancer, a form so rare that only 14 documented cases were known worldwide, highlighted her immense bravery. Despite her illness, Hamant was honored with the 2025 Big Ten Sportsmanship Award earlier this week, recognizing her inspiring presence. The university plans to share details regarding a memorial or celebration of life in due course.