Mia Hamant, a goalkeeper for the Washington women's soccer team who helped the Huskies reach the semifinals of the Big Ten tournament as a junior, has died. She was 21 years old.
Hamant died Thursday of kidney cancer, the university said.
Hamant was one of the Big Ten's top goaltenders in 2024. She posted the third-lowest single-season goals-against average in program history at 0.66. Hamant missed his senior season due to his cancer diagnosis.
“Mia was the heart of our program, someone who lifted everyone around her with her joy, courage and kindness,” women's soccer coach Nicole Van Dyke said in a statement. “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.”
In April, Hamant was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer and stepped away from the team to begin chemotherapy treatment. He received support from the entire Washington athletic department, including Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston, after their 42-25 victory over No. 23 Illinois on Oct. 25.
Hamant attended the game and sounded the siren at Husky Stadium two weeks before his death.
“Mia Hamant, from our soccer team, is going through a tough fight with cancer,” Boston said after the game. “We're just trying to be there to support her.”
We are heartbroken by the passing of Mia Hamant after her brave battle with cancer. Mia inspired everyone around her with her strength and spirit. Our love goes out to her family, teammates and everyone who knew her. His legacy will live on forever at Husky Athletics. 💜🐾 pic.twitter.com/cIwVQL27o3
– Washington Athletics (@UWAthletics) November 7, 2025
The Big Ten honored Hamant with the 2025 Sportsmanship Award earlier this week.
“The University of Washington mourns the heartbreaking loss of Mia Hamant, whose strength, kindness and spirit touched everyone around her,” athletic director Pat Chun said in a statement. “Mia embodied everything we hope for in a Husky student-athlete: perseverance, grace and an unwavering commitment to her teammates and her community. Her remarkable courage through adversity and the legacy she leaves behind will forever inspire the University of Washington family.”
Hamant is survived by his parents.
