The University of Washington women’s soccer program is mourning a profound loss. Goalkeeper Mia Hamant passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the age of 21. Her death was caused by a rare form of Stage 4 kidney cancer.
Hamant was a standout athlete for the Washington Huskies. She helped lead the team to the Big Ten tournament semifinals during her junior year. Her outstanding 2024 season included recording the third-lowest goals-against average in program history.
Head Coach Nicole Van Dyke described Hamant as “the soul of our program.” She added that Mia “lifted everyone around her with her joy, bravery, and kindness.” Her unyielding spirit inspired teammates and coaches daily.
Pat Chun, the Director of Athletics, expressed similar sentiments. He noted that Mia “personified everything we hope for in a Husky student-athlete.” Her perseverance, grit, and unwavering commitment to her team and community were remarkable.
Team physician Dr. Ashwin Rao worked closely with Hamant. He stated that Mia “fought her cancer with the same ferocity with which she played.” She wished to be an inspiration to others battling cancer and a source of awareness.
Hamant’s cancer was identified as SMARCB1-deficient kidney cancer, also known as renal medullary carcinoma. This specific type is exceedingly rare. She was only the 14th documented case of this disease.
University of Washington Associate Professor Scott Tykodi explained the aggressive nature of such cancers in young people. He noted that rare subtypes of kidney cancer often appear in patients in their late teens, twenties, or early thirties. These types respond poorly to current therapies.
Dr. Tykodi called it a “tragedy” that these rare cancers, prevalent in young patients, seldom respond well to available treatments. Stage 4 kidney cancer typically indicates the disease has spread to other body parts, according to the Mayo Clinic.
He underscored the unusual aspect of young patients being diagnosed with kidney cancer. “It always hurts more to see such a young person fight a terrible disease that presents no curative options,” Tykodi said.