REST IN PEACE: Mia Hamant, a star goalkeeper for the Huskies, was diagnosed with a stage 4 kidney cancer in April. 💔🙏
SEATTLE — Editor’s note: The interview above was recorded in May 2025.
University of Washington (UW) soccer player Mia Hamant has died after a seven-month battle with a rare kidney cancer, the University confirmed on Thursday. She was 21.
Hamant, a star goalkeeper for the Huskies, was diagnosed with stage 4 SMARCB1-deficient kidney cancer in April. Her diagnosis was only the 14th documented case of its kind.
“Mia was the heart of our program — someone who lifted up everyone around her with her joy, courage, and kindness,” said UW women’s soccer head coach Nicole Van Dyke in a statement. “Even in the most difficult moments, she showed an unshakable spirit that inspired her teammates and coaches every single day. Mia made us all better people, and her impact will be felt in this program and in all of our lives forever.”
Hamant was in her senior year at UW.
KING 5 spoke with Hamant in May. At the time, she was undergoing treatment and had completed her first round of chemotherapy.
She said her biggest moment of the 2024 season was when she made three penalty saves in a shootout victory over No. 17 Iowa at the Big Ten Tournament en route to an NCAA tournament bid.
Pat Chun, director of athletics for UW, remarked on Hamant’s legacy of kindness and bravery.
“The University of Washington grieves the heartbreaking loss of Mia Hamant, whose strength, kindness, and spirit touched everyone around her. Mia embodied everything we hope for in a Husky student-athlete — perseverance, grace, and an unwavering commitment to her teammates and community,” Chun’s statement said. “Her remarkable courage through adversity and the legacy she leaves behind will forever inspire the UW family.”
University officials said details of a memorial or celebration of life will be announced at a later date.