The Huskies are mourning the loss of one of their brightest stars. The standout goalkeeper, who led the Huskies to the B1G semifinals as a junior, has passed away at just 21. On Thursday, the university announced that she was battling stage 4 kidney cancer. Known for her courage and grace, Mia Hamant‘s fight will forever define her legacy in Husky soccer. Ahead of the Huskies’ game against Wisconsin, both teams came together to honor her memory.

In 2024, she was one of the conference elite, posting a stellar 0.66 goals-against average. That was the third-best in program history. Her passing is a heartbreaking loss for the entire college soccer community. Wisconsin held a moment of silence before kickoff, reflecting the deep respect and sorrow shared across the conference. The Big Ten Network captured that moment. Following that, the Washington Football posted, “Thank you BadgerFootball and UWBadgers for the tribute to Mia Hamant.”

She stepped away from the team in April because of her diagnosis and chemotherapy treatment. But the Washington athletic department was always a constant support to her. On October 25, after the Huskies’ 42-25 win over Illinois, WR Denzel Boston’s words clearly reflected that. “Mia Hamant on our soccer team is going through tough, tough struggles with cancer. We’re just trying to be there to support her,” said Boston. It was two weeks before her death, and she attended that game.

That was her final siren at Husky Stadium; now that sound echoes with emotion. “The University of Washington grieves the heartbreaking loss of Mia Hamant, whose strength, kindness, and spirit touched everyone around her,” stated Pat Chun, the Washington AD. “Mia embodied everything we hope for in a Husky student-athlete — perseverance, grace, and an unwavering commitment to her teammates and community. Her remarkable courage through adversity and the legacy she leaves behind will forever inspire the UW family.”

For her legacy and warrior spirit, recently the conference honored her through the 2025 Sportsmanship Award. Losing this bright light cast a shadow over the entire women’s soccer community. HC Nicole Van Dyke expressed that heartbreak in her statement: “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. Mia made us all better people, and her impact will be felt in this program and in all of our lives forever.”

Perhaps as the season goes on, the university stated in its statement that details of a memorial would come at a later date.

Now, while the kickoff of the Washington vs Wisconsin game started with a heartfelt tribute, the Badgers already got some concerning news.

Wisconsin football takes an unexpected hit

While the Badgers enter the game with a 2-6 record, the Huskies enter with a 6-2 record. Considering that winning this game is crucial for the Badgers. But early in the clash against Washington, Wisconsin QB1 Danny O’Neil went down with what appears to be a serious lower-body injury.

On a dazzling 21-yard scramble, he collapsed awkwardly, clutching his leg. Moments later, O’Neil was carted off the field, head buried under a towel, and it’s a crushing blow for Wisconsin. With Hunter Simmons and Billy Edwards Jr. both previously sidelined, O’Neil’s emergence had given the team new life, and his running ability remained the spark of the Badgers’ offense.

But now, ESPN’s Jesse Temple reported, “Danny O’Neil is out for the rest of the game. Carter Smith show for Wisconsin at quarterback.” While it’s really concerning news for the Badgers, the scene was tough to watch.

With this injury, the young leader’s season is likely ending before his story could fully unfold. Now, while it’s really heartbreaking for the Badgers fans, the Badgers can only hope this latest setback isn’t as devastating as it looked.