Amanda Knapp
Lauren Hill, born on October 1, 1995, was an American college basketball player who played for Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati. She gained national attention for her determination to play basketball despite battling terminal brain cancer during her freshman year. Sadly, she passed away at the age of 19 on April 10, 2015, but her legacy continues to inspire people both on and off the court.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lauren Hill |
| Date of Birth | October 1, 1995 |
| Date of Death | April 10, 2015 |
| Age at Death | 19 |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma Mater | Mount St. Joseph University, Cincinnati |
| Sport | Basketball |
| Position | Forward |
| Jersey Number | 22 |
| Awards | Pat Summitt Courage Award, Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree, "For the Love of the Game" award, Inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame |
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What You'll Learn
Lauren Hill's age when she passed away
Lauren Hill, the American college basketball player, was only 19 years old when she passed away on April 10, 2015. Hill was born on October 1, 1995, and was a freshman at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati when she died.
During her time at the university, Hill battled terminal brain cancer. Despite her illness, she gained national attention for her determination to continue playing basketball. In recognition of her courage and inspirational fight, the university retired her number 22.
Hill's battle with cancer became public when the NCAA agreed to move up their game against Hiram College to November 2, 2014, so that Hill could play. The game was originally scheduled for November 15, but due to Hill's prognosis, it was moved forward so she could achieve her dream of playing in a college basketball game. The location was also changed to Mount St. Joseph's Harrington Center to prevent Hill from having to travel over 300 miles.
Even after she was no longer able to play, Hill stayed with the team as an honorary coach. Her impact extended beyond the basketball court, as she founded a nonprofit organization that has raised over $1.5 million for cancer research. Hill's legacy continues to inspire, with Mount St. Joseph and Xavier University hosting the annual Lauren Hill Tipoff Classic, with proceeds going towards cancer research.
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Her college basketball career
Lauren Hill was a determined and courageous young woman who captured the hearts of many people across the nation. Her story is an inspiring one, and her legacy continues to make an impact. At the time of her diagnosis, Hill was an aspiring college basketball player, having committed to play for Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Despite the progression of her disease, she remained dedicated to her team and her dream of playing college basketball.
Her story gained national attention, and many people were touched by her unwavering positivity and determination. As her health permitted, she continued to attend practices and games, offering support and encouragement to her teammates. On November 2nd, 2014, Lauren realized her dream of playing in a college basketball game. The game was moved up by two weeks due to her declining health, and it was an emotional and powerful event. The support and love poured out for Lauren, with a sold-out crowd and many well-wishers in attendance, including basketball greats like Skylar Diggins and Elena Delle Donne.
Lauren started the game and successfully scored the first basket, a layup, after which she was immediately substituted, with the crowd giving her a standing ovation. Her team, the Mount St. Joseph Lions, went on to win the game. Lauren's impact extended far beyond the basketball court. She used her platform to raise awareness and funds for research into the disease that had affected her life so profoundly. Her efforts resulted in an incredible $1.4 million being donated to the Cure Starts Now Foundation.
Lauren Hill's determination to play and her inspiring message touched the basketball community and beyond. She was honored with the Pat Summit Courage Award by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association. Despite her illness, Lauren continued to attend practices and games, offering support and words of encouragement to her teammates. Her strength and positive attitude in the face of adversity inspired not only her teammates but also the entire basketball community and those following her story.
Lauren Hill's college basketball career may have been brief, but it left an indelible mark on the sport and those who witnessed her courage and grace. She played in four games for the Mount St. Joseph Lions during the 2014–2015 season before passing away from the effects of the disease in April 2015. Her jersey, number 22, was retired by the university in her honor, forever commemorating her bravery and the hope she inspired in others.
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Her battle with brain cancer
Lauren Hill was an American college basketball player who was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a rare and terminal form of brain cancer. She gained national attention for her courageous battle with the disease, which became public when the NCAA agreed to accommodate her wish to play in a basketball game for Mount St. Joseph University, despite her illness.
Hill's battle with brain cancer began in high school when she started experiencing dizziness while playing for her high school team in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Tests revealed the presence of an inoperable brain tumor, later diagnosed as DIPG. Despite the grim prognosis, Hill remained determined to live her life to the fullest and continue playing basketball. She chose to speak out about her diagnosis, becoming an advocate for brain cancer research and raising awareness for DIPG specifically.
Hill's strength and resilience inspired many, including athletes such as LeBron James, Candace Parker, and Elena Delle Donne. She became a symbol of courage, and her story resonated globally. Despite the progression of her illness, Hill achieved her dream of playing in a college basketball game on November 2, 2014, in front of a sold-out arena with thousands of fans chanting her name. The NCAA had moved the game up by two weeks and changed the location to accommodate Hill, recognizing the importance of her wish to play.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Hill's impact extended beyond the basketball court. She founded a nonprofit organization that has raised over $1.5 million for cancer research. Her dedication to increasing awareness and funding for brain cancer research left a lasting legacy, with her foundation continuing to donate millions to medical research even after her death. Hill's bravery and determination earned her numerous awards and honors, including the "'For the Love of the Game' award from the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame" and an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree from Mount St. Joseph University.
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Her legacy and awards
Lauren Hill was an American college basketball player who played for Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati. Hill was born on October 1, 1995, and passed away on April 10, 2015, at the age of 19. During her freshman year, she was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Despite this, she went on to play four games and make five layups.
Hill's bravery and determination in the face of adversity earned her numerous awards and honours. In November 2014, Mount St. Joseph University retired her number 22 in recognition of her inspirational fight to continue playing despite her illness. In the same year, she was named runner-up for the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year, coming second to Mo'ne Davis in the voting.
In 2015, Hill received several posthumous awards and honours. On February 6, 2015, she was bestowed with an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree by her alma mater, Mount St. Joseph University. On March 4, 2015, she was named to the All-Conference First Team in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference, recognising her courage and leadership. On April 5, 2015, she was posthumously awarded the Pat Summitt Courage Award. In June of that year, a brick inscribed with her name and the word "Hero" was placed in the courtyard of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. In July, Hill received the "'Best Moment' Award" at the ESPY Awards, accepted by her parents, Brent and Lisa Hill.
In the years following her passing, Hill continued to be honoured for her courage and impact on the sport. On June 11, 2016, she received the inaugural "For the Love of the Game" award from the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, which was accepted on her behalf by her college coach, Dan Benjamin. In May 2019, Hill was posthumously inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying her legacy in the sport.
Hill's battle with cancer not only inspired those around her but also helped raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Her non-profit foundation has raised over $1.5 million to support this cause. Hill's determination to pursue her dreams and passion, even in the face of immense challenges, serves as a lasting inspiration to athletes and individuals worldwide.
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Her early life and family
Lauren Hill was born on October 1, 1995, in Greendale, Indiana. She died at the age of 19 on April 10, 2015, at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. She was an American college basketball player who gained national attention while battling terminal brain cancer during her freshman year at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati.
Lauren Hill was an inspiration to many people, even NBA great LeBron James, who called her the "true definition of strength, courage, power, and leadership". She was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor just before starting college. Doctors told her she had less than two years to live, but she kept living life to the fullest. She went to school, raised money for cancer research, and continued to play basketball. She even created a foundation to raise funds for cancer research, which has raised over $1.5 million.
Soccer was her favorite sport, but basketball became her selling point. She decided to play basketball at Mount St. Joseph, a Division III school. Her battle with cancer became public when the NCAA agreed to allow Mount St. Joseph to play Hiram College on November 2, 2014, so that Hill could play before her condition worsened. The location of the game was also moved from Hiram's Price Gymnasium to Mount St. Joseph's Harrington Center to prevent Hill from having to travel over 300 miles.
On November 2, 2014, Hill made the first basket of the NCAA season. She had to shoot with her non-dominant hand due to the tumor affecting her right side. She made a left-handed layup just 17 seconds into the game and returned for a right-handed layup for the final basket. After the game, her condition worsened, and she became sensitive to light, sound, and movement. She needed a wheelchair at times.
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Frequently asked questions
Lauren Hill was 19 when she passed away on April 10, 2015.
Lauren Hill was 18 when she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
Lauren Hill was 19 when she played her first NCAA college basketball game on November 2, 2014.
Lauren Hill was 19 when she received her first awards. She was posthumously given an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree and the Pat Summitt Courage Award.
