This story is part of the 2025 AVCA-The Marines Battles Won Award series. This award recognizes volleyball players and coaches who are overcoming obstacles, both on and off the court.
Torrey Tkach, University of Nebraska Omaha
Torrey shares her story:
“In August of 2020, I began having back pain and numbness in my leg. After testing, doctors discovered a tumor—myxopapillary ependymoma—at the end of my spinal cord. The surgeon told me my season was over, and that I wouldn’t be able to play volleyball that year.
“It was devastating for sure, but, at the same time, I was hoping for a good outcome from surgery, and my faith in God gave me that. I was able to fully recover after about four months and was back playing volleyball again.
“And, for almost five years, my scans were clear.
“In December of 2024, only a few days after Christmas, I went for my semiannual scan and could tell by the doctor’s face that something was wrong. A new tumor was located lower in my spinal cord, but thankfully it was small and the surgery was minimally invasive. The surgery was this February, and two weeks later I was told I would have to get radiation treatment to help prevent it from coming back.”
“For six weeks I had to be away from school and my team for treatment at St. Jude’s in Memphis. The side effects were very hard on me and the treatment itself was even harder.
“But I am so grateful for the amount of support I’ve had going through this whole process from my family, friends, old teammates, new teammates, doctors, God, even people like me who have gone through something similar and share a passion for sports. As an athlete, sometimes you tend to endure your struggles alone and not ask for help, but through this process I learned it’s great to have help.”
“When they told me I was officially cancer free, I really started my journey toward getting stronger and better than I was before so I could play again. Thank you to everyone who has been there for me, I couldn’t have done this without you! God is so good!”
Omaha Head Coach Matt Buttermore adds:
“Torrey is tough, and she has a great work ethic. Our team did a good job of working to stay connected with her while she was home going through therapy, and when she felt well enough, she always made time to connect. Torrey wrapped up her therapy in mid-April. While unable to play yet, it was great to see her in a Maverick uniform.
“Over the summer, our medical team put a great plan together to gradually work Torrey back into playing while she was still dealing with the after-effects of radiation. While she’s still managing some of those effects today, she’s been able to play this fall. Her determination and refusal to complain about the situation have been inspirational for our team. She shows up every day and gives 100% of what she has.”
Check out stories of other 2025 Battles Won Award honorees.
