This story is part of the USMC/AVCA Battles Won Award series. This new award recognizes volleyball players and coaches who are overcoming obstacles, both on and off the court.
Mahalia White, volleyball player
UC Davis (2017-22) and North Florida (2022-24)
Over her now six years of being a college volleyball player, Mahalia has helped her mom, Patsy White, through her breast cancer battle; has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma herself; torn her ACL; and is now playing her final season at North Florida.
You’ve been through a lot … what happened?
“In 2016 when I was being recruited, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, but she still made it to my college visits. I ended up committing to UC Davis and begin attending there in 2017.”
“In the first few weeks, August to early September, I started feeling pain in my back. The pain kept progressing until the end of the season and then I was finally diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma … the day after my 19th birthday.”
“From January to April of 2018, I had chemotherapy, and I was finally in remission by May 15. Those months I was in and out of the hospital every three weeks for treatment and I lost 30 pounds of muscle and all my hair, and my bones were super fragile. I didn’t get cleared to play or do anything physical until January of 2019.”
“I came back and ended up having a good season that fall, but then COVID happened, and our 2020 season got cancelled. Then, during a practice in February 2021, I landed wrong and tore my ACL. I wasn’t sure what to do, but after I graduated the next spring, I decided to keep playing and came to North Florida.”
When was it most challenging?
“When my mom was dealing with cancer, it was very hard, because she is very strong and never shows her negative emotions. During this time, we didn’t get to see her normally bubbly personality.”
“The next hardest part was when I got diagnosed with cancer. I remember picking up the phone to tell my mom, and when she answered I just remember crying because I couldn’t tell her—especially since it was five months after she was just in remission.”
“It was very hard in the hospital being sick, and especially when I started losing my hair; shaving my head was rough. There were days where I couldn’t get out of bed because I was so tired, so sick and I couldn’t eat.”
How great is it to be healthy again?
“These past two seasons have felt unbelievable! I am finishing up my master’s degree this year, and we are playing some pretty good volleyball in my last season of eligibility. I’ve been completely healthy here at North Florida, and it’s built my confidence as a player and leader.”
“My mom and I are proud cancer survivors, as we are now six- and five-years cancer-free, respectively!”
What or who helped you the most throughout the process?
“My teammates, my coaches, all my friends—especially Paloma Bowman—were always around, so I never felt like I was alone. And, of course, my family, especially my mom. Having someone who had just gone through that process who could relate to me and comfort me during that was really pivotal for my confidence. She really helped me practice gratitude during uncertain times and cherish those good days.”
You won the 2023 Honda Inspiration Award. What was that experience like?
“I think the most rewarding part was being able to celebrate with my family, because they did part of the interview process at our home. Just hearing my family talk about that process was emotional because it showed that it wasn’t just a trial for me, but for all of us. It’s something that we overcame together, and we are a stronger family because of it.”
“Going to the award show was so awesome. It was great meeting some of the coolest athletes—everyone was so positive and supportive of each other—and just hearing people who are inspired by my story at that level really just touched me, too.”
Check out stories of other Battles Won Award nominees
