Holy Cross Volleyball Player Amanda Mack Has Died
The 20-year-old student-athlete passed away following a brief battle with severe aplastic anemia.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Volleyball
Amanda Mack, a 20-year-old volleyball player who transferred to Holy Cross in May 2026, died on September 16, 2026. She had been diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia earlier this summer.
Why it matters
Her passing follows a rapid health decline caused by a viral infection that triggered immune system failure. The condition severely impacted her bone marrow production, requiring intensive medical intervention.
Upon her initial hospitalization, Mack recorded a hemoglobin level of 4 and a platelet level of 1. These metrics were identified following her July 2026 diagnosis of severe aplastic anemia.
The players
Amanda Mack
She was a 20-year-old collegiate volleyball player who joined the Holy Cross program in May 2026.
Holy Cross
This is the liberal arts institution located in Worcester where Mack was enrolled as a student-athlete.
The details
Mack suffered from an immune system failure after a previous virus caused her body to attack her own bone marrow. Following her diagnosis, she underwent extensive treatment including blood and platelet transfusions alongside immunosuppressive therapy, which she completed on August 14.
Timeline
May 2026: Amanda Mack transferred to Holy Cross.
July 2026: Mack received a diagnosis of severe aplastic anemia.
August 14, 2026: She completed her course of immunosuppressive therapy.
September 16, 2026: Amanda Mack died at the age of 20.
Season Trajectory
This tragedy marks a profound moment for the Holy Cross volleyball program as teammates and staff navigate the loss of a recent transfer. The event significantly alters the team's competitive focus for the remainder of the 2026 season.
The sudden loss of a student-athlete leaves a void in the team's rotation for the current season. Coaches and athletic administrators must now adjust roster depth and team support structures in the immediate aftermath.
The takeaway
Severe aplastic anemia is a rare condition that can progress rapidly due to underlying viral triggers. Early medical intervention remains critical for managing the depletion of vital blood cell counts in affected patients.
Further reading
Find more local sports coverage on our Volleyball page.
