UNCW Volleyball Coach Shares Cancer Diagnosis
Head coach Lo Hoyer remains with the team while managing breast cancer treatment.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Volleyball
University of North Carolina Wilmington head volleyball coach Lo Hoyer has publicly shared her breast cancer diagnosis. She continues to lead the team during her treatment.
Why it matters
Sharing her journey helps Hoyer raise awareness about breast cancer while maintaining a sense of normalcy through her coaching responsibilities. Her openness has resonated with players on the team who share personal ties to the disease.
Lilly Sullivan, a member of the UNCW volleyball team, was six years old when her mother received a breast cancer diagnosis in May 2013. The team continues to provide support as Hoyer balances coaching with her medical journey.
The players
Lo Hoyer
She serves as the head volleyball coach at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Lilly Sullivan
She is a member of the UNCW volleyball team who has a personal family connection to breast cancer.
The details
After discovering a lump in January 2025, Hoyer received her diagnosis near the end of the 2025 regular season. She has since undergone surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy while documenting her experience on Instagram.
Timeline
May 2013: Lilly Sullivan's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.
January 2025: Lo Hoyer discovered a lump.
Late 2025: Lo Hoyer received her breast cancer diagnosis.
October 2026: Team members shared their personal breast cancer experiences.
Season Trajectory
This public disclosure highlights the personal challenges impacting the UNCW volleyball program during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The team's support system underscores the tight-knit culture within the program as it navigates the final stretch of the season.
Hoyer continues to fulfill her coaching duties, providing consistency for the volleyball team through the ongoing season. Players and staff remain focused on maintaining team performance during this period of personal adversity.
The takeaway
Maintaining a daily routine can be a powerful tool for those navigating serious health challenges. Open dialogue about medical struggles can create deeper connections within athletic teams and professional organizations.
Further reading
Learn more about the local volleyball program at UNCW.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WWAYTV3.
