Former Cal lacrosse player Mya Wang was one of two California collegiate student-athletes announced Monday as selections for the CalHOPE Courage Award for September of 2024. The award, presented monthly since February 2022 by the College Sports Communicators in association with the Associated Press, honors student-athletes at California colleges and universities who have overcome the stress, anxiety and mental trauma associated with personal hardships and adversity.

"I am incredibly honored to win the CalHOPE Courage Award," Wang said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story and support those who may be silently struggling. My mental health journey has been far from easy, and I am thankful to my family and friends for guiding me through the unexpected challenges. Their support has allowed me to live a life filled with true love for myself and those around me."

Justin Watterson of the Long Beach State track and field team was recognized along with Wang.

Wang is the fourth Cal student-athlete to be honored by the organization. Previously, twin sisters Anysa and Amaya Gray (women's soccer) were honored with the 2023 CalHOPE Courage Award at the end of the 2022-23 academic year after being a monthly selection in October of 2022, while Brett Johnson (football) was a recipient in December of 2023.

Below is a closer look at Wang's story.
 
Mya's Story (courtesy of CalHOPE Courage Award)
Mya Wang's journey is a testament to resilience and the motivational power of sports in the face of overwhelming adversity. Diagnosed with thyroid cancer just two weeks after her graduation from University High School in Irvine, she faced an emotional and mental battle that proved as challenging as the physical toll of her illness.

The journey began when her grandmother noticed a lump in Mya's neck. Mya went to the doctor for tests, which revealed an abnormality in her thyroid, leading to the diagnosis. What followed was a tumultuous two-year odyssey that included two surgeries and a significant amount of soul-searching. Despite her initial resolve, the weight of her illness took a toll, both mentally and physically. She struggled with the reality of her condition, grappling with feelings of isolation and confusion.

During her freshman year at Cal Mya withdrew from the lacrosse team to focus on healing, both inside and out. During this time, she sought out connections with others who faced similar battles. She found solace in conversations with Mary Griffin, a fellow lacrosse player at Virginia Tech who previously battled pancreatic cancer. This network of support, combined with her own introspection, helped begin her emotional recovery.

Wang's love for lacrosse eventually pulled her back onto the field. Playing for Team Hong Kong at the 2022 World Championships reignited her drive to return to the Cal lacrosse team her sophomore year. However, just as she was regaining her stride, Wang was hit with the devastating news that some of the cancer remained. The second diagnosis was emotionally shattering, yet her response was one of determination. She underwent a second surgery with the singular goal of returning to the lacrosse field as soon as possible.

Her comeback was nothing short of remarkable. In her first game back in 2023 versus Lindenwood, she scored five goals. She ended the year with 20 goals and a team-leading 13 assists in 18 games. Last season, she was even better, scoring a team-leading 28 goals and 31 points in 15 games.

Her journey is not just about overcoming illness, but about finding strength in vulnerability, using her love for lacrosse as a beacon of hope, and becoming a source of inspiration for others. Her journey continues as she navigates life with a deepened sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to both her sport and her community.

"Facing cancer was like walking through a storm I never saw coming," Wang said. "It wasn't just about surviving physically; it was about finding the strength to face the emotional chaos that followed. I had to learn that healing isn't just about scars fading – it's about accepting the pain, seeing my growth and new purpose, and using my story to help others feel less alone."
 
About CalHOPE and the CalHOPE Courage Award
CalHOPE is a multi-level campaign run by DHCS to connect people with vital mental health and wellness resources and information to help them navigate during times of crisis. CalHOPE offers critical behavioral health crisis counseling programs and uses a public health approach that is focused on strength-based strategies of building resiliency and connecting people to the support they need. CalHOPE partners with the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being to promote the CalHOPE Courage Award. CalHOPE resources may be accessed by calling the program's warm line at (833) 317-HOPE (4673), accessing the live chat feature, or visiting www.calhope.org.

The monthly CalHOPE Courage Award is presented by the College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA), in association with The Associated Press; CalHOPE, a Department of Health Care Services' (DHCS) crisis counseling and support resource; and the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being.