Former Eastern Kentucky University volleyball player, Amanda Mack, died Wednesday from a rare blood disorder at age 20.
EKU Volleyball shared news of her death Thursday on social media.
“We mourn her loss, but will forever cherish our memories together,” the post said. “The entire EKU community sends our thoughts and prayers to her family, friends and all of her teammates through the years.”
Mack shared her diagnosis of severe aplastic anemia nine weeks ago on Instagram, where she documented her battle with the disease.
"A few weeks ago I woke up not feeling well,” Mack wrote on Instagram. “A bad headache where I could hear my heartbeat pounding in my head. I ended up passing out and went to the hospital. My hemoglobin was at 4 and my platelets were at 1. I was in critical condition. Somehow my body had depleted my blood supply and ability to clot. I was admitted to the hospital and loaded full of blood and platelet transfusions."
Mack shared a progress update Aug. 14 saying she had finished immunosuppressive therapy and was looking forward to her bone marrow regenerating and returning home to begin physical therapy.
“It is with incredible sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful daughter Amanda Elizabeth Mack on 9/16/26 at 9:16 pm,” a post on her account said Thursday. “Amanda was a bright light in this world and will be forever loved and missed!”
Mack, a Florida native, attended IMG Academy and was the school’s first Under Armour All-American. She attended the University of Cincinnati before transferring to EKU for her sophomore year. Mack averaged 2.08 kills per set at EKU and recorded a season-high 16 kills against Cincinnati. She transferred to Holy Cross for her junior year and signed with the program in July.
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