Fresh off its first-ever ACC win and an appearance in the national rankings, the Clemson women’s lacrosse team delivered some sobering news Tuesday.
Head coach Allison Kwolek has breast cancer.
In a video posted on social media and the team’s website, Kwolek said she was diagnosed Feb. 24, the day before the Tigers’ ACC opener against Notre Dame.
“It was shocking and scary, but I have found comfort in my doctors’ positive outlook and the treatment plan that’s in place,” she said.
Kwolek, the former Richmond head coach who was hired two years ago to build the Clemson program from the ground up, added that she would begin treatment immediately.
“I’ll need to step away for a few games but look forward to returning this season,” she said.
The Tigers are off to a 7-2 start in their inaugural season. They defeated Duke 11-10 on Saturday and are ranked No. 14 in this week’s Nike/USA Lacrosse Division I Women’s Top 20. They host No. 4 Boston College on Thursday.
Kwolek penned a personal letter on the team’s website Tuesday, signed also by her husband, Mark, and daughter, Olivia. That letter appears below.