The Mercer Volleyball Team Mourns the Death of Aliyah “Ali” Waldon After Her Battle With Cancer
The Mercer Volleyball team mourns the loss of a beloved teammate who inspired many with her courage.
September 29, 2026
This article was last updated by aditibhatta on September 29, 2026
The Mercer Volleyball community is grieving the loss of sophomore student-athlete Aliyah “Ali” Waldon, who passed away after a courageous battle with bone cancer.
Her team confirmed her passing in an emotional post on social media, remembering her as more than just a teammate.
“Our hearts are extremely heavy tonight as the entire Mercer community mourns the passing of Aliyah ‘Ali’ Waldon,” the program shared on Instagram.
“Ali was a tremendous teammate, daughter and friend whose smile could light up Hawkins Arena. Ali brought the entire volleyball community together in her fight. She will be sorely missed.”
Aliyah, only 19 years old, was not only a standout Division I volleyball player at Mercer University but also a Dean’s List psychology major who dreamed of helping children dealing with trauma.
Her path to greatness came to an abrupt halt when she began experiencing hip pain that revealed a devastating diagnosis: osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer.
Despite undergoing months of chemotherapy, biopsies, and preparing for surgery, Aliyah faced her battle with unwavering strength.
Head coach Chad Sutton and her teammates honored her resilience by wearing shirts that read “fight” with a yellow ribbon in place of the “I.”
Even during treatment, Aliyah returned to Macon to cheer for her teammates, showing her loyalty and spirit in the midst of her fight.
Her mother, Julie Rodgers, shared the heartbreaking news early Sunday morning:
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce that my beautiful Ali passed away at 4:36 this morning. Please keep us in your prayers as we navigate through this difficult time. Ali would not want us to be sad… she was the funniest, happiest, most loving person I’ve ever known and I was blessed to be her mom.”
Her uncle, TJ Waldon, also expressed the family’s devastation:
“It’s with a broken heart and shattered dreams that I inform y’all of my niece Aliyah ‘Ali’ Marie Waldon’s transition to be with our Lord. Aliyah’s spirit will never ever be forgotten. She was a legend in all her endeavors, but volleyball was where her passion showed up like no other.”
Condolences poured in from across the collegiate athletics world.
Western Carolina University’s volleyball program sent their sympathies, writing:
“Catamount Athletics and Catamount Western Carolina Volleyball extend our condolences to the entire Mercer University Athletics and Mercer volleyball family on the loss of Bears’ student-athlete Aliyah ‘Ali’ Waldon. Sending our thoughts and prayers to Ali’s family, friends, and the entire Mercer community.”
Friends and teammates also honored her memory. Peter Kotsovolos, a close family friend, wrote:
“Ali was a true warrior. A fighter. An amazing heart… The world lost an amazing young lady today. God bless you Ali. You are, and always will be, an amazing young lady!”
Aliyah’s life, though cut short, inspired an outpouring of love and support from her teammates, the wider volleyball community, and all who knew her.
She fought bravely, lived with joy, and carried an infectious spirit that brought people together on and off the court.
The Mercer Volleyball team has asked the community to continue keeping her family in their thoughts and prayers as they prepare to celebrate her life.
Aliyah “Ali” Waldon will be remembered as a beloved daughter, teammate, friend, and warrior whose impact stretched far beyond the game she loved.
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