UNC women’s lacrosse junior goalkeeper Alecia Nicholas announced a thyroid cancer diagnosis on Wednesday morning, via a post on the team’s Twitter account. Nicholas said she is on track to be cancer-free “in the next few weeks.”

Nicholas originally received her diagnosis in the fall.

“I am extremely grateful for UNC Health and my doctors who have aided in my care,” Nicholas’ statement read. “They have all worked tirelessly to ensure that I am back to good health and can continue playing the game I love.

“With the season soon approaching, I am now shifting my focus towards the team, our collective goals and what we are going to accomplish together.”

Nicholas started all 21 games in net for the Tar Heels in 2023 and earned several accolades. She was named the ACC’s co-Defensive Player of the Week in February, earned a spot on the All-ACC Academic Team and was a USA Lacrosse Magazine Honorable Mention All-American. Her 8.51 goals-against average ranked first in the ACC and seventh nationally.

UNC’s season begins on February 10 when the No. 3 Tar Heels visit No. 8 James Madison. Nicholas’ announcement gave no indication of whether she will be fit to play. Carolina’s roster includes three other goalies: junior Lucy Catherine Olmert, redshirt junior Stella Harrison and freshman Betty Nelson.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Jeffrey A. Camarati

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