‘Hearts are shattered.’ Mercer volleyball player battling cancer has died

A Mercer University volleyball player known to light up the team’s home arena died of cancer Sunday, according to her loved ones.

Aliyah “Ali” Waldon was known as the “Queen of the court,” Julie Rodgers, Waldon’s mom, said in a GoFundMe.

The 19-year-old was diagnosed with bone cancer Osteosarcoma after finding a 6-inch tumor in her femur and hip area in the beginning of summer, the fundraiser said.

“Our hearts are shattered ...,” Rodgers said. “Ali would not want us to be sad, she was not amongst the Ordinary, she was the funniest, happiest, most loving person I’ve ever known and I was blessed to be her mom!”

Mercer Volleyball shared the news of Waldon’s death in an Instagram post honoring her Sunday.

“Ali was a tremendous teammate, daughter and friend whose smile could light up (Mercer University’s) Hawkins Arena,” the post said. “Ali brought the entire volleyball community together in her fight. She will be sorely missed.”

The sophomore was on the university’s dean’s list and majored in psychology, according to the GoFundMe. She wanted to help children with trauma.

Over 750 people had donated around $101,000 to support medical bills by the time Waldon died, according to the GoFundMe. Money was still being sent in Monday morning.

“Anyone that knows Ali knows she is strong willed and a fighter,” the fundraiser said.

Waldon’s family started the GoFundMe to support at least nine months of medical costs. Rodgers, Waldon’s single mother, was the beneficiary of the GoFundMe, and Gina Mann was listed as an organizer.

The diagnosis strengthened Waldon’s faith in God, according to the GoFundMe.

“Her belief stands strong that HE is guiding her in her desire to fulfill her major to help children dealing with trauma,” the fundraiser said.

A celebration of life for the “Queen of the court” was expected to be announced soon, Rodgers said.

This story was originally published September 29, 2025 at 11:57 AM.