Thomas Healy ‘28
Staff Writer
The Spire mourns the loss of Amanda Mack ‘28, who passed away on September 16, 2026. Amanda was recruited by Holy Cross to play volleyball after her Sophomore year season at Eastern Kentucky and was slated to debut for the Crusaders this year.
Prior to transferring to Eastern Kentucky, Amanda signed with the Cincinnati Bearcats out of high school and played a year for the BIG 12 powerhouse. Amanda’s time with the two successful collegiate volleyball programs made her a phenomenal get for Holy Cross, not to mention her numerous accolades.
In high school, Amanda played three years for her hometown Maryville Rebels in Maryville, Tennessee. She was a Two-time District 4 Tennessee Div.1 Class AAA, All-State Team in 2021 and 2022. Multiple all tournament, all county, and a team captain her Junior year, Amanda’s accomplishments weren’t just exemplary, but they were proof of a winner’s mentality. Prior to transferring to IMG for her senior year, Amanda was nominated for USA Today’s High School Sports Player of the Year award. Selections for the award are grounded in season-wide performance, state playoff and championship success, and regional or national recognition. Suffice to say Amanda’s track record earned her a spot as a nominee.
In her new chapter at IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL, a boarding school combining professional level athletic development and academic excellence, Amanda earned the school’s first ever Under Armour All-American in volleyball. She was also selected to play in the 2024 Under Armour Next All-America game, showcasing the nation’s best high school volleyball athletes.
To her teammates and those who knew her, Amanda was a joy to be with. “She had so much enthusiasm and passion, and she worked so hard to achieve incredible things in her life,” said Holy Cross volleyball coach Matthew Cribbin.
Although Amanda never got the chance to put on a Holy Cross jersey, her impact will be felt in the way she inspired others through her determination and resolve. Not only her athletic skill, but her leadership qualities and experience will be missed.
“Her battle was enormous, and she never wavered, always looking forward to being back with her team. We carry her in our hearts and will play to honor her every day,” Cribbin remarked.
Amanda’s family is now facing the unimaginable as they lay their 20 year old daughter to rest. Amanda passed away after being diagnosed for Severe Aplastic Anemia in July, totaling $5 million in medical costs. To help relieve the burden, a GoFundMe has been set up for her family. Please consider donating to alleviate the financial burden.
Taking a glance at Amanda’s social media pages, her smile lights up the screen. It’s one of those contagious smiles that inexplicably makes the days of those around just that little bit better. I did not know Amanda personally, but her story, her smile, and the love surrounding her is impossible to overlook.
Amanda’s life was cut tragically short, but her legacy lives on through her family and friends. Amanda did not “lose” her battle with her condition. Rather, her impact continues to be felt in the lives of the people she touched. In that sense, Amanda is still winning as she did on the volleyball court—the mark she left on others continues to live on.
The College reminds members of its community that a number of campus resources are available to them in this time of grief.
Rest in peace, Amanda.
Featured image courtesy of Holy Cross Athletics
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