Belmont Abbey coach recalls former lacrosse player’s spirit after Stage 4 cancer battle
BELMONT, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Gwendalyn Botson’s short time will likely have a long-lasting effect on Belmont Abbey College’s women’s lacrosse program.
The 19-year-old died on March 2 at the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia, after a two-year battle with Stage 4 Cancer.
Coach Molly Kupp said a few of Gwen’s teammates attended a wake service in the Outer Banks Friday, with Belmont Abbey College President William Theirfelder working to attend the funeral Saturday.
“She was super, vibrant and adventurous,” Kopp said, recalling her former player in an interview.
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Kopp described the young woman with a tomboy demeanor as someone who loved to surf and snowboard. She also described Botson as “an old soul” who was “very calming to be around.” At the same time, the team could see her on-field passion and love for learning at the Catholic school.
The coach described Botson as coming to Belmont from a close-knit, incredible family. Her mom, Victoria, served as a full-time caregiver throughout Botson’s cancer journey.
The desire to succeed
Botson attended Belmont Abbey College from August to November before entering hospice care. In addition to Norfolk, she traveled to Richmond, Virginia, and Durham for treatments in her final years.
The school learned about Botson from her playing days at First Flight High School in Kill Devil Hills. Through her dad, Ross, Botson expressed interest in coming to the Gaston County school with a dream to play lacrosse and learn amid her cancer battle.
Kopp said she followed Botson through her senior season and cancer treatment, even learning about her goal in her first high school game.
While she bravely fought cancer, Kopp and the team helped her through the pain. School leaders, including campus police, worked to make Botson comfortable while she was at the school.
Kopp said while Botson’s cancer was “invisible to the eye,” the student-athlete struggled to live pain-free. The coach said the team saw Botson’s work and commitment to the team as incredible.
Remembering Gwen
The team is also considering how they’ll memorialize Botson during the season. After learning of her death, they lit Chinese lanterns at the school. On Friday, the team let off balloons.
On Saturday, the team will wear navy when traveling to their noon game at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk at Botson’s request. Kupp said Botson didn’t want her teammates to wear black as a tribute.
An additional memorial mass is in the works for April with the hope that Botson’s family can either attend in person or virtually.
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