Alecia Nicholas Expects to Play in 2024 After Cancer Diagnosis

Alecia Nicholas, a first-year starter in goal for North Carolina in 2023, announced in a statement Wednesday that she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in the fall. She said she is on track to be cancer-free in the next few weeks after she finishes treatment in the near future.

 

 

 

 

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Nicholas backstopped a young Tar Heels team to the NCAA quarterfinals last May. After taking over for UNC all-time great Taylor Moreno, Nicholas admirably filled the shoes of her predecessor. The then-sophomore from Ithaca, N.Y., saved 46.6 percent of shots and allowed 8.51 goals per game.

The UNC defense ranked sixth nationally, allowing 8.43 goals per game. Much of her defense returns in front of her in 2024, meaning there could be even more improvement on the horizon.