College basketball player Lauren Hill died at age 19 on Friday.

The 19-year-old played through a brain tumor

, inspiring many with her never-give-up attitude. Hill encouraged kids with brain cancer to follow her footsteps and fight the illness with everything they’ve got.

The athlete was diagnosed in 2013 and kept her tumor at bay for much longer than doctors expected. Despite her passing, Hill’s legacy endures as the nation remembers what a hero she was, and continues to be for cancer victims.

“Lauren achieved a lasting and meaningful legacy, and her beautiful spirit will continue to live on,” said NCAA president Mark Emmert in a statement. “Our hearts go out to her family, friends, teammates and coaches. NCAA president Mark Emmert.”

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