DENVER – University of Denver volleyball head coach Tom Hogan will be taking time away from the program for treatment following his testicular cancer diagnosis this summer, Vice Chancellor for Ritchie Center Operations Josh Berlo announced on Thursday. During his treatment and recovery, assistant coach Jim Stone has been named the program's interim head coach.
"On behalf of the entire athletic department, we will keep Tom and his family in our thoughts as he navigates these health challenges," Berlo said. "We know that Tom has a strong support system including the student-athletes and staff in this building, and he will come out of this stronger. We trust Jim, Andrea, the rest of the staff and the team captains to be able to lead this program in Tom's absence. As an entire athletic department community, we will rally around the student-athletes to support them during what should be a very exciting Denver Volleyball season."
Berlo caught up with Hogan via the Q+A below ahead of Thursday night's home opener inside Hamilton Gymnasium (6 p.m. MT/Pioneer Vision).
BERLO: Tom, our fans may notice that you will not be on the court for DU's first few home games this year. What would you like the DU faithful to know about your current situation?
HOGAN: Thanks, Josh. Unfortunately, I'm dealing with health issues right now that will take me away from some games this season. This summer I noticed something was not feeling right and went to my doctor to get it checked out. I was diagnosed with testicular cancer and had surgery to remove the tumor, and I'm now undergoing chemotherapy. It has been a scary and overwhelming experience at times, but I've felt incredibly blessed to have such an amazing support system lifting me up through it all. I have a long road ahead, but I'm focused on taking things one day at a time.
BERLO: I sincerely appreciate your sharing your story and the courage it shows. As you know, my wife is a cancer survivor, so I have a small window into what you are facing. How have you and your family handled the stress of the diagnosis and treatment?
HOGAN: The news was quite shocking, but my family and friends have been nothing short of amazing. It is humbling when you face a situation like this and then receive the support and encouragement I have felt over the past few weeks from family, friends, staff and colleagues, including the amazing players and staff on this team as well as DU alums.
I'm on day four of what will be a 12-week chemo treatment, and I'm doing OK. The fatigue from the chemo drugs is very real, but my body is doing well, considering. When I'm receiving treatment, I'm at the medical facility for six hours. I cannot remember a time in my life when I've had to sit still for six hours at a time (let alone during our competitive season), so that has been a challenge in itself.
BERLO: How difficult has it been to be away from your team? When was the last time you were not coaching in September?
HOGAN: I'd say it's been more than 20 years! Stepping away from the team, especially during this time of the year, has been incredibly challenging. This is my 11th season with DU, and I feel very attached to the program and all of the people who make it such a special team. I was grateful to get to spend the first couple of weeks of the season with the team to help them get off and running, but it was extremely difficult for me to step away after our first matches last weekend.
Despite my health challenges throwing a curve ball into the season, I have so much faith in this team and so much admiration for all of the players and staff. The players are in good hands with Andrea, Jim and our incredible support staff, who have stepped up in such an immense way since hearing my unexpected news. The talent on this roster is off the charts. And just as important, it's filled with incredible people who are passionate about each other and what they represent – true "team first" personalities. My ask for our DU community is to rally around this amazing group of people and help lift them up this season. Despite my need to step away and having so many new players and coaches, I have no doubt this could be a remarkably special season. And hopefully when my treatment is finished, I'll be able to rejoin the team towards the end of the season.
BERLO: Thank you for sharing your personal journey thus far and bringing awareness to men's health issues. We wish you continued success with the treatments and look forward to your return to the court as soon as you are ready.
HOGAN: Thank you! I'm just one of so many cancer patients, all who are fighting hard to beat cancer and come out healthy. We are united in this battle, and I have so much respect for everyone on this journey – patients, survivors, their families and supporters, and the inspiring medical professionals who devote their lives to our care.
I want to thank everyone at DU for supporting me during this journey and for supporting the DU Women's Volleyball Program during this unique season. And stay tuned – I know they're going to do great things this year!
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