Demond Williams Jr. is setting a wrong right after untimely transfer post

Demond Williams Jr.’s decision to enter the transfer portal last week was more than enough to upset Husky fans. However, criticism immediately swelled due to the timing of Williams Jr.’s announcement, which went out over social media while his friends, teammates, and classmates were attending Mia Hamant’s celebration of life.

Williams Jr. announced a return to Washington two days later. The written announcement also included an apology for his timing two days earlier:

Many fans weren’t satisfied, and demanded Williams Jr. issue a direct apology to Hamant’s friends and family. Now, six days after Williams Jr.’s return, the 19-year old quarterback appears poised to do just that.

Jedd Fisch says Demond Williams Jr. will meet with women’s soccer team this week

Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch answered a lot of questions during his first press conference of the offseason on Wednesday, but not before he made a statement of his own.

“I want to start with this: There was no intention to distract from Mia Hamant’s celebration of life,” Fisch said. “As Demond mentioned in his statement, he sincerely apologized for the timing that coincided with such an important occasion, and never wanted to be a distraction.”

Fisch said that he had been in communication with Hamant’s parents, as well as women’s soccer head coach Nicole Van Dyke. He also announced that Williams Jr. will meet with the women’s soccer team in the coming days:

“I spoke with Coach Van Dyke, I spoke with Mia’s mom and dad. Demond will speak with the soccer team this week, and certainly we all apologize for that unfortunate event.”

Williams Jr.’s participation in a discussion with the women’s soccer team, which will almost certainly be private, marks a positive step towards repairing his relationship with the University of Washington and its fans. Williams Jr. hasn’t spoken to the press publicly since the drama surrounding him ensued, but he’ll have less to answer for now that he’s attempting to make amends with those close to Hamant.

Remembering Mia Hamant

Hamant, who had been a dominant force as goalkeeper for Washington’s women’s soccer team in 2024, stepped away from team activities after being diagnosed with kidney cancer in April 2025. Hamant began chemotherapy immediately, but she passed away on Nov. 6 at just 21 years old.

“Mia was the heart of our program — someone who lifted up everyone around her with her joy, courage, and kindness,” Van Dyke said after Hamant’s passing. “Even in the most difficult moments, she showed an unshakable spirit that inspired her teammates and coaches every single day. Mia made us all better people, and her impact will be felt in this program and in all of our lives forever.”

Hamant’s immeasurable dedication to University of Washington athletics, which was already evident given her fantastic play in front of goal, was made even more apparent on Oct. 25. Just 12 days before Hamant’s death, she made a public appearance to sound Husky Stadium’s iconic siren, bringing Williams Jr. and the Dawgs onto the field ahead of their 42-25 victory over No. 23 Illinois: