Leif Hansen, father of VAVA 17s OH Taylor Hansen (#20), was diagnosed with Stage IV non small cell lung cancer on February 2, 2022 at the age of 52. Just 13 short months later, Leif finished his fight on March 25, 2023. In the space between, he didn’t miss a match. If Leif wasn’t able to be in person cheering, he was watching the live stream from home or a hospital bed. Just a month before his death, he was courtside at Cap Classic and enjoyed time hanging with Taylor, coaches, players, and parents in the hospitality suite. Our family is deeply grateful for the support of our family, friends, and the amazing VAVA community.

Throughout this cancer journey, Leif led our family in a POSITIVE VIBES ONLY (PVO) mindset that remains our mantra today. It started with a sweatshirt sent to him by his brother, and became a movement! PVO isn’t artificial or pretending things are great when they are not. It is raw. Real. Recognizing what is tricky and choosing actionable, PURPOSEFUL positivity.  Leif showed us you can battle cancer with grit and grace. Humility and humor. And above all, we can all do hard things and choose positivity. Our family strives to find purpose in our path as we continue to both celebrate and grieve an amazing man. We must be intentional and also thoughtful. We get to be sad and happy and everything in between as we also choose to find the bright spots in sometimes dark places. Win or lose, there is light in every play, every match, and every encounter. Thank you VAVA! We are grateful for the love and support of our VAVA Llamas! PVO!

The Hansen Family