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Tragic Loss: Husband of U.S. Women’s Water Polo Star Maddie Musselman Passes Away at 31

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the husband of U.S. women’s water polo star Maddie Musselman, Pat Woepse, has lost his battle with a rare form of lung cancer at the young age of 31. Woepse, a former water polo player at UCLA, was diagnosed with NUT carcinoma in September 2023 but remained determined to see his wife compete in her third Olympics, which she did over the summer in Paris.

The news of Woepse’s passing was shared by Musselman on Instagram, where she expressed her devastation and love for her late husband. She described him as the light of her life, her first love, and the best husband she could have ever asked for. Musselman highlighted Woepse’s courage and strength throughout his battle with cancer, noting that he never complained and fought every day to be with his loved ones.

The couple, who met at a friend’s wedding in 2022 and got married the following year, faced the challenges of Woepse’s diagnosis with unwavering support and love for each other. Despite the difficult circumstances, their bond remained strong, with Musselman balancing her time between being with her husband and training with her team.

Woepse, a key player in UCLA’s back-to-back national title wins in 2014 and 2015, was remembered fondly by his teammates, who visited him in the hospital as they celebrated the 10th anniversary of their victory. Musselman and Team USA, who had previously won Olympic gold in 2020 and 2016, dedicated their performance in Paris to Woepse’s memory.

The loss of Pat Woepse has left the water polo community and fans around the world mourning the passing of a talented athlete and beloved husband. His legacy of strength, courage, and love will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Who was Pat Woepse and what was his diagnosis?

Pat Woepse, a former water polo player at UCLA, was diagnosed with NUT carcinoma in September 2023. This rare form of lung cancer ultimately led to his passing at the age of 31.

How did Maddie Musselman describe her husband’s passing?

In an emotional Instagram post, Maddie Musselman expressed her devastation at the loss of her husband, Pat Woepse. She described him as the light of her life, her first love, and the best husband she could have ever asked for. She shared that he passed away surrounded by family, gaining his angel wings on October 10, 2024.

How did Pat Woepse handle his battle with cancer?

Despite facing a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer, Pat Woepse showed immense courage and determination throughout his battle. He never complained and fought every day to be with his loved ones for as long as possible.

What was Pat Woepse’s background in water polo?

Woepse grew up in Southern California and played water polo at UCLA, where he helped the team secure back-to-back national titles in 2014 and 2015. His teammates visited him in the hospital to show their support during his illness.

How did Maddie Musselman and Pat Woepse’s relationship unfold?

The couple met at a friend’s wedding in 2022 and got married the following year. Tragically, they soon learned that Woepse had only a few months to live due to his cancer diagnosis. Despite the challenges they faced, they shared a deep and loving bond.

How did Maddie Musselman balance her time between her husband and her water polo career?

Throughout her husband’s illness, Maddie Musselman faced the difficult task of balancing her time between being with him and fulfilling her commitments to her water polo team. Despite her desire to be by his side, she shared that his unwavering support encouraged her to continue with her training and competitions.

How did Team USA perform in the Olympics?

Musselman and Team USA had previously won Olympic gold in 2020 and 2016. However, in the most recent Olympics in Paris, the team fell short and lost in the bronze medal game.

By incorporating these subheadings as questions related to the story of Maddie Musselman and Pat Woepse, we can delve deeper into their journey and the challenges they faced. Each section provides a unique perspective on their relationship, struggles, and achievements, allowing the reader to connect more intimately with their story.