Sporting world mourns death of college basketball player Lauren Hill

Lauren Hill's emotional story captivated the national as she fought her disease to realize her dream of playing college basketball, scoring the first basket of Mt. St. Joseph's season opener against Hiram college in front of over 10,000 fans at Cincinnati's Cintas Center.

Mount St. Joseph's basketball player Lauren Hill died at age 19 on Friday after an extended battle with brain cancer.

Hill's emotional story captivated the nation as she fought her disease to realize her dream of playing college basketball, scoring the first basket of Mt. St. Joseph's season opener against Hiram College in front of over 10,000 fans at Cincinnati's Cintas Center.

The sports world is reacting to her death on Twitter and Instagram, showing that Hill provided a near-universal inspiration to those who heard her story.

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A post shared by Devon Still (@devonstill)

Dear Lauren Hill,
You are the true definition of strength, courage, power, leadership, etc etc! Your time spent on earth will never be...

— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 10, 2015

forgotten. I have that I never got the chance to meet u in person but know you inspired me the whole time! For every life u touched, u...

— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 10, 2015

made the biggest impact of them by just being YOU!! You're in a far better place now and please don't have to much fun up there w/o all...

— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 10, 2015

your family and friends. Can u please tell my Grandma I said hello. Don't be afraid, she knows you cause we spoke about u plenty of times..

— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 10, 2015

Until we officially meet again, take care and continue to be that LEADER we all love! #RIPLaurenHill

Sincerely,
LeBron James

— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 10, 2015

Please take time today to read about Lauren Hill’s life and her unforgettable college debut: http://t.co/fVZJeMscuB pic.twitter.com/c6qdrY9Zlw

— NCAA (@NCAA) April 10, 2015

As someone whose daughter had brain cancer, I appreciate the many people who cared for #LaurenHill and created special experiences for her

— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) April 10, 2015

#LaurenHill was a true inspiration and incredible young lady. She will always be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.

— Fred Jackson (@Fred22Jackson) April 10, 2015

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lauren Hill. Her courage will never be forgotten. http://t.co/vj8xg7C480 pic.twitter.com/KQjvDQd2uj

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) April 10, 2015

RIP to the courageous Lauren Hill. Thank you for being an inspiration.

— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) April 10, 2015

RIP Lauren Hill, a kickass inspiration for humans everywhere. Remember her when life seems too difficult. pic.twitter.com/73uAGXBPIK

— Katie Nolan (probably) (@katienolan) April 10, 2015

The sports world lost one of its most courageous athletes. Our thoughts are with the family, friends & teammates of Lauren Hill.

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) April 10, 2015

Woke up to see Lauren Hill passed away... Unbelievable story of unmatched courage and fight! You will never be forgotten Lauren! #Praying

— Justin Jackson (@JJacks_44) April 10, 2015

R.I.P. 2 Lauren Hill... She was a true inspiration not only 2 bball players but all people! She impacted the lives of millions w/ her dream.

— Anthony Tolliver (@ATolliver44) April 10, 2015

God bless Lauren Hill. Thank you for showing us how to live fully, die gracefully and fight courageously. Amazing woman

— Dana O'Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) April 10, 2015

Lauren Hill inspired a nation.
Fred Jackson included. He was there as she fulfilled her dream: http://t.co/epPiVYLepE pic.twitter.com/JwrDt1pKSg

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) April 10, 2015

Heaven has a new angel. #rip #LaurenHill. Your light will shine forever @WCPO pic.twitter.com/lNyzm2P72E

— Tanya O'Rourke (@TanyaORourke) April 10, 2015

TMC FB's thoughts & prayers are with the Lauren Hill family today. #22's mission for a Cure continues, her message will never be forgotten.

— Thomas More Football (@TMU_Football) April 10, 2015

Rest in Peace Lauren Hill. Courage beyond words. An inspiration to many!

— Chris Mack (@CoachChrisMack) April 10, 2015

Rest in Peace, Lauren https://t.co/WNvAksz5Gw

— Anthony Morrow (@MrAnthonyMorrow) April 10, 2015

Not one of us should complain today or not take advantage of our opportunity to live fully today... https://t.co/1y00PoU1mH

— Jim Schlossnagle (@CoachSchloss) April 10, 2015

R.I.P Lauren Hill🙏🙏🙏🙏.

— ReggieEvans30 (@ReggieEvans30) April 10, 2015

Hill's hope was to use her story's visibility to raise $2.2 million for pediatric brain cancer research, and her campaign has already raised $1.5 million of that goal.