Student-athletes are asked to juggle a lot as part of their daily schedules. From books to practice, travel to exams, 18 to 22-year old young adults are constantly trying to excel at their sport while living the college experience which is unique to every person.
 
Then there's the story of Rylie Hallman who is one of the rarer cases of having to manage something that would undoubtedly be a lot to ask of anyone of any age: a family illness that would challenge anyone.
 
Rylie's mother, Alma Porras has courageously battled and continues to fight through a cancer diagnosis that has been present for six years. And though there is uncertainty in the road ahead, Ms. Porras has stated that she would rather take on this fight than see it manifest in any of her family. 
 
"My biggest thing is and I've been saying it since I found out I had cancer in 2020 I'm glad it's me that's going through this versus anyone else in my family. I would rather go through the ups and downs, the pain and suffering than allow it to physically touch my family. I know it touches them in the emotional sense but I will fight this battle for them."
 
To start to fully understand the relationship Rylie and her mom share, it goes back to the days when Ms. Porras had another title of Hallman's coach.
 
"I coached her when she was a kid and seeing her grow and seeing the potential she had to play at a higher level, I'm so glad she's able to play on that court and live that dream of hers. Rylie is funny, loyal and she is 100 percent the baby of the family and she owns that."
 
In what is a part of a young adult's life that is filled with the excitement of obtaining a degree and the uncertainty of the proverbial next step, for Hallman there is even more on her shoulders as her mom continues to face the uncertainty of each day with unwavering determination. That's what this family is about, but the weight of hardship would wear on any person.
 
Hallman finds a way though. While her mom is battling physically, Rylie and her family are constantly there for her and each other. Every day through incredible strength and a support system that in her own words is super supportive, Hallman manages, while her mother is constantly fighting nearly 1,000 miles away.
 
Fast forward to the present and one of the proudest moments of a student-athlete's career, which is Senior Night. It's usually a chance to celebrate with family at the culmination of many years in a sport that person has given their heart to every day. For Hallman and her five senior teammates, that day will be on November 5.
 
However, for Hallman, her mother is unable to attend.
 
Though Ms. Porras is unable to be there physically, Hallman knows her mom is always with her in spirit.
 
"Just knowing I'm doing this for my mom and I know she wants me to accomplish everything even if she's not here in person." 
 
The Liberal, Kansas native came to the Lakefront after two seasons at Pratt Community College. Her on-court accolades include winning Female Athlete of the Year at her high school and Athlete of the Year at JUCO before coming to the Privateers.
 
Hallman's coach, Ashley Preston, praises Rylie for much more than just her skills on the court.
 
"I wish I had the resilient trait she does because I cannot imagine how it feels and for her to be able to still show up is so commendable and I have the utmost respect for her."
 
In her journey here, Coach Preston talked about how fun Rylie is to have around, how much she loves the game and how she'll never stand in Rylie's way because of sick crossover.
 
Preston continues to make it a mission of hers to empower young women to be the authors of their own story. Rylie expressed her gratitude for how Coach Preston has continued to be as supportive as possible.
 
"She's really sweet and very supportive," said Hallman about her relationship with Coach Preston. "When I'm having a hard day she makes sure I know she is there for me and I can talk to her about what's going on. She tells me how strong I am and that nobody else would be able to do what you do in her situation."
 
Hallman's story, while still developing, is one of courage through something most people her age would never have to give a second thought about.
 
When asked about her daughter, Ms. Porras proudly stated, "Rylie's the baby and she's my goofy child. It doesn't matter what kind of day I'm having, what I look like or what I'm doing. She is going to take a picture of me no matter what. She is best friends with all of her siblings in different ways."
 
To give a glimpse into Rylie's persona, she started a snapchat streak with her mother at the beginning of the year and that streak is still going as strong as ever. It's a gesture that amplifies the inseparable bond a mother and a child share.
 
For Hallman, she holds on to the memories and the moments she has shared through the years while taking full advantage of creating as many new moments as possible in the present. For Ms. Porras, as Rylie is graduating soon, she has this message for the next phase of her life:
 
"I'm so proud of how hard she's worked and how far she's come. Whatever she chooses to do, I hope that she goes into it's the same and you give it your all and put your best foot forward. Everything she's learned through volleyball will get her to her next phase in life. Everything we do in life is our next game. I will always be in her corner and I'm her biggest fan."
 
The story of Rylie and her mom is one of incredible strength, enduring love and hope in the face of hardship. Though the days are hard, the resolve is what continues to shine.
 
There are many beautiful quotes about a mother's love, but perhaps Emily Dickinson said it best. "A mother is one to whom you hurry when you are troubled."

ABOUT LSU NEW ORLEANS
In July of 2026 the University of New Orleans rejoined the LSU system and rebranded to "LSU New Orleans" bringing together two powerful brands - the purple and gold of LSU with the unbreakable spirit of New Orleans. The transition marks a return to the LSU family for the University - a place it called home from 1958-2011. Athletic teams will remain the Privateers and continue to compete in the Southland Conference.
 
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