The University of California, Berkeley community is mourning the loss of Hawa Wague, a beloved former member of the Golden Bears Track & Field team and a dedicated healthcare professional who passed away in a car accident.

In a statement released by Cal Athletics, Director of Track & Field/Cross Country Robyne Johnson expressed deep sorrow over Wague’s passing.

“I’m heartbroken,” Johnson said. “Hawa was such a bright light and had a beautiful personality, and I always looked forward to seeing her. She will be deeply missed.”

Wague competed for the Golden Bears from 2021 to 2022, where she made an immediate impact as a standout high jumper. She concluded her collegiate athletic career with a silver medal in the high jump at the 2022 Pac-12 Championships, marking a remarkable highlight in her time with the team.
A Scholar and Caregiver

Beyond athletics, Hawa was a driven academic and compassionate caregiver. She earned her degree in Molecular & Cell Biology from UC Berkeley, building a strong foundation in science and clinical care.

Following graduation, she pursued a career in healthcare, serving as a Nurses’ Aide at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. In that role, she provided hands-on care to pediatric patients in a high-acuity medical-surgical unit—monitoring vital signs, processing specimens, and collaborating with nursing and interdisciplinary teams to deliver safe and effective care.

Wague’s professional journey also reflected her technical skill and leadership in clinical operations. She contributed to Epic Ambulatory configuration and optimization projects, helping streamline workflows, improve electronic medical record accuracy, and enhance provider training and usability. Her work touched multiple systems, including Cerner, ClinDoc, Cadence, and PracticeSuite, demonstrating her versatility and dedication to advancing healthcare technology and patient outcomes.

Remembering Her Legacy

Friends, teammates, and colleagues remember Wague as a radiant presence — a person whose energy, intellect, and compassion uplifted everyone around her.

“She was a teammate who inspired others not just with her athleticism, but with her kindness and drive,” one former teammate shared. “Hawa brought positivity into every space she entered.”

The Cal Track & Field program extended its deepest condolences to Wague’s family, friends, and the broader UC Berkeley community.

“Hawa embodied what it meant to be a Golden Bear — strength, grace, and excellence both on and off the track,” the statement read. “Her impact will continue to be felt by all who knew her.”

Funeral arrangements and memorial details have not yet been announced.

The entire Cal Athletics family joins in honoring the memory of Hawa Wague — an extraordinary athlete, scholar, and caregiver whose light will never fade.