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Soccer players

Chico State Hall of Fame Inductee Overcomes Rare Disease and Achieves Redemptive Moment

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Tom Liner, a 1991 Chico State graduate, was inducted into the university's Hall of Fame for his outstanding soccer career, which was marked by perseverance and determination, despite battling a rare autoimmune disease that nearly took his life. After spending 131 days in the ICU and being given a 1% chance to survive, Liner made a remarkable recovery and now sees his Hall of Fame induction as a chance to celebrate his past accomplishments and move forward with his life.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tom Liner was inducted into the Chico State Hall of Fame for his outstanding soccer career, setting records as the program's all-time leader in wins and shutouts with 30 wins and 23 shutouts.
  • Liner was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy (IgAN), a rare autoimmune disease that damages the kidneys, in 2018 and spent 131 days in the ICU in 2022.
  • Despite being given a 1% chance to survive, Liner made a remarkable recovery and has been medically cleared to travel after multiple surgeries and chemotherapy sessions.
  • Liner played for Chico State from 1988 to 1991 and was named All-West Region in 1989 and 1990, helping the Wildcats become a regional power.
  • Liner played professionally in Austria and the USISL before being drafted by the San Jose Clash in the 14th round of the MLS national tryout.
  • Liner credits his perseverance and determination as key factors in overcoming his health struggles and achieving his goals.

Statistics:

  • Tom Liner played for Chico State from 1988 to 1991 and set records as the program's all-time leader in wins and shutouts with 30 wins and 23 shutouts.
  • Liner spent 131 days in the ICU in 2022 after being diagnosed with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) in 2018.
  • Liner had multiple surgeries and chemotherapy sessions to treat his disease and was given a 1% chance to survive at one point.
  • Liner played for the San Jose Clash in the MLS inaugural season and was drafted in the 14th round.

Sources:

  • Associated Press
  • Sacramento Bee

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