Marshall University Athletics
10/31/2026 9:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Danielle Beverly, mother of Herd Volleyball’s Lia Beverly, is a four-time breast cancer survivor
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Throughout her entire life, Marshall sophomore volleyball player Lia Beverly has seen first-hand what it takes to be a champion through her mother, Danielle, and her father, Eric.
And it had very little to do with the fact that her mother and father were collegiate athletes with her father Eric going on to an 11-year career in the NFL.
Instead, their instilling of a champion's mentality in Lia revolved around a cause near and dear to their heart: breast cancer awareness.
For Danielle Beverly, that is an opponent she has faced often – four times to be exact.
And every October when Breast Cancer Awareness takes center stage on a global level, the emotions are elevated.
The pain. The scars. The tears. The victories. And most importantly, the smiles.
Those smiles take on significant meaning with her beloved family – her husband Eric, who gave up his NFL career to be by her side throughout her fight, and her daughter Lia, who is her purpose for which she fights.
Danielle epitomizes the concept of 'HerdStrong' holding a strong faith and resolve that center around her favorite Bible verse:
~ I know the plans declare the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~ Jeremiah 29:11
"I continue to hold tight to this verse throughout my 23-year cancer journey," Danielle said. "Prior to giving birth to Lia, I knew that if my time was up on this side of Heaven, Eric would be okay, even though he wasn't meant to be a widow at such a young age. Being Lia's mother is my greatest joy. It was when I gave birth to Lia that "fight" took on a whole new meaning.
"Eric wasn't supposed to be a single parent, and I knew I needed to be here so we could raise our child, and I could see Lia off to pre-school, elementary, middle and high school. I wanted to be a part of all her big and small moments. I wanted to be there to support her in every way. By the grace of God, I have been able to do just that, and I look forward to many more milestones ahead."
Danielle Beverly's battle started in 2003 – when she was just 29 years old. At that time, she was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which is a non-invasive form of breast cancer.
She endured a bilateral mastectomy and successful reconstruction, which was thought to help her defeat the disease. Her journey was only beginning, though.
In March 2005, she was again diagnosed with breast cancer – this time an invasive version of the disease. Six months of grueling chemotherapy treatments ensued, but she persevered and celebrated her 32nd birthday as a two-time breast cancer survivor six days after her final treatment.
Her prior battles with cancer left the hopes of bringing a child into the world diminished, but Danielle and Eric received their greatest news ever in 2006 – fittingly, in October of that year – when they received news that they were expecting.
After 36 weeks of what had been a flawless pregnancy, Danielle again discovered a lump in her left breast that led to three words she'd heard before – 'You have cancer.'
At the time, Eric was getting ready for training camp with the Detroit Lions in his 11th NFL season. In the first week of training camp in the 2007 season, however, he retired from the game to be home with Danielle and their soon-to-be-born Lia.
After Danielle gave birth to Lia, she underwent more surgery and another 20 rounds of radiation to again defeat her biggest rival.
"'In sickness and in health' has been lived out in our 25 years of marriage," Danielle Beverly said. "Eric has never wavered, and his commitment to Lia and myself is unmatched. Eric and I didn't know that when I was initially diagnosed, three more bouts would follow, but we knew that this was much bigger than a diagnosis, and we were being called to do more."
Over the next 15 years, the Beverly family not only celebrated their own battles against breast cancer, they championed the vision to help other families with socioeconomic challenges who are going through a similar journey by establishing The Eric. R. Beverly Family Foundation, which also supports the Danielle Beverly ANGEL Fund that currently serves those in Danielle's hometown in Alger County, Mich.
As Lia was getting set for her sophomore year, Danielle received unsettling and all-too familiar news in June 2022: cancer had again returned - this time Stage IV metastatic breast cancer.
Undaunted, Danielle completed radiation therapy and is currently on daily medication and is regularly monitored.
She refuses to let it slow her down, instead, opting to live life to the fullest and enjoy every minute on the road with Eric as they cheer on Lia and the Herd.
For Lia, she proudly wears the Kelly green and white for the Herd volleyball team, but the games in which she and her teammates wear their pink jerseys in October for the 'We Are … HerdStrong' cause brings a different emotion that can't be described.
"This month means more than just pink; It means fight!" Lia Beverly said. "My Mom fought for me to be here and alive, and it reminds me that throughout every tribulation I will encounter, I am blessed to be alive. Her story is a testament to how resilient, caring, and loving she is."
As we turn the page on October, Marshall volleyball is locked in a chase for the Sun Belt Volleyball Championship and is in the midst of one of its most successful seasons in recent memory.
But the victories aren't only on the court; they are in the stands, too.
Each game Danielle Beverly cheers on her daughter, Lia, is a victory in life's journey.
"As I look at the young woman Lia has become and see what is ahead, I can't help but know I am living His plans to prosper me and not to harm me, and he is giving me hope and a future," Danielle Beverly said. "I don't know what's ahead, but just as I've been able to witness Lia begin to step into her calling, I truly believe I am going to see so much more.
"October brings about a myriad of emotions, but more than anything for me it represents thankfulness, and I continue to count my blessings."
For all the latest information about Marshall Volleyball, follow @HerdVolleyball on Twitter and Instagram.
To follow all Thundering Herd sports and get live stats, schedules and free live audio, download the Marshall Athletics App for iOS and Android.
---HerdZone.com---
