The UTRGV Athletic Department announced that women's soccer head coach Mark Foster is taking a medical leave of absence for the remainder of the season.

According to a statement from the institution, Foster, who has been the head coach of the women's soccer team since 2022, is battling Myelofibrosis, a rare form of blood cancer.

The statement went on to read that Foster will undergo three weeks of treatment and is expected to make a full recovery.

"The UTRGV family fully supports Mark, Jessie and the kids as they embark on this challenging journey," UTRGV senior VP and director of athletics Chasse Conque said via the statement.

Associate head coach Audra Larson will take over duties as acting head coach in Foster's absence.

"We will undoubtably miss Coach Foster over the next few months, but the program is in good hands as he focuses on his recovery," Conque added.

The team plays against the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns on Thursday, August 28th.