Originally posted on ucrhighlanders.com >>>
RIVERSIDE, Calif. — UC Riverside Athletics mourns the loss of former men's basketball student-athlete Kyle Owens, who passed away on September 30, 2025, after a courageous battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He was 24 years old.
"I have had the privilege of working with many talented young people throughout my career, but Kyle was different. He carried himself with a quiet strength and a genuine heart that touched everyone around him. On the court he was relentless, always pushing himself to be better, and off the court he was the same, a leader, a teammate, and a friend who lifted others up. His work ethic was unmatched. He never backed down from a challenge and he never stopped believing in what was possible.
Kyle showed us all what it means to face adversity with courage and grace. Even in the most difficult times, he reminded us of the power of perseverance and positivity. He will remain an example for all of us, not just as an athlete but as a human being who lived with purpose and heart.
As an athletics family, we will honor him by carrying forward the lessons he taught us, and his legacy will continue to inspire Highlanders for generations to come."
- Interim Director of Athletics Michelle Almazan
Kyle will be remembered first and foremost for the person he was — kind, resilient, and deeply committed to those around him. His teammates knew him as someone who brought energy to every practice and game, and who carried himself with humility and strength. Even in the face of his illness, he inspired others through his determination and grace.
"I've coached basketball for 25 years, and it's rare to come across a young man of the Kyle Owens kind. A superhero of sorts. Strong, athletic, tough, a great teammate, and an incredible leader. A young man who lived every day on purpose. Whether it was off the court, where he managed to graduate with two degrees with honors (including an MBA), or it was the work ethic he showed to make himself a great player. None more apparent than how he led UCR in our most successful season ever in 2022-23 or when he hit a buzzer beater to turn around our 2023-24 season in the midst of major adversity. Kyle had it all: a great mom, dad, and brother, a wonderful girlfriend of many years, and many best friends who all looked up to the 6'8 lefty because everyone knew Kyle's heart was pure and true.
"This is so unfair" are the feelings of his former teammates…and I feel the same. I'm also inspired that, hopefully, God put him in this position to inspire all of us to live as he did. I've cried and laughed with many of his former teammates over the last 24 hours; we are reminding each other to carry on his legacy. To live each day on purpose. Rest in Peace KO."
- Mike Magpayo, former UC Riverside Head Men's Basketball Coach
Owens spent two seasons with UC Riverside (2022–24), where he was a steady contributor and trusted teammate. He appeared in 51 games for the Highlanders, highlighted by a game-winning buzzer-beater against Cal State Bakersfield and a double-double performance in the team's Vegas Championship victory over Wright State.
I've had the privilege of being a leader in the college athletics space for a long time and have worked with and mentored some amazing young men and women. It goes without saying that Kyle Owens was unequivocally one of the best humans I've had the honor to be around. Kyle was an amazing young man who was not only a gifted student-athlete, but a kind, engaging, and beautiful soul. His strength, will, and determination carried over from the basketball court into everything he did, and he used his superpowers to be a force for good in this world. He made a positive impact on all of those who had the honor of being around him. His incredible spirit and drive were unmatched, and he was a great human who was loved by all.
Kyle and a few other student-athletes spent a lot of time with me throughout their last year at UCR. Always learning, always growing, always asking questions, and ever eager to learn more, as he completed his master's degree and led his teammates on the court. We talked often about his family, his girlfriend, his teammates, and his friends, and when he spoke about those closest to him, his smile and eyes beamed. We talked about basketball, too, the highs and the lows, while also reflecting on some of the most amazing times and how much his team truly grew closer during our team trip to Australia a few years ago, and more.
Kyle was an inspiration. The way he lived his life, how he treated others, how he fought through the worst adversity, and how he showed us how to live each day with purpose, should never be forgotten. I know our hearts are broken right now, none more than Kyle's loving and devoted mom, dad, brother, and girlfriend. So, let's make sure we honor Kyle in all we do, forever keep Kyle in our hearts, and always cherish his legacy. As we said throughout his fight, we will continue to "Do it for KO."
Rest in peace, KO. We all love you dearly."
- Wesley Mallette, former UC Riverside Director of Athletics.
Beyond the court, Kyle's fight against leukemia rallied support across the Big West and beyond. His courage led to a partnership between the league and NMDP, raising awareness for the need for blood stem cell donors and inspiring countless individuals to take action. Even throughout his battle, Kyle was known to find ways to show support, whether by surprising his teammates at practice or cheering from the stands at the SRC Arena.
"Kyle was so much more than an incredible student-athlete. He was the heart of our team. His kindness, unwavering support, and quiet strength lifted everyone around him. Even through injury rehab, and then his courageous battle with leukemia, he never stopped fighting or inspiring those who knew him. In the short time I knew him, he had a profound impact on my life. Kyle led with compassion and wisdom beyond his years, bringing light and hope wherever he went. That light will be deeply missed, and the world feels a little dimmer without him in it."
- Head Athletics Trainer Jessika Hunt.
"We are extremely saddened to hear of the loss of Kyle. Our Highlander basketball program sends our deepest condolences to the Owens family during this difficult time. Kyle was not only an integral part of the basketball team's success, but most importantly, he represented the university with the highest of character as a student, young man, and campus leader. His energy and spirit will be missed by all."
- UC Riverside Men's Basketball program.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Kyle Owens, a remarkable young man whose talent, dedication and spirit positively touched everyone around him. To his family and friends, we extend our heartfelt condolences. Kyle was more than an outstanding basketball player—he was a son, a teammate, a role model and a source of joy and inspiration to so many. To his fans and the broader community who gave of their time and talent to raise awareness and support for the National Marrow Donor Program, may we honor his memory by carrying forward the passion, kindness and courage he showed every day. I truly enjoyed the time I was able to spend with Kyle. May his legacy live on both on and off the court."
- Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly
Kyle Owens will forever be remembered by the Highlander nation — for the way he played, the way he fought, and the way he cared for those around him. Forever a Highlander.
UC Riverside encourages those who are able to consider joining the blood stem cell registry through NMDP, helping give hope to patients and families in need. More information can be found at: https://www.nmdp.org/get-involved/join-the-registry
Gallery: (10-1-2025) Kyle Owens