Fremd High School junior Finn Chapin back to playing sport he loves after rare cancer diagnosis

Less than six months after a rare brain cancer diagnosis, Finn Chapin is preparing for volleyball tryouts at his high school.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Junior Finn Chapin of William Fremd High School in Palatine, Illinois is getting ready for volleyball tryouts, a remarkable feat considering he was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer called pineoblastoma less than six months ago. After emergency brain surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process, Finn is back on the court playing the sport he loves and setting new goals for himself, including making the varsity team.

Why it matters

Finn's story highlights the resilience and determination of young athletes who face serious health challenges. His ability to return to the sport he is passionate about after such a difficult diagnosis and recovery process is an inspiration, especially for other teens dealing with similar situations.

The details

In June, Finn began experiencing headaches and nausea, which led to an emergency room visit and the discovery of a brain tumor. He underwent emergency surgery the next day to relieve pressure, followed by a major 9.5-hour surgery in September to remove the tumor, known as a pineoblastoma. After the surgeries, Finn faced significant challenges, including difficulty talking and moving. However, he was determined to get back to playing volleyball as soon as possible, incorporating volleyball drills into his rehabilitation. About three months after his second surgery, Finn was playing volleyball again, working with a club team while still undergoing chemotherapy.

  • On June 27, Finn was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
  • On June 28, Finn underwent emergency brain surgery.
  • On September 24, Finn had a major 9.5-hour surgery to remove the tumor.
  • About 3 months after his second surgery, Finn was playing volleyball again.

The players

Finn Chapin

A junior at William Fremd High School in Palatine, Illinois who was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer called pineoblastoma in June 2026.

Wayne Chapin

Finn Chapin's father.

Kay Chapin

Finn Chapin's mother.

Jason Hajdukovic

A coach at Pipeline Volleyball Club who worked with Finn Chapin during his recovery.

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What they’re saying

“Libero, you kinda got one job you got to pass the ball. So, I feel like I strive for perfection, but I don't always get it, so sometimes I'm a bit angry with myself. That gives me the drive to want to keep going.”

— Finn Chapin (cbsnews.com)

“Pineoblastoma that was the tumor that he had ... brain cancer. It was the discovery of the tumor, and I know that day that was June 27, and that led right into the next day, which was an emergency brain surgery to relieve the pressure that had built up from what the tumor was blocking off.”

— Wayne Chapin, Finn Chapin's father (cbsnews.com)

“He couldnt talk. His eyes wouldnt rest in the center position. It would take him maybe 15 min to recharge and be able to say another word a then a few more days after that could make longer sentences, but it was really, really taxing on his body and just to walk one length of the hall.”

— Wayne Chapin, Finn Chapin's father (cbsnews.com)

“After surgery, I had all these troubles moving around and seeing and stuff, but I wouldn't let it stop me from doing what I wanted to do.”

— Finn Chapin (cbsnews.com)

“He'd get up and play with dad while I was helping him to balance. That was a big momemt a bit emotional for me.”

— Kay Chapin, Finn Chapin's mother (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Finn Chapin is preparing for volleyball tryouts at William Fremd High School as he sets his sights on making the varsity team for his junior season.

The takeaway

Finn Chapin's remarkable recovery and return to the sport he loves after a rare brain cancer diagnosis is an inspiring story of resilience, determination, and the power of pursuing one's passions, even in the face of significant health challenges.