Known for his tenacity on the diamond during his playing days, former University of South Carolina baseball player Justin Row is now facing a different opponent. Row, who led the Gamecocks in hitting as a senior in 2018, was recently diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin's lymphoma and has begun treatment.

Hodgkin's lymphoma attacks the lymphatic system and is considered one of the more treatable forms of cancer, especially in the early stages. Hodgkin's lymphoma originates from a specific type of white blood cells and is brings with it symptoms that include fever and weight loss.

Row confirmed he was battling the disease Monday on Twitter in response to a tweet from the account USC_Mom:

Justin Row has been diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin's lymphoma he is been treated and is in great spirits he is strong, he smiles, upbeat and doesn't go around saying why me. If there is anyone that could use prayers it is Justin Row. ?? pic.twitter.com/GVhmhXWBkP — Sherry ???? (@USC_Mom) February 10, 2020

A middle infielder during his tenure in Columbia, Row joined South Carolina's coaching staff in January 2019 as a student assistant coach under Mark Kingston.

According to USC Athletics Communications and Public Relations, the "La Verne, Calif., native played in 86 games in his Carolina career, hitting .331 with 17 doubles, a triple, nine home runs and 34 RBI. Row had a breakout senior season, playing in 57 games with 47 starts and hitting .347 with 13 doubles and seven home runs. He was named to the Greenville Regional All-Tournament team (2018) after going 3-for-5 with two RBI in the tournament opener against Ohio State and 5-for-11 in the three Gamecock wins.

Row ranked seventh in the SEC in batting average and hit .357 in conference contests as a senior. His two-run home run against LSU helped the Gamecocks to an 8-6 come-from-behind win and series sweep while his three doubles in the Sunday win at Vanderbilt clinched a series win for Carolina. Row was named to the 2018-17 Spring SEC Academic Honor Roll.

Row graduated last spring from South Caorlina with a degree in sociology.