NWAC Mourns Loss of Umpqua Head Softball Coach Jami Strinz and Student-Athlete Kiley Jones

VANCOUVER, Wash. - On April 18, 2025, Umpqua Community College was struck with tragedy as head softball coach Jami Strinz and softball student-athlete Kiley Jones lost their lives in a car accident. The Umpqua softball team was traveling home from a doubleheader against Grays Harbor that was being played at Southwestern Oregon Community College in Coos Bay, Oregon, when an oncoming car crossed the line and hit the team bus, which Strinz was driving, Oregon State Police reported. It was reported that eight others associated with the team that were aboard the bus were also injured and rushed to the hospital.

The NWAC is devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of Strinz and Jones and the impact it has had on UCC and the entire NWAC softball community. The UCC softball program is in its first year of competition in the NWAC.

Jones was a two-sport athlete for Umpqua as she also started all 13 games as the Riverhawks goalkeeper, earning All-South Region Honorable Mention. She was tied for the team lead in runs batted in for the UCC softball team with 19, to go along with a team-high eight doubles as the team's starting first baseman. Kiley was a standout athlete with a heart for her teammates and a contagious smile. She was a leader who brought energy to both the softball and soccer fields. Kiley was the light that shined anywhere she went.

Coach Strinz was named the first head coach in program history. She previously spent time at Creighton University, Western Oregon University, Portland State University, George Fox University, Knox College, Beloit College and Texarkana College, as well as Chemeketa Community College. She also served as the head volleyball coach at UCC. Coach Jami Strinz was a mentor and a champion of creating opportunities for students beyond the softball field. Jami empowered each player to lead in their own way, grounded in her belief in personal growth, team unity, and the strength of women as professionals. Her legacy continues through the community she inspired, as she touched many throughout the world.

Both Jones and Strinz were integral parts of the growth of the UCC softball program in their first year.

"UCC hearts are breaking with this news, and we ask the community to keep the families and all of those affected in their thoughts and prayers," UCC President Dr. Rachel Pokrandt wrote in a statement Saturday. "These individuals were cherished members of our campus — an exceptional student-athlete, and a passionate and talented coach.

"Our entire community is grieving this tragic loss, and our heartfelt condolences are with their families, teammates, and loved ones," she wrote. "We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and offer privacy for the families during this difficult time. Support services are available to all students, faculty, and staff."

The Umpqua Baseball team will honor Kiley, Coach Strinz and the entire UCC softball team between their games on Thursday, April 24 with a moment of silence at 6 p.m. The game will take place at Champion Car Wash Field with no cost for admission. Donations will be accepted in support of the softball program. 

Their loss has left a void that words cannot fill. In the wake of this tragedy, Umpqua has established Support Fund for the UCC Softball program for those lives lost and affected by the accident.

Give to Support Fund