Volleyball coach passes away

Car accident claims life of EOU’s head volleyball coach

News contact: Tim Seydel | VP for University Advancement
541-962-3740 | tseydel@eou.edu

Source contact: Rob Cashell | EOU Athletic Director
541-962-3236 | rcashell@eou.edu

July 19, 2011 

LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) – Hailey Pearce, head volleyball coach at Eastern Oregon University, died Monday as the result of a motor vehicle accident.

The accident occurred on Highway 395 south of Ritzville, Wash. Pearce was 25.

“Hailey made an immediate impact at our university and in the Cascade Collegiate Conference,” said Rob Cashell, EOU athletic director. “She was a fantastic coach and more importantly a wonderful person. Our players, staff and everyone who knew her all feel a great loss.”

Pearce joined EOU’s coaching staff in 2010. Prior to that she was an assistant coach at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Mont., her alma mater. Coming to EOU was a return “home” for Pearce, who grew up in Walla Walla and has family throughout the area.

A funeral service for Pearce will be held Monday, July 25 at 2 p.m. at the Blue Mountain Community Church, 928 Sturm Ave. in Walla Walla. All friends and family are welcome to attend.

Additionally, a scholarship fund has been established in her memory. Individuals wishing to support the fund should direct their contributions to the EOU Foundation and indicate the Hailey Pearce Memorial Scholarship.

For more information about the scholarship, contact Jon Larkin in University Advancement at 541-962-3740.