A respected coach of softball and volleyball, Jami Strinz, and her partner, Steve Williams, were together for a long time.
She was known for her role as the first head softball coach at Umpqua Community College.
A native of Pleasant Hill, Oregon, she played Division I softball at Bradley University. Later, she represented Ireland’s National Team as a pitcher and captain.
Her coaching journey spanned numerous institutions, including Creighton University, Portland State University, and Chemeketa Community College.
Moreover, she also contributed to NCAA compliance, academic advising, and event operations.
School #8: We welcome Creighton Assistant Coach Jami Strinz-Penner! The Blue Jays are a D1 Program in the Big East! pic.twitter.com/N2XbtkaQzD
— S&C Sports Services (@sandcsports) February 7, 2015
Tragically, on April 18, 2025, Jami lost her life in a fatal bus crash while transporting her UCC softball team.
Moreover, the accident also claimed the life of freshman player Kiley Jones.
Steve Williams Spent Over Two Decades Across High School And Club Programs!
Steve Williams was Jami Strinz’s longtime partner and also a softball coach who previously served as an assistant coach at UCC.
Following the passing of his partner, Jami, Steve Williams was appointed as the head softball coach at Umpqua Community College on August 20, 2025.
The announcement came with strong support from UCC’s Director of Athletics, Craig Jackson, who said:
We are excited to announce that Coach Williams has decided to take the helm of our softball program and steer us toward the future, Steve is knowledgeable, loyal, and cares about the players and the program. We are looking forward to seeing the RiverHawks during the 2025–26 season.
He has been coaching for over 20 years, working with high school teams and travel clubs, such as the PNW Shamrocks.
Before coaching full-time, he worked for Douglas County Public Works.
Moreover, he used to coach at Pleasant Hill High School, where he helped guide young athletes.
In April 2023, he stepped down from his role after a disagreement during a doubleheader game, which led to his resignation and that of two assistant coaches.
Steve and Jami often worked together, sharing a love for the sport and supporting players both on and off the field.
Steve is known for being loyal, experienced, and caring toward his players.
Now, regarding their children, Jami Strinz and Steve Williams had a daughter named Sari.
Given Jami and Steve’s strong ties to youth sports and coaching, it’s likely that Sari grew up surrounded by the softball community.
