Head coach of the women’s volleyball program at Rowan University, Deana Jespersen, passed away, leaving behind husband Orlin and two childrens.
Deana passed away on November 2, 2025, after a courageous battle with breast cancer.
She had served in her role at Rowan for twelve seasons and had achieved over 300 career coaching wins.
Neumann University joins Rowan University and the volleyball community in mourning the passing of Coach Deana Jespersen.
— Neumann Athletics (@NeumannKnights) November 6, 2025
Deana was the head coach of the Knights for 10 seasons (2004-2013) and She went on to win three conference championships while at Neumann (2007, 2008, 2012). pic.twitter.com/8Rv2HB4d6i
Following her death, Rowan Athletics and the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) have expressed deep sorrow, highlighting her leadership and the impact she had on student-athletes.
Rowan Athletics has even shared a heartfelt message on their Facebook page, saying:
A remarkable woman, wife, and mother. We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Rowan Volleyball Head Coach Deana Jespersen. From Director of Athletics Shawn Tucker, “Our Rowan Athletics family is heartbroken with the sudden loss of a friend, colleague, coach, leader, wife, mother, and most affectionately, ‘team mom’. There are no words that can truly capture or articulate the pain and heartbreak that our student-athletes, coaches, and loved ones are currently experiencing. Deana’s impact was universally felt, and one thing is certain: her life and legacy will live on forever. By the grace of God, we will get through this difficult time together as a Rowan family.”
While her death has indeed brought grief to the athletic community, her family, especially her husband and two children, are deeply affected.
Deana Jespersen Had a Husband Who is an Athletic Administrator!
Deana Jespersen was married to Orlin Jespersen, with whom she shared years of her life, until the last breath.
Orlin was a supportive husband to Deana and was even seen to be the pillar of support for Deana during her battle against breast cancer.
Just like Deana, her husband, Orlin, also has a sports background, having worked as an assistant volleyball coach at different universities.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Orlin attended Western Washington University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science.
Later he beguinhis career as an Assistant Volleyball Coach at Western Washington University from 1995 to 1998.
Following that , he served as an Assistant Volleyball Coach at the University of Pennsylvania from 1998 to 2004.
He later transitioned into athletic administration, working at Cabrini University for nearly 20 years.
In the Cabrini, he worled on multiple role which includes Assistant Director of Athletics & Recreation, Associate Director of Athletics, and Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Operations and External Affairs.
Later in 2023, he joined Drexel University, first as Assistant Director of Recreation, Intramurals & Club Sports, and then as Director of University Recreation.
With both husband and wife working in sports, Deana and Orlin led a quite fulfilling life, both professionally and personally.
Now, as Deana leaves the world too early, her husband Orlin and their two children seem to continue her legacy in her memory
