Head coach Jami Strinz tragically lost her life in a two-vehicle crash while traveling with her team.
The accident occurred on Highway 42, near milepost 23 in Coos County, when a pickup truck crossed the centerline and collided head-on with the bus carrying 10 UCC softball team members.
After playing a game in Coos Bay, the UCC softball team was traveling back home to Roseburg, Oregon.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our dual-sport student-athletes, Kiley Jones, and one of our coaches, Jami Strinz. Additional staff and athletes remain in hospitals in Eugene and Portland. Please keep the UCC community in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/jMTTUKgl2q
— Umpqua RiverHawks (@uccriverhawks) April 20, 2025
Tragically, one student-athlete, Kiley Jones, a 19-year-old freshman from Nampa, Idaho, lost her life in the accident.
The remaining eight passengers on the bus, including other students and staff, sustained moderate to serious injuries.
They are currently receiving medical treatment.
Jami Strinz and Her Husband, Steve Williams, Were Deeply Involved In Softball Coaching!
Jami Strinz, a beloved coach, is married to Steve Williams. Since both were involved in softball coaching, they likely met either during their college years or their coaching career.
Regarding his athletic career, Steve has been involved in coaching, particularly softball, and was previously the head coach at Pleasant Hill High School.
However, he stepped down due to disagreements over team management.
The primary incident that led to his resignation occurred during a doubleheader game on April 27, when two players disagreed.
At that time, Jami, an assistant coach and his beloved wife, stepped in to mediate the situation.
However, the conversation between Strinz and one of the players became tense, as the player did not appreciate being told to settle down.
Williams later stated that this incident and other challenges over the past two seasons contributed to his decision to step down.
His departure, along with two assistant coaches, was a significant shift for the team.
Despite this, the players continued their season and secured a conference championship despite the coaching change.
There is little publicly available information about Steve’s recent activities related to coaching or his personal life.
Jami Strinz and Steve Williams shared a happy life in Roseburg, Oregon, along with their daughter, Sari.
Yet, their happiness was abruptly shattered by Jami’s untimely passing, leaving Steve and Sari to navigate an immense loss.
Jami Strinz’s Inspirational Journey From Softball Player To Head Coach!
Jami Strinz, a native of Pleasant Hill, Oregon, was a dedicated and accomplished softball coach with over twenty years of experience.
She began her softball career at Pleasant Hill High School and earned a scholarship to NCAA Division I Bradley University in Illinois.
Later, she played for Ireland’s National Team, serving as a pitcher and team captain, and competed professionally in the Italian Professional League.
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
Transitioning into coaching, she held roles at Creighton University, Western Oregon University, Portland State University, etc.
She was appointed the head softball coach at Umpqua Community College (UCC) and led the program’s inaugural season in 2024-25.
Beyond coaching, she was involved in NCAA compliance, facilities, and event management, academic advising, and volleyball coaching at various colleges.
Tragically, her life was cut short in a devastating accident, but her contributions to softball and the athletes she mentored will be remembered.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Jami Strinz’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest In Peace, Beautiful Soul!
In Case You Didn’t Know
- The truck driver involved in the accident, Dowdy, 32, sustained injuries and was transported to an emergency medical center.
- Authorities suspect that impaired driving was a primary cause of the accident, and a criminal investigation is underway.
