The Coach’s Final Battle: A Courageous Life Ends

The Rowan University community is submerged in a profound grief following the passing of their beloved Head Volleyball Coach, Deana Jespersen, after a courageous and intensely personal battle with breast cancer. This was not just a coach; Deana was a mentor, a “team mom,” and a fierce leader who, for over a decade, guided the Profs to triumphs, including multiple NJAC Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Her death is deeply shocking, even for those who knew of her fight, because her strength and dedication never wavered. She coached through her treatments, sometimes with drains in her pockets, prioritizing her athletes over her own immense physical pain. Her passing leaves a massive, unfillable void on the court and in the hearts of every student-athlete she inspired.

The Warrior’s Vow: Coaching Through the Unthinkable

Deana Jespersen’s life was a testament to the power of perseverance. She faced her diagnosis—often keeping the full extent of her struggle private—by channeling her energy into her team. She used her experience to launch the Hope Venture Fighter Fund, turning her personal anguish into a public campaign of awareness and support for others battling the disease. This is the heart of the tragedy: a woman of such powerful selflessness and commitment was taken far too soon. She is survived by her loving husband, Orlin, and their two children, Dane and Bryn. The crushing sorrow for them is compounded by the knowledge that this incredible woman, who fought with such grace and dignity, was ultimately overcome by the very disease she worked so hard to defeat.

A Legacy in the Lineup: The Lives She Elevated

Deana Jespersen’s enduring legacy is written in the successes and lives of her players. She coached 30 All-Conference honorees and was responsible for coaching every All-American in the program’s history. Her impact extended far beyond winning games; it was about cultivating a community through sport. As the Rowan Athletics family navigates this devastating loss, they must resolve to carry forward her spirit: her competitive drive, her deep compassion, and her commitment to the “bigger picture.” The greatest tribute to Coach Jespersen is to ensure her legacy lives on in the passion of her athletes and the continued success of the Hope Venture Fighter Fund she bravely championed.