NWAC Remembers Umpqua's Kiley Jones and Jami Strinz One Year After Tragic Accident

On April 18, 2025, Umpqua Community College was struck with tragedy as head softball coach Jami Strinz and softball student-athlete Kiley Jones lost their lives in a car accident. The NWAC remembers this horrific event that took place just a year ago this Saturday. As many NWAC softball programs play this weekend, the conference encourages teams to honor Kiley and Jami and remember the impact they each had on the NWAC softball community. 

Jones was a two-sport athlete for Umpqua as she also started all 13 games as the Riverhawks goalkeeper, earning All-South Region Honorable Mention. She was tied for the team lead in runs batted in for the UCC softball team with 19, to go along with a team-high eight doubles as the team's starting first baseman. Kiley was a standout athlete with a heart for her teammates and a contagious smile. She was a leader who brought energy to both the softball and soccer fields. Kiley was the light that shined anywhere she went.

Coach Strinz was named the first head coach in program history. She previously spent time at Creighton University, Western Oregon University, Portland State University, George Fox University, Knox College, Beloit College and Texarkana College, as well as Chemeketa Community College. She also served as the head volleyball coach at UCC. Coach Jami Strinz was a mentor and a champion of creating opportunities for students beyond the softball field. Jami empowered each player to lead in their own way, grounded in her belief in personal growth, team unity, and the strength of women as professionals. Her legacy continues through the community she inspired, as she touched many throughout the world.

Both Jones and Strinz were integral parts of the growth of the UCC softball program in their first year.

Umpqua established a Support Fund for the UCC Softball program for those lives lost and affected by the accident.

Give to Support Fund