The Rowan University community is reeling after the heartbreaking loss of Deana Jespersen, the beloved Rowan Volleyball head coach who passed away following a courageous battle with cancer. Her death comes at a time when her team was soaring through an exceptional 23-5 season, a testament to the culture of resilience, discipline, and unity she built over years of leadership.
Even as her health quietly declined, Jespersen remained a steady, motivating force for her players, showing up with that familiar fire in her eyes and refusing to let illness dim the passion she carried for the game and for the young women she coached.Jespersen’s impact stretched far beyond the court. Known for her fierce competitive spirit balanced with
deep compassion, she shaped athletes into leaders, reminding them that their character mattered just as much as their performance. Players recall her honesty, her unwavering belief in them, and the way she celebrated every small victory with genuine pride. Her colleagues admired her for the same reasons:
her work ethic, her grit, and her ability to lift others even while fighting her own battles behind the scenes.Her cancer journey was marked by incredible strength. Those close to her say she approached treatment with the same determination she brought to practice drills, always focusing on what she could control, always choosing hope. Though she continued coaching as long as she could, the disease progressed rapidly.
Still, her team honored her by pushing through the season with the relentless heart she instilled in them.Her passing leaves a profound void at Rowan. Tributes have poured in from former players, fellow coaches, alumni, and fans who credit her with shaping not only athletes but entire lives. As the university mourns, Jespersen’s legacy endures in every athlete she inspired, every standard she raised, and every moment of courage she modeled.
