UCC Softball Coach Jami Strinz And Her Sister, Sami Ward, Grew Up Playing Volleyball And Softball Together!

April 22, 2026

This article was last updated by Manoj Gadtaula on April 22, 2026

Both sisters built careers as a head softball coaches where Jami established herself as the head coach at UCC, while Sami held leadership positions at Loyola Marymount University and Texas Tech University.

Jami Strinz, the head softball coach at Umpqua Community College, on April 18, 2026.

She was driving the team’s bus when a Chevrolet Silverado crossed the centerline and collided with them head-on.

The accident also claimed the life of Kiley Jones, a freshman player on the team.

Sami Ward Has Been Involved In Softball, Much Like Her Sister, Jami Strinz!

, a beloved sister of late Jami Strinz, was a and Texas Tech University.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from LMU, where she also played softball.

Later, she pursued a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Recognized for her leadership in the sport, Ward has had an impressive coaching career.

In 2015, she served as the head coach at Loyola and led the program for five seasons.

Before that, she was an assistant coach at LMU and was later promoted to associate head coach.

During her tenure, she earned West Coast Conference (WCC) Coach of the Year honors thrice.

🦁

— Sami Strinz-Ward (@CoachStrinz)

Moreover, under her leadership, LMU achieved significant milestones, including a 40-win season in 2019, its best since 2007.

In October 2026, she left LMU to take over as the head coach at Texas Tech University and served there for almost two years. However, she was dismissed from her role after 2026 season.

Since then, she has not taken on another head coaching role at a major university.

Regarding her family, Sami is the and a proud mother of two daughters, Ryli and Hayli.

Sami often shared photos of her daughter and husband on social media, especially on Facebook and X, reflecting their close bond.

Sami Shared Her Thoughts On The Tragic Loss Of Her Sister, Jami!

Recently, Sami, an Oregonian native, has spoken about the tragedy. She also shared that Jami was very dedicated to her family and her athletic career.

She described her sister as someone who always put others first, even in her final moments, saying:

I keep opening up Facebook and see my sister’s picture on everyone’s profile,She connected with so many people and made all these people feel so valued and seen. That is her legacy.

Ward recalled receiving the devastating news from her niece, who tearfully told her,

Mom was driving the team back and got into an accident and didn’t make it.

She also mentioned that before passing away.

She expressed her commitment to supporting Jami’s daughter, Sari, and ensuring she has the opportunities to succeed.

In Case You Didn’t Know

Sami also has a brother, , who remains out of the spotlight.
Their parents met at Southern Oregon College, where their father played football and wrestled, and their mother was a four-sport athlete.

Check other Articles on

Sangita is a passionate blogger with a keen eye for covering recent and trending news, particularly in the world of sports. Her love for travel and nature fuels her writing, adding a vibrant and refreshing perspective to her work. When she's not chasing the latest headlines, Sangita can be found exploring new destinations, capturing the beauty of nature, and sharing her adventures with her audience. Her unique blend of interests and expertise makes her blog a go-to source for both news enthusiasts and fellow travelers.

May 13, 2026

May 12, 2026

May 8, 2026

Comments

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.

- May 13, 2026 Residents of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, are raising serious concerns after a series of violent incidents involving a group of young boys who have been targeting...

- May 13, 2026 Andrew O' Donnell of Fairfield, Connecticut, passed away at the age of 39. He was born in Fairfield, Connecticut, and later moved to Ancramdale, New...

- May 12, 2026 Judy (Evans) Milby of Rockwall, Texas, passed away on Saturday at the age of 80. Milby was born on July 25, 1945, to her father,...

- May 12, 2026 Residents of Dromore, Co. Down, are calling for action after a deeply concerning incident at the local play park, where older children were reported...

- May 11, 2026 A video circulating on Facebook has sparked a heated debate among Bell Gardens residents after police were called on a group of kids riding...