LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) -- Hailey Pearce, head volleyball coach at Eastern Oregon University, died Monday as the result of a motor vehicle accident.

“Hailey made an immediate impact at our university and in the Cascade Collegiate Conference,” EOU Athletic Director, Rob Cashell said. “She was a fantastic coach and more importantly a wonderful person. Our players, staff and everyone who knew her all feel a great loss.”

Pearce joined EOU's coaching staff in 2010. Prior to that she was an assistant coach at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Mont., her alma mater. Coming to EOU was a return “home” for Pearce, who grew up in Walla Walla and has family throughout the area.

Members of the university community were notified of Pearce's death this morning and urged to keep her family in their thoughts and prayers. A scholarship fund has been established in her memory. Individuals wishing to support the fund should direct their contributions to the EOU Foundation and indicate the Hailey Pearce Memorial Scholarship.

Born September 5, 1985 in Ontario, Oregon Hailey May Pearce was dearly loved and the youngest of six children of Parley and DeAnna Pearce. She loved being active, whether it was volleyball, tennis, wakeboarding or roping and surrounded herself with friends and family. Hailey was preceeded in death by her mother Deanna Pearce and her grandparents Dehlin and Jean Erickson and Jean Pearce. Hailey is survived by her father Parley Pearce of Walla Walla;her siblings: Justin Pearce, Heather campbell, Ashley Mathews, Audra Cummings and Drew Pearce; her niece Gracelynne Pearce and nephew Pearce Mathews; grandfather Ivan Pearce and numerous aunts and uncles.


For additional information contact University Advancement at 541-962-3740.

Eastern Oregon University serves students and communities throughout Oregon with a special focus on rural, regional and distance learning. Programs are delivered on campus, online and onsite in La Grande and at 16 regional centers and include; liberal arts, business, education and cooperative programs in agriculture, nursing and dental hygiene.