TSU mourns the loss of employee

Tri-State University is saddened by the sudden death of head volleyball coach Sarah Steele. Steele has been an employee at TSU for nearly two years and passed away on the morning of December 11, 2006.

“The entire TSU family mourns the loss of Sarah,” said President Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D. “She was a great role model for our athletes, a dedicated employee, great colleague, and friend to us all. Her family and friends will be in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.”

Steele’s team was recently recognized by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) for their academic achievements. They received the 2005-2006 Game Plan/AVCA Team Academic Award.

Before coming to TSU in 2005, Steele coached at Grand Valley State University as a graduate assistant. She graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and from Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) where she earned an associated degree in arts and played volleyball. While at GRCC, she was team co-captain of the volleyball team for two seasons and earned the Donald R. Black Award as an outstanding female student athlete.

Internal bleeding caused death of Steele

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

By Steve Vedder

The Grand Rapids Press

Former Caledonia girls basketball coach Mike Wilson never realized one of his best players was more proficient in a second sport.

That's because what Williams remembers most about Sarah Steele is that she completely threw herself into whichever sport she was playing at the time. Ms. Steele, who became coach of the Tri-State University volleyball team, died Monday. She was 28.

"She was one of those kids who was hard working and focused and who would do anything to succeed," Wilson said. "Basketball wasn't her top sport, but I never knew that because of how hard she worked.

"She was a shiny penny of a person. She always had a smile, she was always looking out for those around her. It's a big loss."

A 1997 Caledonia graduate, Ms. Steele was found dead in her Angola, Ind., apartment Monday by roomate Nikki Bergman, an assistant volleyball coach.

Ms. Steele's family said Tuesday that results of a complete autopsy had not been released, but a preliminary finding showed she died from internal bleeding from a tear in her intestinal tract.

"She lit up a room when she entered it," said her father, Jack. "She will be terribly missed."

Bob Hoogterp, Ms. Steele's uncle, said her cell phone was checked for friends to contact and more than 400 names turned up.

" She was never in a photo without a smile," he said. "She made everyone feel good. She was a wonderful young woman who leaves behind a loving family and friends. She was very personal with her players. She took them whevever they needed to go. Sports was her life."

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday and 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday at the John Stroo Funeral Home in Grand Rapids. A funeral mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Caledonia.