The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) volleyball team will pay tribute to the late John Haefeli during their season-opening match against the University of Washington on August 29, 2025. The match is set to start at 18:00 at the Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley, Colorado. Haefeli, who passed away on May 31, 2025, at the age of 67 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, was a significant supporter of UNC’s athletic programs.
Haefeli was not only a passionate advocate for sports in Colorado but also a well-respected educator within the Greeley-Evans School District. He earned a master’s degree from UNC in 1986 and contributed to the university as an adjunct faculty member and a volunteer coach for the baseball team. His dedication extended beyond coaching, as he was actively involved in various capacities within local sports, including serving as an official and administrator.
Delia Haefeli, John’s wife and also a UNC graduate, will participate in the ceremony by taking the ceremonial first serve at the match. Head coach Lyndsey Oates, who has known the Haefeli family since her days as a high school athlete, extended the invitation to Delia in honor of her husband.
Remembering a Community Leader and Advocate
John Haefeli’s commitment to the community was evident in his active participation in local sports. He held season tickets for the volleyball team and was a member of a committee initiated by Oates to enhance ticket sales and fundraising for the program. Oates expressed her desire to honor Haefeli while he was still alive, stating, “We want to still pay tribute to him. He did have a lot of those experiences around town where he was honored. He was a warrior until the end.”
On the day of his passing, Haefeli attended a state high school baseball championship game at Butch Butler Field in Greeley, where the Class 3A state tournament was named in his honor. He threw out the first pitch before the title game between University High and Coal Ridge from New Castle, demonstrating his enduring passion for sports.
The Haefeli family also founded the Delia and John W. Haefeli Opportunity Fund through The Success Foundation, which aims to eliminate financial barriers for District 6 students. This initiative supports access to internet services, academic course fees, and extracurricular activity costs, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.
Inspiring Future Generations
Oates shared how the Haefelis have positively impacted the local community, particularly through their contributions enabling children from less privileged backgrounds to attend UNC matches. “He was big on ‘if you can see it, you can achieve it.’ And some of those kids don’t see college volleyball because they can’t afford it,” Oates remarked. The idea is to show these children what is possible for their futures.
During the spring of 2025, Haefeli spoke to the UNC volleyball team, delivering an inspirational message about making the most of life. Oates recalled, “He really gave an inspirational message to our team about making the most with your life. He’s been impactful on our program because there are moments our team will say things going back to that speech.”
The upcoming match against Washington marks the start of three games in the UNC Classic weekend. Following the opener, UNC will face Colgate at 18:00 on August 30, 2025, with a matchup between Colgate and Washington scheduled for 11:00 on August 31, 2025. Tickets for the volleyball matches can be purchased at tickets.unco.edu.
As the UNC community gathers to honor John Haefeli, his legacy as an educator, coach, and community leader will undoubtedly inspire players and fans alike, reminding everyone of the profound impact one individual can have.