The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) volleyball team is set to honor the late John Haefeli during their season-opening match against the University of Washington on August 29, 2025. The match will take place at 6 p.m. at the Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley, Colorado. This tribute comes in recognition of Haefeli’s significant contributions to the university and the local community.
Haefeli, who passed away on May 31, 2023, at the age of 67, was well-known in Greeley for his extensive involvement in education and sports. He was a teacher in the Greeley-Evans School District and held various roles as a coach, official, and administrator within Colorado’s sports community. He earned a master’s degree from UNC in 1986, served as adjunct faculty in teacher education, and was a volunteer coach for the UNC baseball team.
In a heartfelt gesture, Delia Haefeli, John’s wife, will perform the ceremonial first serve at the match. Delia, also a UNC graduate, was invited to take this honor by head coach Lyndsey Oates, who has known the Haefeli family since her high school days when she played basketball under John’s officiating.
Haefeli was not just an advocate for sports; he was a dedicated supporter of the volleyball program. He held season tickets and participated in a fundraising committee established by Oates to enhance the team’s resources. “We want to still pay tribute to him,” Oates stated. “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 he threw the first pitch. The Class 3A state tournament was named in his honor, reflecting his deep ties to the local sports community.
The Haefeli family founded the Delia and John W. Haefeli Opportunity Fund through The Success Foundation. This initiative aims to eliminate financial barriers for District 6 students, providing access to essential resources such as internet services and extracurricular activities. Oates remarked on the importance of this fund, explaining that it helps local children attend UNC matches, ensuring that they see potential paths to their future.
Haefeli’s impact extended beyond financial contributions. He addressed the UNC volleyball team in the spring, delivering an inspirational message about making the most of life. Oates recalled, “He’s been impactful on our program because there are moments our team will reference from that speech.”
The match against Washington marks the first of three matches in the UNC Classic this weekend. Following the opener, UNC will face Colgate, a member of the Patriot League, at 6 p.m. on August 30. The final match will see Washington compete against Colgate on August 31 at 11 a.m. Fans can purchase tickets for the matches at tickets.unco.edu.
In celebrating John Haefeli’s legacy, the UNC volleyball team not only honors a dedicated supporter but also embodies the spirit of community and resilience that he championed throughout his life.
