It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the untimely passing of Colleen Lischwe, beloved coach, mentor, and friend, who tragically lost her life in a car accident on January 15, 2025. Colleen, 34, was a driving force behind the McKendree University Water Polo Team and a cherished member of the St. Louis community. Her loss has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew her, and her legacy will live on through the countless individuals she inspired and the remarkable impact she made on the sport of water polo.
Colleen was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on November 2, 1990, to loving parents. From a young age, she exhibited a passion for sports, particularly water polo, a sport she would later dedicate her life to. Throughout her youth, Colleen was an exceptional athlete, known for her tenacity, leadership, and competitive spirit. She excelled in every sport she tried, but water polo quickly became her true calling. As a high school athlete, she was a standout player, leading her team to multiple championships and earning a reputation as a skilled and strategic player.
After graduating from high school, Colleen pursued her academic and athletic passions at McKendree University, where she played water polo at the collegiate level. Her time at McKendree was marked by both academic success and athletic excellence. As a student-athlete, she was known for her discipline, hard work, and commitment to her team. Colleen’s dedication to the sport earned her numerous accolades, including conference honors and team MVP titles, as she established herself as one of the best players in the region.
In addition to her prowess in the water, Colleen was an advocate for the development of young athletes. She deeply believed in the power of sport to shape character, build resilience, and foster teamwork. After graduating from McKendree, she returned to the university as an assistant coach, eager to give back to the sport that had given her so much. It wasn’t long before Colleen was promoted to the head coach of the McKendree University Water Polo Team, a position she held with immense pride and dedication.
As a coach, Colleen was known for her unwavering commitment to her athletes. She was not just a coach but a mentor, offering guidance, support, and encouragement both in and out of the pool. Her coaching philosophy focused on developing the whole athlete—teaching her players not only how to excel in the sport of water polo but also how to be leaders, teammates, and individuals of character. Colleen’s ability to connect with her players on a personal level made her an irreplaceable figure in their lives. Many of her athletes described her as a second mother, someone who believed in them even when they didn’t believe in themselves.
Under Colleen’s leadership, the McKendree University Water Polo Team saw significant success. Her strategic approach, combined with her ability to motivate her players, led the team to multiple championships and national rankings. Colleen’s impact was felt far beyond the pool, as she instilled a sense of pride and community within her team. She was known for her positivity, energy, and infectious enthusiasm. Her players admired her resilience and strength, qualities that she demonstrated every day in both her personal and professional life.
Outside of her work with the McKendree Water Polo Team, Colleen was an active member of the St. Louis community. She was involved in a variety of charitable organizations, particularly those focused on youth sports and development. Colleen was passionate about helping young athletes reach their full potential, and she volunteered her time coaching and mentoring youth water polo teams across the area. Her love for the sport extended beyond the collegiate level; she wanted to ensure that the next generation of athletes had the same opportunities to thrive that she had enjoyed.
Her impact also reached beyond the water polo community. Colleen was known for her kindness, generosity, and genuine interest in the lives of others. Whether she was supporting her colleagues, cheering on her friends at events, or spending time with her family, Colleen brought light and joy to everyone she met. Her positive attitude and infectious laughter brightened any room she entered, and she had a rare ability to make those around her feel valued and appreciated.
Colleen’s untimely passing has left a deep hole in the hearts of those who knew her. She was a beloved coach, friend, and mentor who touched the lives of countless individuals. She leaves behind her parents, who were a constant source of support and encouragement throughout her life; her siblings, who shared in her many accomplishments and celebrations; and her extended family and friends, all of whom will forever cherish the time they spent with her.
In addition to her family, Colleen is mourned by the McKendree University community, her athletes, and the broader water polo community. Her players, who regarded her as both a coach and a role model, are struggling to comprehend a world without her guidance. They are determined to honor her memory by carrying forward the values and lessons she instilled in them. Her legacy will live on in every game they play, in every practice they attend, and in every challenge they face, as they strive to be the best versions of themselves—just as Colleen always encouraged them to be.
In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, the McKendree University Water Polo Team will hold a memorial service to celebrate Colleen’s life and her contributions to the sport. Friends, family, and colleagues will gather to share stories, remember her incredible achievements, and honor the lasting impact she had on so many. Donations in her memory will be used to create a scholarship fund for young athletes wishing to pursue water polo at McKendree University, ensuring that Colleen’s passion for the sport will continue to inspire generations to come.
Colleen Lischwe may no longer be with us physically, but her spirit, her values, and her love for the sport of water polo will live on. She was an exceptional coach, a compassionate leader, and a truly remarkable human being. She touched the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her, and her legacy will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Colleen. You will be deeply missed, but your memory will continue to inspire us all.
