Lischwe, from St. Clair County IL, was the historic head of the men’s and women’s water polo program at McKendree University in Lebanon.
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Lischwe’s death was confirmed by a McKendree University statement which read: “McKendree University is deeply saddened by the passing of Colleen Lischwe, head coach of our men’s and women’s water polo teams,” the statement read. “Colleen was a beloved member of the McKendree community, known for her unwavering dedication to her student-athletes and commitment to fostering an environment of growth, excellence, and leadership,”
The crash that killed Lischwe occurred early Wednesday, January 15th, 2024 around 6:10 a.m. near the Vandeventer Avenue exit in south St. Louis.
Lischwe was traveling eastbound on i-44 when a semitruck plowed into the back of her Prisu and pushed her off the interstate onto Vandeventer below. St Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers and soon arrived on the scene along with emergency officers who transported the 34-year-old victim to a local hospital where she died.
According to a preliminary investigation, the semi-truck driver was distracted at the time of the crash, having looked down to get a drink before he spotted the Prius and was unable to slow down in time. Witnesses said traffic was slowing down on i-44 when the incident happened.
“This is morning rush hour. You should not be looking down, you should not be distracted, and your attention should be on what you’re driving, especially in the middle of morning rush hour and days after a winter storm,” said St. Louis Police Metropolitan Department Spokesperson Mitch McCoy. “Road conditions are still slick and dangerous; your full attention should be on the vehicle you’re operating,”
Colleen Lischwe was born in 1989, in St. Louis, Missouri. She attended Marist College, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science in 2009. She proceed to Saint Louis University, receiving a graduate degree in Environmental Science, Sociology and Environmental Studies in 2012. She proceeded to McKendree for an MBA in 2018.
Lischwe began her coaching journey at McKendree University in August 2016 as the assistant water polo coach. She then became head coach for the women’s water polo team starting in February 2017. Her leadership and dedication to the sport quickly became evident as she successfully guided the team through its inaugural seasons.
In June 2018, she expanded her role to include the men’s water polo program, making history as one of only two female head coaches of men’s NCAA water polo teams. She was previously water polo coach for Saint Louis Are Polo and Head Varsity Water Polo Coach for Kirkwood Senior High School.
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