Trinity High School volleyball varsity head coach Ken Uhlir has died, the school announced on its Facebook page, April 15.
“Coach Uhlir was a cherished member of the Trinity community for the past 11 seasons and made a lasting impact on countless student-athletes with his passion, dedication, and unwavering support,” the school said in a statement.
“He was also a proud parent of Carly Uhlir, Class of 2017.”
Uhlir spent 11 seasons with the Blazers and won four IHSA regional championships (2016, 2017, 2018, and 2021).
Trinity athletic director Ken Trendel told Wednesday Journal in a phone interview that news of Uhlir’s death came as a shock to the school.
“It’s been a rough couple of days,” he said. “Ken instilled a passion for volleyball in every girl that he encountered, including my daughters (Liv and Maddie).”
Trendel added that Uhlir was a valuable resource for him when he arrived at Trinity.
“He was like a big brother to me,” he said. “He was somebody I went to when I didn’t know what to do or where to turn. I needed some guidance and advice, and he helped me through a lot of situations. It’s a big loss for me, my daughters, and our program.”
Uhlir founded the River Forest-based Triple Ace Volleyball Club along with his wife Chris in 2009. Trendel believes there are currently 140 girls participating in the junior program.
“He touched a lot of kids in Oak Park and River Forest,” Trendel said. “(His death) is definitely a loss for our entire community.”
“Ken was a wonderful man and a true asset to the volleyball community,” retired Fenwick coach Kathleen O’Laughlin told Wednesday Journal via text. “He was truly passionate about the game and his players. We had some great matches and memories over the years. The Fenwick community is deeply saddened by this news and will keep his family in our thoughts and prayers.”
Trendel said that while it hasn’t been discussed yet because of the sudden nature of Uhlir’s passing, a search for his replacement will begin soon.
“We just hope we can find someone that’s passionate of both Trinity and volleyball as Ken was,” Trendel said. “My heart goes out to his daughter and two sons, his relatives, and all the girls who he encountered at Trinity and Triple Ace over the years.”
