UPDATE: Merrill Volleyball Coach Dies After Suffering Stroke During Brain Surgery

Back to Sports
Updated: 9:59 AM Oct 9, 2009 UPDATE: Merrill Volleyball Coach Dies After Suffering Stroke During Brain Surgery The Merrill High School Volleyball Coach has died after suffering a stroke during brain surgery. Posted: 3:37 PM Oct 8, 2009 Reporter: WSAW Staff Email Address: news@wsaw.com

Font Size:

The Merrill High School Volleyball Coach has died after suffering a stroke during brain surgery.

Sally Pfund joined the Merrill High School staff in 1997 as a physical education teacher. She has also served as coach for girls’ basketball and track, senior class advisor and most recently as Head Volleyball Coach.

At a press conference in Merrill, officials say Ms. Pfund was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield after a brain aneurysm was discovered on Wednesday.

There doctors performed surgery and following complications Ms. Pfund suffered a stroke.

Pfund died Thursday night.

Funeral Services are still pending, but the family will honor Sally's wishes of having her funeral at the Merrill Field House.

At tonight's game, the Merrill Football Team will wear decals in her memory.

Brad Campbell will take over as head coach for the Merrill Volleyball Team.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Eau Claire on Oct 11, 2009 at 09:49 PM

Sal- You have done so much for me, and I have too many memories that I would not even know where to begin. You were a great boss and teacher. Sitting on the blue benches watching the small children walk by, will definitly hold a new meaning in my heart. I will truely miss you! Thank you for EVERYTHING! -Also, I do know my little sister looked up to you as well. GOD BLESS!!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Eagle River on Oct 9, 2009 at 11:21 AM

To a well-lived life: "Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." Marianne Williamson What is Success? "To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty; To find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; This is to have succeeded." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Posted by: Coach Schuster Location: Stevens Point on Oct 9, 2009 at 11:08 AM

My deepest sympathies go out to Sally's family, friends, students, and players. I have had the privilege of knowing Sally for over ten years through the volleyball community and serving as an Instructor Trainer through the American Red Cross in aquatics. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all and know that SPASH Volleyball took a moment of silence prior to our match with Wausau West Thursday night in honor of her memory and her deep commitment to a sport we all are dedicated to, as she was. To the Pfund family, please know how her dedication has been an inspiration to so many young people, and to me personally. God be with you!

Click here to post or read all 12 comments.