Aahana Swrup
Caroline Found, better known to her friends and family as “Line,” was a star player at Iowa City West High’s Women’s Volleyball team, the West Trojans. In 2010, she led her fellow teammates to the Trojans’ first state championship title, occupying the instrumental position of Setter. A natural-born leader with a friendly spirit and a zest for life, Found was well-known and beloved in her community. For the same reason, her unexpected death in 2011 left a lasting mark on her loved ones as well as anyone who had crossed paths with the teenager. In the aftermath, the West Trojans, defending champions of the state title, expectedly faced a tough season ahead, having lost their leader and a crucial part of the puzzle piece of their camaraderie. Nonetheless, through coach Kathy Bresnahan’s guidance, Kelley Fliehler’s leadership, and Ernie Found’s support, the team not only managed to put up a fight but also secured a winning streak in honor of their fallen teammate. The 2018 film ‘The Miracle Season’ tells the inspiring story of their perseverance and success.
Caroline Found Died at Age 17 Due to a Moped Accident
Caroline Found, born on June 19, 1994, in Iowa City, was known as a kind, energetic soul to the people in her community. Along with being an exceptional Volleyball player, a friend, and a sibling, she was also a devoted daughter to Ernie and Ellyn Found. Unfortunately, in early 2011, the latter was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and moved to hospice care by the summer of the same year. As a result, by June 2011, Caroline had developed a habit of visiting her mother until late hours of the day. On August 11, 2011, the teenager had plans to do just that after a Young Life Christian meeting. She was making the trip on a moped she had borrowed from a friend.
Tragically, on Mormon Trek Boulevard, near Hawkeye Park Road and First Street in Coralville, Caroline lost control of the moped and crashed into a tree. Police concluded that the 17-year-old, who wasn’t wearing a helmet, died on impact. In the aftermath of her tragic and unforeseen passing, hundreds of local residents, along with volleyball teams from neighboring towns, paid their respects to the athlete and shared their condolences with the family. Coach Kathy Bresnahan gave a eulogy at Caroline’s funeral, and the teenager’s No. 9 Volleyball jersey accompanied her closed coffin. Despite her uphill battle with cancer, Ellyn Found not only attended her daughter’s funeral but also forwent her wheelchair in favor of walking down the aisle as a show of strength and devotion. Sadly enough, she passed away a week after the funeral. In her death, Caroline continues to be survived by her father, Ernie Found, her siblings Gregg and Catherine, her close friends and family, as well as the memory of her impact and influence in the lives of those around her.
Caroline Found’s Memory Continues to Survive Through Her Inspiring Legacy
In 2011, Caroline Found’s death had a significant impact on the lives of her friends, family, and fellow West Trojans teammates. In her absence, the varsity players faced a bleak championship season ahead, having lost a core part of their identity as a team. Still, as Coach Kathy Bresnahan moved the setter position to Kelley Fliehler, Caroline’s best friend, the team began to rediscover its motivation and passion little by little. From Ernie Found’s constant presence as a supporter in the bleachers to the newborn tradition of ending every huddle with a “West on 9” chant, the team started centering Caroline’s memory as a part of their drive. Maddie Vernon, a West High student, also came up with the idea of creating “Live Like Line” t-shirts, which soon became a uniform of sorts for the Trojans’ many supporters.
Similarly, the song ‘Sweet Caroline’ by Neil Diamond became an unofficial anthem for the team in the 2011 season. In the end, the West Trojans managed to progress through the State Championship and secure the title in a second-time win. Since the memorable victory, the Iowa City West High School and its Women’s Volleyball team have continued to honor Caroline through community efforts over the year. Her No. 9 jersey was retired, and the school started hosting annual “Live Like Line” tournaments, where the community and neighboring towns’ volleyball teams come together as a way of celebration and remembrance.
Furthermore, several books, including ‘The Miracle Season’ by Kathy Bresnahan and ‘Live Like Line, Love Like Ellyn’ by Bill Hoeft, were published detailing Caroline’s influence on the 2011 season for the West Trojans. The player’s father, Ernie, helped in the creation of the latter novel. In a 2015 article for The Gazette, Ally Disterhoft, Caroline’s friend and former teammate, spoke about the player’s influence on her life. She said, ‘Simply, Caroline (Found) has inspired me to be a better person. She taught me to love a little harder, laugh a little more, and not to fret the small stuff. I think that her story has inspired hundreds of other people as well, and that is truly amazing. “
Read More: Is Kelley Fliehler Based on a Real High School Volleyball Player? Where is She Now?
