Loyola Marymount University Athletics is mourning the loss of former volleyball standout Kim Blankinship (1993-1996), who died Monday night from heart failure. Blankinship was recently named among the LMU Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2007 to be inducted this coming January.
Other links to coverage of Kim Blankinship:
NBC 4
South Bay Daily Breeze
Student Sports
Below is a selection of memories and messages sent to the website. Thank you to everyone who submitted a message.
We will all miss you, Kim.
Tina Gaines - former teammate/friend (Los Angeles, CA):
Kim was a great athelete and of course, a great person. I hadn't seen her since shortly after we were both out of college but we both played for South Bay Volleyball Club back in high school. She will remain the happy, vibrant active young woman in my memories of her. My deepest condolences go to her family and friends.
Kevin Jones - friend (Telluride, CO):
She was amazing in every sense of the word.
Steve Stratos - Head Coach, LMU Volleyball (Torrance, CA):
Ever since Kim graduated from LMU she has been a continual source of inspiration to all of the younger athletes that have followed her. Whenever our coaching staff feels the need to motivate our current team, there are few of our former players whose exploits/accomplishments/dedication are used to demonstrate what is possible. One of the individuals who most certainly is discussed is Kim Blankinship. We speak of her passion to compete, her unselfish attitude, her "never give in" mentality, and her incredible athleticism. Kim's spirit has always been a part of LMU Volleyball, and will endure throughout the years to come. I know that she will be with us every time we take the court. There is no question that our athletes and staff will always find motivation by keeping Kim close to our hearts.
Christine Jinbo-Lennon - South Bay VBC teammate & friend (Venice, CA):
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Blankinship,
There aren't words to express my sadness for your loss. Although Kim and I have lost touch, I too feel a tremendous loss. Being teammates with Kim during our years at South Bay, and sharing the successes of our team, created a bond that time and distance could not break. Please accept all my prayers and love at this time.
Memories of Kim came flooding back to me as soon as I heard her name... our times hanging out at endless tournaments... her smile and laughter... Many of my favorite memories are some of the silliest times... when she spelled her last name wrong on her snack cooler... I think it said "Blankship" ...when she was driving her truck with the huge oversized tires and Mr. Blankinship was teasing her about parking by "brail" because there were scrapes on the tops of her tires... she said, "Daaad, there aren't curbs that high!!!" Then she realized that the top of the tires were sometimes the bottom of the tires... she laughed... loud and hard at her own "blondness."
Those times were silly and funny, but my favorite memory overwhelmed me.... Just being on the court with her. She was an unbelievable competitor, who made the most pressure filled situations seem easy. She would just look at me and say, "Set me Jinbo!" I knew it was game over. She didn't even have to say anything; she could have just looked at me because I could see it in her face. Just thinking of it makes me feel like a winner...just like Kim.
Heather Farr-Maloney - LMU Women's Soccer Class of 1997 (La Jolla, CA):
I am so sad to hear of Kim's passing. Even though we played on different teams we often spent time together in the training room. I remember she had such a great smile and was always in a good mood. She was a very talented athlete and always fun to be around. I sorry for your loss.
Jeanne Vetter - volleyball player & friend (Dana Point, CA):
I never had the chance to play with Kim but had the honor and pleasure of playing against her for 10 years, both through club and in college. Not only was she a fierce competitor and an incredible athlete, her joy and love of the game was truly contagious. I am so thankful to have had Kim in my life for as long as I did. I will always remember that feisty smile on the other side of the net as she dug me yet another time! My heart goes out to her family.
Matt, Jennifer, and Katelyn Fisher - fans (Torrance, CA):
I read the front page article in the Daily Breeze newspaper today about this unbelievable tragic loss. My family and I never met Kim, however the article in the paper hit home with me so much that I just had to write in and tell the family how my heart aches for them. My sister, Kelle, passed away at the young age of 32 from cancer back in 1998 and not a day goes by that my heart does not feel heavy with her loss. Due to the young age of Kim I believe that this tragedy made my feelings of loss resurface even more than usual.
I do not have any incredibly wise words for the family and friends, just to be there for each other and love one another every day like it is the last because sometimes life will surprise you and it may be your last. Please know that I will pray for you all to get thru this trying time the best you can and find comfort in the arms of friends and family.
God needed one more Angel in heaven.....Kim is that Angel.
Mardell Wrensch - friend & teammate (Playa del Rey, CA):
One day during practice at LMU, Strat posed an interesting question to the team and asked all of us to answer individually. If we were fighting at war and had to hideout in a foxhole, which one of our teammates would we choose to have in there with us to go to battle for our lives? No hesitation followed... everyone chose Kim. I've never, ever forgotten that. I can't think of a stronger compliment than having the entire team, without question, choose to put their lives in her hands if it came to that. Kim didn't need to demand respect, because she commanded it. Brave, determined, fearless, and a fighter to the end.
Christopher Asher - Colleague/Head Track & Field-Cross Country Coach at Cal State LA (Inglewood, CA):
I want to send condolences out to the Blankinship family. I never met Kim but I knew who she was personally. I graduated from Hawthorne HS in 1992 when we were a perrenial power in track & field. At that time, I remember that Cal-Hi Sports Magazine was a really big deal amongst student-athletes in the South Bay and the whole state. I remember that she was featured in it a few times. Because of her athletic prowess I was very impressed even though I never spoke to her on a personal level. I remember thinking that..."This girl is amazing"!!! About 7-8 years ago I was an assistant coach for track & field at CS Fullerton and I begin private coaching elite athletes. When it came time to promote myself, I sought out Student Sports Magazine who Kim was employed by. I e-mailed her and we spoke by phone and my first words were to her were...were you that girl from Torrance HS that was amazing in every sport and placed at the state final in the high jump at the CIF California State Meet? She said that she couldn't believe that I remembered that and I remember me speaking with her through phone and e-mail on many occasions and she helped me with pride! She helped me tremendously because I recognized her. We have all changed career-wise but she did nothing but help me progress my career and as I opened up an online website today to read race results and see that she had passed...I hurt tremendously. God Bless Kim and her family and I truthfully believe that she is in a better place. My condolences to her family and friends and even though I only knew her for a short time, this hurts me tremendously!
Greg Nadsady- LMU Class of 1997 (Northridge, CA):
Since LMU is such a small school, you pretty much know who everyone is even if you don't know them. I had met her a couple times here or there at a party. She was a fabulous athlete and everyone talked about watching her at the LMU home games.
I was very shocked and saddened to hear of her passing. I had just recently read about her induction to the LMU Athletic Hall of Fame in the last Vistas Magazine, which gave me great pride in having attended LMU during the same period and seen her play.
Please know that she was a very special person even to some of us who didn't know her very well. As LMU grads, we were very proud of her accomplishments and what she did for LMU.
Doc McBride- Longtime fan of LMU volleyball (Long Beach, CA):
One of my fondest memories of Kim was many years a go when LMU was playing Oral Roberts in Sweet 16 of NCAA - it was the 5th game and it was the longest point that I've ever witnessed - 2 minutes plus I'm sure - and Kim was in the OH hitting position and the set went way over head and going out of bounds and she jumped as no one else could, and hit it left handed and put it away. The stands were packed to the brim, and what followed was a 2 minute ovation that our volleyball gals had never heard in their lives. I will also never forget the way she lit up the gym with her smile.
Susie Teitsworth- friend (Los Angeles, CA):
I have been playing volleyball against Kim since I was 14 years old. My club team Mission Valley almost always ended up in the finals of tournaments against Kim's team, South Bay Volleyball Club. College took us to diffent Coasts but we reconnected back in Manhattan Beach after college in a volleyball league played on Wednesday nights. It was once again several of my former Mission Valley teammates against Kim and several of her South Bay and LMU teammates. I will always remember her as one of the best female athletes with a huge vertical jump, big smile and amazing attitude.
Andy Diver - friend (Westchester, CA):
As a former baseball player at LMU, we always hung out with the volleyball girls. Kim was awsome. Her spirit and kindness was unmatched. I was good friends with Suzanne Radcliffe's brother,we played together,so Kim and I were always talking about the South Bay and sports. I mourn for your family. I hope that one day my daughter grows to be as great a person as Kim was. My prayers and the prayers of all of who new her are neverending.God Bless your family!!!
Jill Greb-Brunkhardt - friend through soccer, volleyball (high school and South Bay VBC) (El Segundo, CA):
I couldn't believe it when I heard the tragic news about Kim. She was such an amazing person, so beautiful inside and out. Even though I had not seen her in many years (we did e-mail a few years ago) I can still hear her voice.
I only had the good fortune of playing on one team (1993 South Bay All Star Soccer Team) with Kim. I was always on the opposite side of the volleyball court or soccer field from her, which was scary!! She was such a fantastic athlete, so aggressive, but always showed great sportsmanship. We would always give each other a hug before and after the game. Of course, her team always won, but she was always so nice about it after.:)
One particular memory I have of Kim was when her soccer team was playing mine at El Segundo High School. I remember her dad running up and down the side line yelling, "Go Boo" (I think that was his nickname for her). She was such a dominant player that my team couldn't get the ball pass the 50 yard line because Kim was always there to stop us. I was the goalie and feared Kim because she kicked the ball so hard. I know she was a sweeper, but she could take the ball from anywhere and score!!
Kim will be missed by all who knew her and many who didn't. It is such a tragedy when someone so special passes away too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.
Annalise Mattera Mulford - friend & teammate (Corona, CA):
I was one of many lucky and honored people to have Kim in my life. I played club with Kim's sister Kristi and then played with and against Kim on the beach.
One thing I will always remember about Kim, is that she never had anything bad to say about anyone. And that is not an exaggeration. Never. If she did not like someone, she still always found something nice to say about them. If we could all be more like Kim, this world would be a much nicer place. Kim's love for life, family and friends, as well as her fantastic smile and energetic personality will be deeply missed.
KIM---Keep that Volleyball court up there warm for us, we will play together again.
Rachel Bosma - friend/SBVC teammate/fellow LMU athlete (Torrance, CA):
I spent a lot of my time as a teammate and rival trying to jump as high as Kim, spike as hard as Kim, get to the ball just a little faster than Kim, and laugh with as much abandon as Kim. I don't think I ever was able to. What a phenomenal athlete and force of nature. Mike, Yoko and Kristi, I am so sorry for your loss. Know that we all feel the loss too and no matter how long it has been since Kim was in our lives, she made a profound impact and will be missed and always remembered.
Nicole & Lauren - friends (Long Beach, CA):
We have set up a website in Kim's honor as a place for people to share memories and photos. From that site, we will be collecting money to donate in Kim's memory to the American Heart Association. Please join us at www.Blankinship.pledgepage.org. We'll miss you Kim. Everyday.
Wayne Boehle - friend and fan, LMU Class of 1965 (Los Angeles, CA):
Our prayers and heartfelt thoughts go out to the Blankinship family. I remember watching Kim jump out of the gym, coupled with her quick arm swing, made for great spectating for an ex player. Her mother and I would talk about Kim and LMU at depositions. Kim will be forever missed but never forgotten.
Tim Louie - LMU Class of 1995 (Woodland Hills, CA):
I had the pleasure of meeting Kim a few times, just watching the matches and walking around campus. She always had a smile. One time the volleyball team was taking its picture for the yearbook and program guides and I was wearing the lion mascot suit for the pictures. Naturally, Kim asked if she could wear the suit and be the mascot for one of the basketball games! During the volleyball matches, she was amazing to watch. My friends and I just called her "Air Kim". My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
The Richardson Family - Student Sports (Kirkland, WA):
We met Kim over the phone in July, after our son was invited to play in the Long Beach Area Code Games.
Being the mother that wants to make sure my Son's flight is there on time and he has the right color socks and belt.
She was at Student Sports and I wanted to order A XL shirt.
She was Funny, thoughtful, kind, and professional in every way. We started talking about raising children and the hard work it takes, but the great rewards that you get as a parent and she expressed she was looking forward to getting married and having children.
We spoke about sports playing a big part in our families lives. I know this is a huge loss for all of you.
God Bless your family at this difficult time.
HMM - friend (Torrance, CA):
There is a time when you meet someone who you remember forever. When I met you the first itme, your attitude and smile instilled your memory in my heart and soul. We shared so many passions and you always told me to follow mine with intensity. Thank you for making everyone you touched so happy.
The backyard bbqs and the bells and whistles are my wish for you. Thank you, I'll miss you always.
Kallie Varnell - former Tarter and sister of her LMU Coach Stratos (Torrance, CA):
Dear Blankinship Famly:
My thoughts and prayers are with you for your great loss. I watched Kim play volleyball as a Tarter and then as a Lion. She was a dynamatic individual that inspired all the players. Her memory will live on with so many people. At the LMU games she would say to me, "I am sorry that my dad is wearing shorts and not his fireman uniform". She knew that I was in love with firemen in uniforms. But her dad would come by my school every morning and honk the firetrucks horn before he went for his run. Kim, you will be missed, but always remembered in the Varnell family.
Demond Smith - Hawthorne HS Hurdler, 1990-92 (Santa Clarita, CA):
Kim Blankinship will always be synonymous with greatness.The word of her passing is devestating to the heart to say the least.Kim, I will see you on the warm up field in the sky. May the Love of God be a fortress of comfort for her loved ones in this time of surreal grief.
Jason Frudakis - friend (Long Beach, CA):
As I sit here searching for answers to why God has taken such a wonderful person from our lives I am at a loss. I knew Kim for five years and throughout all of those years I never saw her sick, mad or complain about anything. She was always happy and full of life. I have Kim to thank for making me a tougher and more focused person in the business arena. She took her work very serious and worked harder than anyone I know. I was very impressed how quickly she worked her way up the corporate ladder; I took notes and will never forget what I learned from her. Kim and I frequently talked about the future and what life had to offer. Marriage and children often became the topic of discussion. I will never forget her face and how it would light up when talking about being a mother. Kim was always concerned about everyone elses happyness. She had a way of getting you out of a bad mood. Her smile made a room light up. She always seem to put everyone before herself. I have never met such a loving and giving person. It made her happy to make others happy. It seemed to be what she lived for. She helped me turn my life around and get focused. I can hear her now telling me how to move forward and become more productive. She was the toughest person I know. I will never forget what Kim stood for and what she taught me. She had a way of making you a better person. I love her and will keep her spirit alive in me forever and hope that I can achieve at least half of what she was able to achieve in such a short period of time. Kim, I miss you more than words can say I will never forget you!
Mark Tennis - co-worker at Student Sports (Stockton, CA):
I have many ideas how to keep Kim's memory alive for many, many years through awards named in her honor. She was one in a million to work with and will be hugely missed. My best wishes to her parents and sister as they go through this difficult time.
Ali Wood- acquaintance, competitor (Hermosa Beach, CA):
Dear Blankinship family,
I met Kim when she was finishing up her career at LMU and starting to pursue the beach game. She was a great athlete and a fun person to be around. A few years later I started seeing Kim at the Del Aire Park rec league and was amazed that she was still such a ferocious competitor. I was in awe of the power and skills she brought to the gym and how much fun she was having while playing. What a jump serve!!! Kim and I e-mailed from time to time about different youth sports opportunities. The fact that Kim traded in her potential as a pro beach athlete to pursue a career helping high school athletes is a testament to her selflessness. I am so sorry for your loss, and wish that I had gotten to know Kim better.
Nikki Lawson - friend, South Bay teammate (Manhattan Beach, CA):
Kim always had the biggest smile and kindest words to express to everyone she knew. A couple years ago, we met up and it was just like old times, sharing fun stories and reminiscing old times. It was a privilege to play opposite her in club. Kim always carried her own on the court and on the field. I thought I was fast until we played Torr, she would never give me a breakaway. My favorite memories of Kim are watching her jump out of the gym, being thankful I wasn't playing defense on the other side of the court, hanging out at tournaments and sitting with her at CIF track meets cheering for each other though we weren't competing for the same school. I will miss Fire Marshall Bill and Pumpkin stories, but most of all I'll miss her genuine sweet sweet spirit.
Liz Briggs Farrell - college friend (San Francisco, CA):
Kim always had a smile on her face, she was one of the most vivacious people I ever met. She was a beautiful person on the inside and out. She will be missed!
John K. - high school classmate (Torrance, CA):
I pray that God is with Kim's family during this difficult times.
I have always watched Kim from afar during H.S days. I was too shy and timid back then to even say "Hi" to her. She was just an exceptional player... the best I've ever seen in person. Beautiful smile, beautiful personality, and unbelievably athletic at the same time. Although I was never in her circle of friends, she is the first girl that comes to mind when I think of my high school days. Her smile from afar was so radiant... it sticks in your mind... it's everlasting. May God bless Kim's family... her fiance... her best friend, Suzanne... and all her close friends... may God work wonders in their life while Kim is waiting in Heaven. Just to let you know that there are more people than you think that are praying for you and pulling for you during this difficult times.
Joop Klijnhout - family (Arnhem, Netherlands):
My condolences.
Joe Baars - Opa (Torrance, CA):
She is an angel now and forever.
Kees en Trees Klijnhout - family (Arnhem, Holland):
kees en trees leven met jullie verdriet mee, heel veel sterkte in deze moeilijke tijd. (ook van Esther)
Ali Carey Oliver - fan, volleyball player (San Gabriel, CA):
I was a freshman at San Gabriel High when I first saw/met Kim. She was a senior and we were both competing in Arcadia High's yearly volleyball tournament. I was merely a freshman and I was the starting outside hitter for SGHS. I was completely in awe of Kim. I watched her like I had never watched an athlete before. Every time my team was off, I would run to see Kim play...she was incredible...I thought she could fly...when she jumped, she really did defy gravity...and she played with so much HEART! To this day I still think of Kim and tell stories about how much I looked up to her to the kids I coach now. I am so saddened to hear of her death. I now reside in Manhattan Beach and have wondered if maybe I would run into her and be able to tell her how much I truly admired her, though I barely knew her. I got up the courage to talk to her at that tournament in 1992 and discovered that she was incredibly nice and very supportive. I competed throughout college and in!
ternationally and now coach collegiately, am a club director and play on the beach when time allows. I don't know that I would have pursued volleyball as my life's purpose and career if it hadn't been for those few inspiring moments with Kim. The world and our sport has lost one of it's true gifts...I just feel blessed knowing that there is an amazing angel now watching over us.
Brian House - fan (Westchester, CA):
I can only attest to her physical skill and not the way she touched others' lives. But as someone who watched most of the home games and a few away games during LMU's glory years in the mid-90's, I can say that Kim was my favorite player to watch. Her jump serves and kill attempts were a thing of beauty-- a combination of athletic finesse and sheer power which I found unequaled in any prior or subsequent player. I always felt that Kim was the key component to those teams. Those glory years were good times during my immediate post-college years that I remember fondly. And if I could, I would've thanked her for her contribution to making those LMU teams some of the most elite in the nation. I offer my condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.
Ross Vitale - former Sports Information Director for LMU women's volleyball (Upland, CA):
To the Blankinship Family:
I had the good fortune of working with hundreds of the best student-athletes anyone could have ever had the chance to work with. Kim however was someone that was truly special. She had amazing volleyball talents and all it took was for somone to see her play just once to know this to be true. She owned that court. But she had something else very special, a winning smile that would light up the entire arena. One look from her with that grin and everything was all right. She was the type of person that at one moment was the subject of a tv interview and in the next moment holidng the mike running the show. Kim was not only an outstanding women's volleyball player but a truly amazing person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
DeeDee Collier Lody - friend (Torrance, CA):
Kim was an amazing person. We shared some good laughs. She was always in good spirits and was so full of life. I looked up to her in Volleyball. She will be missed! My thoughts and prayers are with the Blankinship family.
Mark E. Cavanaugh - business colleague - NIKE, Inc. (North Hampton, NH):
I first met Kim during the infancy stages of our NIKE Football Training Camps. We were just getting this concept off the ground with Student Sport. From day one, I remember Kim's spark in every meeting/gathering we had. She had this amazing ability to not only light up a room, but make everyone feel good about what we were doing...and personally make folks feel good about themselves.
She was also the most modest and humble person. When I would ask her of her days at LMU, or of past athletic epxeriences...she would simply say that she played/loved volleyball, soccer, etc...but never led on that she had accomplished anything more then simply pulling a varsity jersey over her head.
Upon hearing the news of her passing...my thoughts went right to her smiling face and infectious laugh.
Those of us that knew Kim are blessed to have been touched by such an amazing individual...hopefully we can all take a little piece of her, and pay tribute to her life by passing on her positive energy to others.
David and Ria Gagnon - family friend for 50 years (Wildomar, CA):
kim. our angel, we were there when you where born, and we were there when you passed. our lives will never be the same without you. we always looked forward to that infectious smile, and sincere i love you;s. the times to look back on are many,and everyone has become a treasure in our hearts. we cannot believe you are truly gone. you will however live on in everyone you touched. joke, mike our best buds we will always be there to laugh,cry or whatever the mood calls for. thank you for always being there for us too. kristi we love you honey, you like our daughter, as was kim. dave and i pray for strenght, to bring you through this difficult time. our love to all of you
Wendy Miller Quattlebaum - college roommate - LMU Class of 1997 (San Carlos, CA):
Each time I think about Kim, a smile comes across my face. She was such an amazing person that one can never forget. A memory that sticks out in my mind was during our senior year in our apartment. We were all watching Saturday Night Live clips and Kim and Suzanne just couldn't get enough of "Goat Boy". Kim wanted to rewind the skit over and over again. I feel as though Kim always had something to laugh about. She was always in such a good mood and could bring a room full of people to full laughter in an instance. She lived life to the fullest. My thoughts go out to her family and Suzanne. Mr. and Mrs. Blankinship, one can only hope they raise their daughter like you did. She truly was an amazing person.
Leah Wray Moorman - mother of Kim's LMU roommate, Wendy Miller (Granite Bay, CA):
Please know that my prayers are with you. My memories of Kim are remembering her laughter and smile. I will hold that memory always. It will bring a peace in my heart when I think of her. I am unable to attend the service, but please know in heart and spirit I am there.
Kimberly Weiner - Sidewinder teammate (Hawthorne, CA):
I am really sorry for your loss. It was an honor to have played on the same soccer team as Kim. I only knew Kim for a year and she was able to touch me in a way that I will never forget her. She was a very special person and will always live in my heart. I am forever grateful to have known her.
Greg Clark - friend, former LMU Sports Information Assistant, fan, LMU Class of 1995 (Surprise, AZ):
I truly wish that I could be with you all to celebrate the life of this wonderful woman. I will always remember that she was a warm, caring person whose smile and personality would light up any room that she walked into. Even after we both graduated from college, I ran into her as she covered the high school teams that I was coaching while she worked for Torrance TV and then Student Sports. She was definitely cut out for the work that she chose for herself. And she did it with the same amount of enthusiasm and drive that she showed in the arena of athletics...no matter what sport she competed in. The world has lost a true champion, and we are all better for having known her for a day, week, month, year or a lifetime. You will be missed, Kim, but we will continue to carry on your spirit and your drive and determination until we see you again...
The Noriega Family - family of LMU volleyball's Sarah Noriega (1994-97) (Ulysses, KS):
Please know that the Noriega family is thinking of all the LMU volleyball family, especially the Blankinships since Kim passed away. All of you will be particularly in our minds and hearts tomorrow for Kim's memorial. What a sad time for all of us who were dazzled by this lovely person. The sorrow of her loss will go on for such a long time.
We also wanted to let you know about a wonderful story related to Kim. Sarah coached our Ulysses High School varsity team this fall. They were in preparation for their regional tournament last week when she heard about Kim. Of course, she was struck deeply by the tragic news. At the following practice, Sarah told her team about the dynamic influence that Kim had on the LMU volleyball program and the team during Sarah's years with Kim as a teammate. She wanted her varsity girls to know that they were soon to play in the most important part of their season and that no matter the outcome, they should keep in mind that as a team they could come through with a special bond. They had to give their best to each other and in doing so would honor each other. This was the same way in which Kim had always been honored -- beyond awards, instead by everyone having a special place for Kim in their memory and heart.
On the day of the tournament, in the locker room, the team presented Sarah with a gift. Then, they showed her how they remembered what they had been told about Kim. On the ribbons they wore tying their hair back, each had their own name on one side and on the other... the initials KB with a #14. For Sarah, that was the ultimate display of heart, regardless of the way the season might have gone or ended. They did not finish as region champions but did emerge as a team of sisters, in the same way that LMU teams have done for so long and especially with the impact of persons like Kim Blankinship.
With sincere and heartfelt remembrance for her, we give to all of you our condolences.
Caryn Fetzer - college roommate, LMU Class of 1997 (Hermosa Beach, CA):
I lived with Kim, Suzanne, and Wendy senior year in college. Kim was always so happy and full of life. I will always remember how much fun she and Suzanne had just hanging out together...and the endless games of yahtzee!! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Patrick Gee - photographer, LMU Class of 1993 (Los Angeles, CA):
Kim Blankinship was an exceptional athlete whose personality would positively brightens up your day whether you like it or not. Glenn Marzano and I were going to shoot the LMU Volleyball team portraits during Kim's sophomore year and we expected boredom. All that changed when Kim went up to the stool and did her waving pose and instantly energized the room. We agreed that she had personality and as the season progressed we saw how her energy and leadership made her team better. She was a joy to photograph and we felt she displayed some of the most athletic performances caught on film. She wasn't the tallest player but she'll out-play and out-jump any competitor in the gym. We became fans of LMU Volleyball based on the ability of the one player who could light up Gersten with her athletic ability and personality. Kim, we are going to miss you but everytime we set foot in Gersten, we are going to remember you and the good times that you brought to LMU.
South Sharman - friend and teammate (Torrance, CA):
Kimmie was like a little sister to me! She was the most incredible woman I've ever met. I'll miss her more than words can explain. I love you Kimmie.
Tracy Holman Duffey - friend and LMU teammate (Ventura, CA):
Kim was my "go-to". When the game was on the line, I set Kim. I could always count on her to put the ball away, and I could always count on her friendship, with her sincere smiles and bear hugs. Kim was a role model and an inspiration to me and to so many of us. I can only hope to live life with as much zest and as much love as she did. You'll always be with me, Kim.
Greg Snyder - friend, LMU Class of 1997 (Manhattan Beach, CA):
The legend of Kim came before our introduction. As a Mira Costa grad and volleyball player I remember the matches between Costa and Torrance. I was amazed at her athletisism, especially her jumping ability. Eventually, we ended up attending LMU, where a mutual friend - Tate - introduced us at a dorm room party during training camps (her VB, myself, soccer), before the other non-sports students were on campus. It's not often that I remember first introductions, but Kim was way more than the typical introduction. Her positive outlook, her incredible smile, and thoughtful approach to everything in life is truly inspiring. I looked forward to seeing her while at LMU and wish that I was able to somehow keep our connection afterwards. She made sure to talk with me and keep me on a positive note during our sophomore year when I lost my father. So although she was a great athlete, which is the reason why we met, all the stats and awards pale in comparison as to what a special person she was. My heart goes out to those who knew her better than I did - she was an amazing person and a loss that will be tough to get over.
Tracy Mlakar - college classmate (Manhattan Beach, CA):
Being that LMU was such a small school, everyone just sorta knew everyone, although Kim always stood out in a crowd. I think she smiled at just about everyone she came into contact with. When I saw she was being inducted into LMU Athletics Hall of Fame, I wasn't surprised at all- above and beyond her talents on the court, she was a first-class person.
Amy Stroock- friend and classmate (Torrance, CA):
My heart goes out to Kim's family and friends. She had such an electric personality. I enjoyed cheering her as a cheerleader at Torrance High. She will be greatly missed.
John Daley and family- teacher and friend of Kristi (Torrance, CA):
I heard today (Wed. 10/25) from David Marsden, the former Torrance police officer. My regret is too deep to be expressed here. Kristi, it has been years since I've talked to you but I still love ya. I'm just too sad to say anything that could help you. I hold you all in my thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful woman we are without. She is gracing some other realm now but it still hurts. My heart aches for you all. Know that there are countless people trying to help you now and forever!
Sean Met - LMU assistant coach 2001-2002 (Seattle, WA):
My thoughts and prayers go out to Kim's family and friends. She had the energy and enthusiasm for a dozen people. I know she will be missed dearly. Having alumni like Kim come back and play in the annual Alumni Game gave incoming freshmen an idea of the type of legacy they were becoming a part of. Coach Stratos still uses Kim's play and drive to motivate current players. We are all better having known someone as full of life as Kim Blankinship.
Patty and Reyn Parke, Shannon and Jeremy Shelton - Shannon = former club teammate (Manhattan Beach, CA):
Shannon so much enjoyed playing with Kim and playing against her. At all the wonderful tournaments that the girls went to, Kim always stood out. She will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Tim Varnell - friend (Torrance, CA):
Mike you and your wife did a wonderful job raising such a sweet genuine daughter. From day one at Torrance High when I was known as Bob's little brother or Timmy, Kim would come up to me and say hi Tim and get to know the real me. She would always go out of her way for everyone including me with that ear to ear smile. Words can not describe the feeling I had when I heard the news because she was truly one of the best and she still had many more hearts to touch and smiles to put on people's faces. You know the lives she touched have touched others and her spirit and memore will still be going strong in the tens of thousands of people touched by Kim. She will be truly missed. She was one of the good guys that will Never Ever be forgotten.
Carrie Nichols Gilmer - former Mira Costa volleyball/soccer competitor (Manhattan Beach, CA):
I am so sorry for your loss. I never had the priveledge of talking to Kim, but I played soccer and volleyball against her many times in my years at Mira Costa. She was awe-inspiring. I'll never forget watching her warm-up for a volleyball game at Torrance - she and her long, braided hair were bouncing balls all over the place. What an incredible jump! And a smile to match. May she rest in peace.
Ingrid Bloemen - aunt (Murrieta, CA):
Kim, You are in my heart forever, I will think of you often and smile. I wish I could tell you "I Love You" just one more time....I LOVE YOU KIM
Rolan Feld - LMU student-athlete (Los Angeles, CA):
I remember your smile and your grace in such a young time of our lives. Baseball and voleyball went hand in hand at Loyola. you were always nice and welcoming to people around you. your sunshine will not be missed. Love, Rolan Lion Pride
