Ex-Lions coach dies

John Ho Lee, who coached the Southern California College (now Vanguard University) women’s volleyball team in 1996 and 1997, drowned during a missionary trip to Japan. He was 38.

Lee came to the Costa Mesa NAIA school as the men’s club volleyball coach in 1991. He became a women’s volleyball assistant in 1994 and took over the program in 1996.

“He was one of the most beloved individuals ever to work in our athletic department,” Vanguard Athletic Director Bob Wilson said.

Lee is believed to have drowned on July 31, though many details are unknown.

A memorial service is scheduled Friday at noon at Cypress Evangelical Free Church in Cypress.