Harold “Sonny” Lewis, the legendary retired volleyball coach at Owens Community College, passed away on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at the age of 77. His death marks a significant loss for the college, former student-athletes, fellow coaches, and the wider Northwest Ohio volleyball community. Owens Community College formally announced his passing on November 12, recognizing a life and career that left a lasting impression on the institution and the sport.
Throughout his coaching career, Lewis became an important figure in the Owens Community College athletics community. His work extended beyond the responsibilities of leading a team, as he helped shape the experiences of student-athletes during important years of their personal and academic development. For many who played under his guidance, his influence was part of a larger college experience that continued long after their time on the court.
Lewis’s legacy reached beyond wins, matches, and seasons. His connection with student-athletes and the broader volleyball community helped establish his place in Northwest Ohio sports. Coaches often become mentors as well as instructors, and the college’s tribute to Lewis reflects the significance of the relationships and experiences he built throughout his years in the game.
Following the announcement of his passing, former players, colleagues, and members of the Owens community have reason to reflect on the memories they shared with him. His contribution to collegiate volleyball will remain part of the institution’s history, while the people he coached and encouraged carry forward the lessons and experiences associated with his career.
Harold “Sonny” Lewis will be remembered as a respected volleyball coach whose influence reached far beyond the court. His passing at 77 brings a chapter of Northwest Ohio volleyball history to a close, but his legacy lives on through the student-athletes he guided and the community he helped shape. Heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends, former players, and everyone mourning his loss.
