Cal State Fullerton Women's Basketball Coach Killed
On January 9, 2022, the Cal State Fullerton community was shocked and saddened by the news of the death of women's basketball coach, Monica Quan. Quan was found dead in her car along with her fiancé, Keith Lawrence, in the parking structure of their condominium complex in Irvine, California. The couple had been shot multiple times.
Quan was only 28 years old, and had been coaching the women's basketball team at Cal State Fullerton for the past two years. She was a beloved coach and mentor to her players, and was known for her passion for the game and her commitment to her team.
The Investigation
The Irvine Police Department began an investigation into the deaths of Quan and Lawrence immediately after their bodies were found. Investigators initially had few leads, but eventually released a description of a vehicle they believed may have been involved in the shooting. The vehicle was described as a dark-colored early 2000s model Nissan Titan pickup truck.
On February 6, 2022, police arrested Christopher Dorner, a former Los Angeles police officer and Navy reservist, in connection with the murders of Quan and Lawrence, as well as the killing of two other people. Dorner had posted a manifesto online stating his intention to kill police officers and their families in retaliation for what he believed was his unfair termination from the LAPD.
The Legacy of Monica Quan
The sudden and tragic loss of Monica Quan has had a profound impact on the Cal State Fullerton community, as well as the wider world of women's college basketball. Quan was widely respected as a coach and leader, and her players and colleagues remember her fondly for her dedication, passion, and kindness.
As a tribute to Quan, the Cal State Fullerton women's basketball team has established the Monica Quan Legacy Fund, which will provide scholarships and support to student-athletes who embody Quan's spirit and values.
Quan's legacy also extends beyond the basketball court. She was a graduate of Concordia University in Irvine, where she received a Bachelor's degree in exercise and sports science. She went on to earn a Master's degree in criminology from California State University, Long Beach, and was working as an assistant basketball coach at Cal State Fullerton while also pursuing a law degree at the University of Southern California.
In Conclusion
The death of Monica Quan was a tragedy that shook the Cal State Fullerton community and the world of women's college basketball. While her life was cut short, her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched as a coach, mentor, and friend.
