A HORNET FAVORITE PASSES
Former soccer, volleyball, and gymnastics coach Jim Pasquale passed away Sunday night after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
A well-loved coach and Fullerton College faculty member, Pasquale was a positive influence to all who crossed his path. He helped his students achieve success with structure and serving as a good role model. Many of Pasquale's former students have him to thank for their success as he truly cared for their well-being.
A true Renaissance man, Jim Pasquale could coach and play just about any sport. Jim first came to Fullerton College in 1966 where he took over as the men's gymnastics head coach. The sport was so new that a conference had not been set up for the sport. Pasquale continued to coach gymnastics until 1975.
By 1976, it was time to start a new program at Fullerton College in men's soccer. Pasquale coached the Hornet soccer program until he retired in 1999. He helped the Hornets to its first Orange Empire Conference championship in 1992.
In 1977, Pasquale decided it was time to bring men's volleyball to the FC campus. The Hornet men's volleyball program ran for three seasons (1977, 1978, and 1979) when it was dropped before the 1980 season due to budget cuts. The program was brought back in 2017.
Former Athletic Trainer and FC Hall of Famer Bill Chambers worked with Jim for over 30 years. "Jim was a credit to the FC coaching staff. He single-handedly started the Hornet Soccer program among other programs on campus giving our student-athletes a better chance at success. He worked hard and was always supportive of all Hornet teams."
Jim Pasquale was a Hornet favorite, who loved helping his students move on to greater successes well after their time spent at Fullerton College.
A true family man, Jim is survived by his loving wife Debbie, three daughters, and seven grandchildren. He will be missed by many.
Once a Hornet, Always a Hornet.
