It is with sadness that we learned late yesterday that VC alumnus Brenden Daley '10 has passed away. After graduating from Moorpark High School, Brenden was a member of the VC Football program in 2009 and 2010. Upon graduation from VC, he transferred to the University of Hawaii and played professionally for several seasons, including a stint with the Atlanta Falcons. He also appeared on The School of Hard Knocks television series. In the summer of 2016, he returned to Ventura College to assist the football program and was one of our original student success coaches in the VC Pirates Cove.
Pirate football head coach Steve Mooshagian has announced that the VC Football Family Fighting Spirit award will be named in his honor and the team will all wear #27 on the 2018 helmets. More information will be shared regarding services once they become available. The department of Intercollegiate Athletics extends our condolences, sympathies and support to Brenden's family, teammates and colleagues at Ventura College and across the country.
We have captured several statements below to better define and honor the life of Brenden Daley.
"Heartbroken on the loss of one of our own, Brenden Daley, he left us way too soon but his enthusiasm will never be forgotten, never take life for granted! BD, your wisdom and enthusiasm will last forever, my love and respect for you will never fade, you are one of the reasons VC Football is where we are now. You will always be in our Hearts forever! Love you BD." #27 #VCFF -Steve Mooshagian, Head Football Coach
"A great guy and a great friend. He helped us get the VC Pirates Cove off the ground and thrived on helping ALL students at Ventura College. His love for VC and energy was apparent every day as he spoke to students often. RIP Brenden Daley." #family –Joey Ramirez, Head Men's Basketball Coach
"Brenden was a quintessential linebacker and teammate at VC. We often joked that he was 'programed for the game' we love and miss you. Heaven just got a great human being and linebacker. Our newest Angel always took a genuine interest in my boy since he was little. My whole family loves and mourns you BD." #RIP -Ted Lawrence, Pacifica High School Principal and former VC Football Assistant Coach
"I'm devastated, but your way of life is more inspiring than ever. The standard you have set as a VC Pirate, coach, son and friend will go unmatched. You don't meet people with your type of passion, confidence and energy every day. Rest easy coach Brenden Daley" –Tyson Rising '15, Arizona State University and VC graduate
"All those talks about wanting to make a difference in people's lives and leaving your mark…well, you have definitely exceeded your own expectations. The lives that you have impacted were not by accident; you were a special kind of person. Thank you for impacting my life!" -Mikala Cvijanovich, Strength and Mobility Coordinator
"Brenden Daley, my heart is hurting. I can't wrap my brain around your loss. We laughed together; you wanted to soak up and learn everything. I'm so glad I got to spend those remarkable days at the Pirates Cove with you, getting to know you and see first-hand your passion for our students and for life. I will always remember you; always miss you. RIP, good man!" –Liz Kraus, English and IDS Faculty