‘A legacy of inclusion, love, and strength’: Longtime Chico coach Eric Snedeker passes away

CHICO The Chico sports community has lost a long-time coach and an even better person.Eric Snedeker was a fixture in many different parts of the Chico sports community, beginning when he came to Chico State to play soccer from 1970-73.

Snedeker coached at Chico State, Paradise High School and Pleasant Valley High School, as well as with the Chico Rooks.Snedeker passed away April 24 at the age of 73 after a battle with cancer.He was a key part of the NCAA College Division Regional Soccer Championship in 1972 and 1973, and was a captain his junior and senior seasons.Snedeker was a volunteer assistant coach for the Wildcats for 11 years before coaching in Paradise for two seasons.

He then served as an assistant coach for the Chico Rooks for 11 seasons before taking over as head coach of the Pleasant Valley girls soccer team in 2017.

Snedeker resigned as head coach of the Vikings in April 2022.Snedeker taught adapted physical education at Chico State for 14 years, taught at other area schools for eight years, was the Butte County Administrator for special education for three years, and was the principal of Mill Street Elementary in Orland.While Snedeker was always a key figure in teaching and coaching, one of the things he held most dearly was the starting of the Ability First Sports camps for physically disabled athletes.

Snedeker wrote a grant in 1984 for the camp, and it was officially funded in 1985.

To this day, the camp is held in the outskirts of Chico over the summer each year.On a personal note, I make it a point to cover the Ability First Sports camps each year, because the community Snedeker has built and wants to share with all is truly special.

From campers, to councilors and volunteers, it is an empowering time for athletes who may not always feel that due to their physical limitations.Instead of summing up different peoples thoughts on his passing, in this instance I believe it is right to give raw answers from different stages of Snedekers life.

I asked each person about the impact Snedeker made on their life and if they had any stories they cared to share.Eric Snedeker had a profound impact on my life and so many peoples, said former Ability First camper and now counselor Abby Dunn.

I met him when I was 13 years old, and over the next nine years, he became a mentor, and someone I deeply admired.

Through Ability First and beyond, he created spaces where kids with disabilities felt not just included, but truly empowered.

He saw our potential before we even knew it ourselves.Dunn continued by sharing a memory of her time at the camps, which she comes to from her now home in Arizona each year.One moment that really stands out to me is from a rugby game at camp.

I remember looking over and seeing Eric on the sidelines he had this huge smile on his face and was just beaming with pride.

He always looked so proud of the campers, especially when new campers tried something for the first time.

You could see how much joy it brought him to watch people grow, connect, and find confidence.

Ill always be grateful for the community he built and the lives he touched, including mine.

He leaves behind a legacy of inclusion, love and strength that I hope we can all carry forward.Back left to right: Coaches Eric Snedeker, Dave Stahl and Gary Nance stand together speaking to the team after a Chico Rooks soccer match in 1996 at Chico State in Chico, California.

(Contributed by Dave Stahl)Former Chico Rooks coach Eric Snedeker, right, watches as Joe Munoz dribbles up field in 1998 at Chico State in Chico, California.

(Contributed by Dave Stahl)From left to right: Dave Stahl, Eric Snedeker, Marty Buckley and Mark Stahl stand together at a Chico State alumni soccer game in 1984 at Chico State in Chico, California.

(Contributed by Dave Stahl)Ability First Sports director Eric Snedeker, left, stands with his wife Marcy Snedeker at the Ability First Sports camp in 2022 in Durham, California.

(Contributed by Ability First Sports)Ability First Sports director Eric Snedeker, center, tosses a jump ball during wheelchair basketball at the Ability First Sports camp in 2016 in Durham, California.

(Contributed by Ability First Sports)Ability First Sports director Eric Snedeker pours water over camper Aurora to cool down as councilors Norm and Alex watch on at the Ability First Sports camp in 2016 in Durham, California.

(Contributed by Ability First Sports)Show Caption1 of 6Back left to right: Coaches Eric Snedeker, Dave Stahl and Gary Nance stand together speaking to the team after a Chico Rooks soccer match in 1996 at Chico State in Chico, California.

(Contributed by Dave Stahl)ExpandAfter graduating from Chico State and coaching the Wildcats and Paradise High School, Snedeker went on to help coach the Chico Rooks.

The Rooks were a team that played in the National Premier Soccer League from 1993 until 2007.

The Rooks head coach, Dave Stahl, played at Chico State with Snedeker in 1973 and has called him a friend for over 50 years.

Their kids grew up together and are still best friends to this day.

Stahl called himself lucky to have known Snedeker for over 50 years and offered his thoughts.Most people that knew Eric would say he wasnt exactly normal.

He lived his life on his own terms, and he always did what he felt was right., Stahl said.

He did a lot of stuff.

Soccer camps, the Rooks, Ability First, Chico State, he was a teacher, worked for Butte County and Chico Unified special ed, and even Glenn County.

He was selfless and put in a lot of time and effort, and he did it because he wanted to ...

Everything he did was because of his knowledge and time.

The most valuable thing we have in life is time, and he was willing to give his time to the things he cared about.Stahl said a key part of the Rooks success was Snedeker being very good with the psychological part of the game of soccer and dealing with players, and the two coaches having different skillsets.I know the term is too often used, but he was a special person, Stahl added.

He always inspired me with his leadership and determination to provide the disabled kids with equal opportunity with his Ability First program.

I think compared to most people he impacted and inspired an unbelievable amount of individuals throughout his life.

So again a term used a lot, but he was one of a kind.Pleasant Valley High School athletic director Pam Jackson took time to share her thoughts and memories about Snedeker as well.Eric is one of the most dedicated and selfless individuals I have had the pleasure of working alongside, Jackson said.

His work ethic is truly inspiring; he consistently went above and beyond, ensuring that the needs of our team and the children he coached always come first.

When faced with the challenge of filling an impossible coaching position (when Brett Silva passed away), Eric stepped up without hesitation.

His commitment to our young athletes ensured they were not left without guidance or support, demonstrating his profound dedication to their growth and development.

Erics generous nature and hard-working attitude have made a lasting impact on our program and the lives of countless young people.

His selflessness in putting others before himself is a testament to his character and the values he instilled in those he mentored.When Snedeker decided to step down from coaching the Vikings in 2022, one of his former athletes took over.

Brenna Valencia was on the team when Silva passed away and is now the head coach of the Vikings.Eric was an amazing person and deserves all of the recognition.

Eric stepped up when we needed him since we were all devastated from Brett Silva passing.

He was the rock we needed and held us all together, Valencia said.

He was so selfless to come out of retirement and help coach the girls.

Eric was a great mentor for me as a young coach because he was super knowledgeable about the game and I learned a lot of soccer strategy from him.

Eric was just so kind and caring.

He wanted to help other people find success and become the best version of themselves.

The Chico soccer community lost a legend!(Brett) Silvas brother Rick Silva was an assistant coach of Snedekers at PV in his final stint coaching, as well as a close friend.

The two would often go to The Pour House after games, and shared a love for supporting local sports.

Rick Silva offered his thoughts after Snedekers passing.Eric was the perfect replacement for Brett at the time of his death and helped those girls grieve and win a championship at the same time, Rick Silva said.

Ill be forever thankful for him, allowing me to be part of the program following Bretts death.

He was a great coach, and even better man.

To give an idea of who Eric was, when I was having a health issue, and he was going through his, he took the time to stop off at my place and bring me food to make sure I had food and that I was OK.

His loss is a great one for the City of Chico is a whole.

He was a community leader in every way possible.In the words of Snedeker, 1, 2, 3 ABILITY FIRST..

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