Megan Boken, a former Saint Louis University volleyball player from 2007-2010, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 18. Boken was 23.
Boken was originally from Wheaton, Ill. At the time of her death, she ranked 4th in matches played (127), 5th in digs (1,212), 13th in points (1,143.5) and 14th in service aces (102) on SLU’s all-time lists.
“The news of her death has been heart-wrenching for her family, friends and former teammates at SLU,” former volleyball head coach Anne Kordes said. “I had the great honor of recruiting and coaching Megan for four years and she was the most competitive player in the gym as well, as the funniest. She had a deep, boisterous laugh that was contagious and her infectious personality allowed her to establish strong personal connections with all of her teammates in all of her four years. She was popular and loved by so many and she will be deeply missed. Megan left us too soon, but she left us with incredible memories that will be shared between family and friends to keep her close in our heart.”
Boken became a well-known volleyball player in her home of Wheaton, Ill. where she was a part of two state championship volleyball teams at Wheaton St. Francis High School. Boken also received all-state honors while in high school.
She joined the Billiken volleyball team in 2007 and quickly found success on the court. She played on teams that won two Atlantic 10 regular season titles in 2008 and 2009, one conference title in 2008, and two NCAA Championship appearances in 2008 and 2009.
Aside from her success with her volleyball team, Boken also achieved academic success as she earned a place on the A-10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll for academic excellence. Boken graduated in 2011 from the John Cook School of Business.
“Megan was a vibrant young woman and a wonderful representative of Saint Louis University and Billiken athletics. In addition to being a great student, she was an outstanding athlete and an important part of our championship volleyball teams,” Director of Athletics Chris May said. “She contributed as much in the classroom and in the community as she did on the court. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”
Boken was in town from the Chicago area looking for a job and to play in the annual alumni volleyball game. Her former teammates were shocked to learn of her death.
Visitation was held for Megan last Wednesday and her funeral service was last Thursday at St. Michael Catholic Church in Wheaton. There was also a prayer service held at St. Francis Xavier (College) Church during Boken’s funeral.
Boken’s family asked for her friends across the country to lift up a prayer for Megan last Saturday. The family made this request on a Facebook page commemorating Megan.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Megan Boken Memorial Fund at Saint Louis University and/or St. Francis High School in Wheaton, Ill.
