Curtis, a special education teacher at Byron Center High School, was fatally shot by her boyfriend on July 19^th, 2007 who then turned the gun on himself. Three weeks prior to her passing, Curtis had recently accepted the position of head volleyball coach at Aquinas. “Cristi was on cloud nine about this opportunity at Aquinas,” states Aquinas College Head Softball Coach and Sports information Director Ronda Varnesdeel who was also a good friend of Curtis,” She was an amazing person who enriched the lives of so many people in her short time with us. Her enthusiasm and positive spirit will forever be remembered. She is deeply missed by many.”

Before accepting the position at Aquinas, Curtis, a standout athlete at East Kentwood and Winthrop University, served as the varsity volleyball coach at Byron Center High School since 2003. Curtis also served as a Volunteer Assistant Coach at Hope University since the summer of 2005 as well as the Club Coach and Satellite Coordinator for the Far Out Volleyball Club team.