Wilmington University NCAA Web Statement
April 16, 2020
In April of 2020, Wilmington University accepted athletic program penalties imposed by the NCAA for self-reported violations that were committed by its former head women's tennis coach during the fall of 2016 through January of 2019. The former coach knowingly provided multiple women's tennis student-athletes with impermissible benefits, including cash for tuition, groceries, meals, gas and ride-sharing services. During that time, the former head coach also failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance.
Wilmington University's Athletic Department, which fosters an atmosphere of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and integrity, immediately launched an investigation in January of 2019, then self-reported the violations to the NCAA in March of 2019. In the summer of 2019, the University worked with the NCAA Enforcement staff to conduct a further investigation that was resolved through cooperative summary disposition, a process in which the involved parties collectively submit the case to the committee in written form. As a result of the joint investigation, violations were identified, and the University immediately implemented corrective actions.
The institution will fully comply with the NCAA Division II Committee on Infractions (COI) imposed penalties and corrective actions to include:
- A self-imposed, one-year probation for the women's tennis program (April 16, 2020 through April 15, 2021).
- A self-imposed $5,000 fine
- Vacating team wins and ties in which ineligible student-athletes competed from the time they became ineligible through the time they were reinstated as eligible for competition
- Vacating individual records of ineligible student-athletes during the time they competed while ineligible
Additionally, Wilmington University made several changes to enhance comprehensive compliance and educational programs regarding NCAA legislation including, but not limited to:
- Increased educational awareness to student-athletes, coaches and staff regarding NCAA rules and regulations, with specific focus on extra benefits and unethical conduct
- Increased meetings with student-athletes, coaches and staff
- Implementation of a coaching mentor/liaison program to pair younger coaches with veterans within the department
Wilmington University appreciates the commitment of its student-athletes, coaches and athletics personnel. We will continue to work diligently to ensure that our students succeed on all levels.
To review the NCAA report in its entirety, please visit: http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/former-wilmington-head-women-s-tennis-coach-provided-impermissible-benefits?division=d2 ; April 2019 Wilmington University Public Infractions Decision