NEW CASTLE, Del. - - Wilmington University self-reported violations to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) that were committed by its former head women's tennis coach during the fall of 2016 through January of 2019. The case was resolved through cooperative summary disposition.
"Wilmington University has a zero-tolerance policy against this type of behavior," says its President, Dr. LaVerne T. Harmon. "Our Athletic Department fosters an atmosphere of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and integrity. In any circumstance where those values are not honored, we take immediate action. In this case, we self-reported the former coach's violations as soon as we learned about them."
The former coach afforded proscribed benefits, including cash for tuition, groceries, meals, gas, and ride-sharing services for eight women's tennis players. The penalties imposed by the NCAA Division II Committee on Infractions (COI) include a one-year probation for the women's tennis program from (4/16/2020 through 4/15/2021), although those terms of probation do not affect potential eligibility for postseason play. In addition, the university agreed to enhance comprehensive compliance and educational programs regarding NCAA legislation, remove team and individual wins and records for athletes who received impermissible benefits during the violations period, and pay a self-imposed fine of $5,000.
Director of Athletics and Assistant Vice President Dr. Stefanie Whitby is looking forward to rebuilding the women's tennis program. "I'd like to recognize Associate Athletic Director and Compliance Coordinator Erin Harvey for her expertise and assistance during the challenging situation," she said. "I also thank the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference and the NCAA for their guidance."
For more information view the links listed below:
Official NCAA release: http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/former-wilmington-head-women-s-tennis-coach-provided-impermissible-benefits?division=d2
Full Report: April 2019 Wilmington University Public Infractions Decision