Read former CCU women’s lacrosse coach Kristen Selvage’s entire statement to The Sun News
Former Coastal Carolina University women’s lacrosse head coach Kristen Selvage submitted a statement on Oct. 8 to The Sun News in defense of the allegations made against her by her former players. She was fired by the school in July.
Her statement in full:
“I was shocked and saddened by the player complaints when I was made aware of them after the 2021 season.
While there are challenging moments in college sports, I have adored each and every athlete that has ever been on my roster for exactly who they are: a unique young woman. Throughout my career and my entire tenure at CCU, I have had an open-door policy with my athletes. They were encouraged to share their opinions, ideas and to discuss strategy, and they were always welcomed to disagree; I only asked that they did so respectfully.
Throughout this past year, I had no indication that there were problems or concerns at all, much less anywhere near the magnitude alleged. It would have been helpful to have known if players were upset and to have had the chance to listen and to respond.
Having reviewed some of these player documents for the first time, I respectfully disagree with how I have been depicted both as a coach and as a person. Questions remain as to how and who wrote some of these letters. Without attempting to rebut every inaccuracy or mistruth, there are a few points that I would like to address.
Earlier in the year, I shared with my team some turmoil that I was going through in my personal life – a sudden and unexpected marital separation, a divorce, and then becoming a single mother of two for the first time. The team appeared, then, to be understanding and sympathetic to some of the temporary adjustments that I needed to make because of these circumstances. It was an incredibly challenging time for me and for my daughters.
Regarding the trip to California and for every trip we took as a team, our captains were part of the planning. This means the team leaders would have a chance to give feedback on the itinerary, including how our team utilized their fundraising dollars to make the travel as enjoyable as we could. Never once did we hear that anyone was unhappy about our trips, including the one to California in March, until the season was over in May.
I have never been belligerent or intoxicated at any point in time with the team; that allegation is absurd and hurtful. When I felt faint and light-headed on the red-eye flight home, I was tired, dehydrated, and affected by the altitude and temperature in the cabin. I remain grateful for the flight attendants who assisted me and assured me that what I was experiencing was not unusual.
Again, I adored each and every one of the student-athletes during the entire time they played for me. I challenged them to improve — as every coach does — I supported them, and I celebrated them. After the disappointment of a 2020 season cut short by COVID, I was heartened that so many players returned for their fifth year – an indication that being part of this team was a positive experience.
I will look back on my coaching career and know that I gave my whole heart to my teams. Being a female coach with high expectations, a willingness to hold players accountable, and a drive to be the best should not lead to allegations like this.
I wish the CCU team and the new coaching staff all the best on their journey forward.”
This story was originally published October 19, 2021 at 5:01 AM.
