After a lengthy investigation, Grambling State University has elected to fire head Volleyball coach Chelsey Lucas. Lucas, who didn’t coach any games for the Tigers women’s volleyball team, was let go after multiple allegations of scholarship mishandling as well as cutting 19 student-athletes from the team. Lucas, a 2007 alumna of Grambling State University, allegedly called meeting on April 4th and informed them that she wouldn’t be renewing their scholarships.
Lucas released a statement to local Louisiana news affiliate KSLA after her ouster.
“Since I started at Grambling, I have been ordered not to speak to the media. My voice has unfortunately been silenced despite the rumors and accusations about me. As a result, I have not been able to provide my side of the story about the many events that have occurred during my tenure as head volleyball coach at Grambling. I was told today, without notice or any opportunity for discussion, that I was being terminated. When I asked why I was being terminated, the administration was not able to provide me any details about why they decided to fire me.
“This termination came just days after I had requested and then had a meeting with the President to discuss the way I had been treated in recent weeks by the Athletic Director. The AD, without me knowing in advance, was invited to this meeting with the President. The AD was visibly upset at my complaints during my meeting with the President, and today I was informed that he was the one who recommended my termination. I will be working with my attorney to prepare a response, and believe that my side of this story will demonstrate that what happened to me today was not right or just.”
Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Trayvean Scott also spoke after her termination, saying, “The success of student-athletes and their ability to matriculate at Grambling State University is the top priority. As we move forward in this transition and commence a national search for the next coach, all volleyball student-athletes who received scholarships for the 2022-23 academic year will keep their scholarships and remain on the team. Walk-ons will also continue to hold their roster spot.”
Scott and other Grambling athletic administrators initially supported Lucas’s actions. Communications Director Brian Howard said in a statement secured by Yahoo News, “The decision, it’s her decision to make, and she’s got some quality players coming on board. I think 14 or 15 coming on board at some point, so in terms of things, I hate to say out with the old, but in with the new a little bit. Obviously, we don’t want them to be cut or lose their scholarships or whatever that might be or whatever that might look like.”
Grambling is currently conducting a national search for another Volleyball coach. HBCU Pulse will update you as more news comes out.
