MOSCOW, ID – The University of Idaho has released a statement on the status of the investigation into allegations regarding the University of Idaho volleyball program. An outside law firm is investigating the “climate and culture” within the women’s volleyball program under head coach Chris Gonzalez, who is 5-51 in two seasons at the university. He was hired as the program’s 7th head coach in February 2022.
On December 30th, a Southern California News Group report made allegations that Gonzalez has routinely physically, verbally, and emotionally abused players on the Vandals squad. That report included statements from six players on the 2023 roster, three former players, and a university employee, the Orange County Register reports. They allege that Gonzalez not only bullied players, but he “pressured injured players to play and train against the orders of the school’s sports medicine staff, regularly deprived players of food on road trips, body shamed players, made racially insensitive and inappropriate comments to players, and pressured sports medicine staff to share confidential information about players’ weight.”
Gonzalez claims the allegations are unfounded.
“The University of Idaho is deeply concerned about the allegations brought by some members of the women’s volleyball team against their coach, Chris Gonzalez. As a result, an investigation started in November around legal issues and has been expanded to include climate and culture concerns. The start of the investigation was delayed at the request of those who filed the complaints, in order to finish the season,” the University says, adding that Gonzalez is fully cooperating.
“While they have been asked to expedite the investigation, we also do not want to forego quality for speed. Our goal is to ensure we understand the concerns, act on any findings and work to rebuild an effective and supportive volleyball culture,” the university adds.
