Grambling State University Head Volleyball Coach Chelsey Lucas was barely at work six months when the school fired her.
Specifically, Lucas was hired by the school, which is designated as one of the country’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), in February after coaching stints at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Alcorn State University.
Shortly after she was hired, she told all of the previous athletes on the roster that their scholarships would not be renewed, adding that she would bring in a completely new roster for the 2022 season.
This had dramatic ramifications for its compliance with Title IX, the gender equity law. The school subsequently hired a prominent law firm to help on that front.
Grambling administrators issued the following statement on the school’s athletics website.
“The success of student-athletes and their ability to matriculate at Grambling State University is the top priority,” said Dr. Trayvean Scott, president of intercollegiate athletics at Grambling. “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.”
Grambling President Rick Gallot added: “It is the responsibility of this institution to make sure that student-athletes are afforded opportunities in a manner compliant with all regulatory organizations. That applies to athletics as much as it does to academics.”
Meanwhile, Lucas told a local television outlet that her firing was unjust and that she plans to get an attorney, issuing the following statement:
“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.”
