Editor’s note: This letter was provided to the Argonaut but was also sent to President Scott Green
Dear President Green,
Our collective voice, representing current and former volleyball players, parents, alumni, women’s advocates, donors, students, friends and student athletes has yet to resonate as we hoped amidst the crisis surrounding our women’s volleyball program. Seeking a way to be truly heard, we turn to your own words, hoping they illuminate the way forward.
“While alumni can be deeply invested, and their disappointment with a team’s win/loss record can create pressures for an administration and coaching staff… As president, you should always make the decision that is right for the university, and the rest will follow.”
Our concerns transcend the win/loss record under Coach Chris Gonzales. In 2022, when the team had a win percentage of 14.3%, U of I had our support. We traveled to games, donated money, attended fundraising events and cheered on our Vandals. In 2023, when the team had an even more abysmal win percentage of 4.3%, U of I still had our support. We traveled to games, donated money, attended fundraising events and cheered on our Vandals.
Our primary concern is not about the win/loss record but rather the safety and well-being of the student athletes.
Considering the ongoing OCRI investigation and your decision to await its conclusion before addressing Gonzalez’s situation, we find ourselves at an impasse. While we respect and recognize the necessity of due process, the delay and its extensive toll on student athletes, families and alumni cannot be overlooked.
As a result, many of us within the Vandal family will be suspending various forms of support, such as attending the VSF Gala, until an outcome has been determined and communicated.
Reflecting on your words, “One cannot slow-roll the fix when the ship is sinking,” we see a stark contrast between this statement and the current course of action.
When it comes to student –athlete safety and well-being, the fix cannot come fast enough.
This investigation, long overdue, resembles quite a slow roll for those impacted.
The university’s response post-investigation will be a testament to its values and its dedication to the welfare of its student –athletes. As such, our request is clear:
- Commit to taking immediate and decisive action after the OCRI investigation. The findings should guide a swift response to address not only the future of Gonzalez but also the systemic issues within the Athletic Department that allowed these problems to persist.
- Ensure transparency with the university community about the steps being taken to rectify the situation. The athletes, students, alumni and broader community deserve to understand how the university plans to move forward and prevent such failures in the future.
President Green, your commitment to the University of Idaho is evident, as is ours. Our actions are not against the university we love, but in support of the values it instills in us. We stand united, demanding the environment every Vandal deserves—one of respect, safety and integrity. We are committed to this cause because we are Vandals and, like you…
‘WE KNOW NO OTHER FIGHT SONG’
Our support for the university is steadfast, yet there’s a boundary we cannot cross. Supporting an athletic department that fails to shield its athletes from abuse is beyond this boundary. This isn’t just about withholding funds or skipping galas; it’s about principle and doing what is right. Our hope, President Green, is that you lead the way on this effort.
A note to our volleyball players:
We believe you. You don’t deserve this. We are sorry this is happening to you. We are proud of you.
– Vandal Volleyball Advocates
MaryMargaret Wood
I am behind you and our student-athletes 200%. I tried, on my own, to voice a similar opinion to President Green, which apparently, fell on deaf ears. It is my hope, that your letter, with all of its combined support, will be heard.