Eight former players file Title IX claim against Linfield head volleyball coach; college begins formal investigation

Eight former players file Title IX claim against Linfield head volleyball coach; college begins formal investigation

By Logan Brandon McMinnville N-R Oct 30, 2018

Eight former Linfield volleyball players, including previous captain and McMinnville High School graduate Taylor Petersen, have filed a joint Title IX harassment claim against current Wildcat head coach Josh Davis. Raegan Barr, Tessa Doerfler, Destyni Grace, Anikalea Keliiheleua, Mattie Kelly, Taylor Souza, Brianna Sanford and Petersen signed the document. All quit the team earlier this month, alleging harassment, retaliation and verbal abuse by Davis.

In their formal complaint, the student athletes cite a nine-page report detailing the reputed behavior by Coach Davis. The Title IX claim was sent last Thursday to Assistant Director of Athletics and NCAA Compliance Officer Amy Dames Smith.

Linfield declined to respond to the Title IX claim, noting a policy of not discussing or commenting on investigations.

While the college conducted multiple interviews with players, coaches and parents in mid-September, no changes have taken place on the volleyball staff.

Director of Communications Scott Nelson stated the team wouldn’t utilize the Competitive Cauldron practice technique for the remainder of the season. The method was an issue many players included in the nine-page grievance report.

Nelson also said it isn’t uncommon for programs to play with fewer than 12 players at any level of volleyball, adding, “It’s the coach’s job to know how to adapt to the situation and create a fun and competitive environment for all players.”

Linfield has two matches remaining, Friday at Whitman and Saturday at Whitworth.

Linfield’s initial response to the eight players’ departure stated, “Changing coaches and coaching style, in any sport, often involves a growth process for both players and the coach. Linfield will continue to communicate openly with everyone involved in this transition, and is confident the result will be a successful on-court team and a positive and supportive learning environment for our student-athletes.”

On Oct. 15, assistant coach Alfred Agcaoili voiced his concerns to Linfield’s Human Resources. He said Davis’ behavior, as detailed in the players’ report, caused him to come forward in support of the volleyball athletes. Agcaoili noticed a distinct change in the coaching styles of Davis and former Linfield coach Shane Kimura, who stepped in as interim head coach Oct. 3-6 while Davis attended to health-related matters.

In a statement provided to the News-Register, Agcaoili said, “Shane Kimura’s greatest legacy are all the strong, industrious women he has provided guidance and support for in an uplifting and encouraging manner through volleyball for the past four decades. This is Shane’s greatest contribution to the McMinnville community and beyond as a servant leader: mentoring and supporting future servant leaders honorably that shined a positive spotlight on Linfield College and the women he celebrated and supported. He is a great human being and leader. Shane Kimura will always be Linfield Volleyball.”

Agcaoili was asked about the validity of a claim by Shelli Wainwright, Petersen’s mom. In a News-Register letter to the editor sent Oct. 11, Wainwright stated Linfield Director of Athletics Garry Killgore threatened Agcaoili and fellow assistant coach Meaghan Angel with termination if the two spoke of the situation to outside organizations.

Linfield responded in an Oct. 12 email, through Nelson, saying, “Garry Killgore, Director of Athletics, did not say he would fire coach Davis if he could, nor did he ‘put on notice’ assistant coaches for discussing these issues.”

Agcaoili contradicted the school’s response, noting, “Assistant Coach Meaghan Angel and I were put on notice by Garry Killgore in an October 2 meeting with him in his office that we would be dismissed from the Linfield Volleyball staff if we spoke about any internal matters regarding concerns and complaints brought to their attention by the Linfield women’s volleyball team. Both of us are currently on Josh Davis’ coaching staff.”

Asked again Monday about the public accusation by Wainwright and the threat toward the assistant coaches, Killgore denied saying any threats toward volleyball staff.

The parents of the former players are not pursuing legal action against Linfield College at this time.

Linfield Football: 63 YEARS AND COUNTING

Linfield Football: 63 YEARS AND COUNTING

By Logan Brandon McMinnville N-R Oct 30, 2018

The streak lives on.

Linfield football increased its NCAA record consecutive winning seasons streak to 63 years after defeating Pacific Lutheran University 41-7 Saturday at Maxwell Field. The Wildcats’ impressive run, which began in 1956, is the longest in the history of college football at any level.

Linfield head coach Joseph Smith said he first realized the weight of the streak in 2015, when it reached 60 games.

He explained, “The number 60 was such a monumental milestone. Since that time, I guess I don’t think about it until the day that we extend it. It means a lot to me, to our program and to the guys who have gone before us. It takes a lot of work to be successful year in and year out – it’s not easy. A lot of things can go wrong in the course of a season, which is why no one has done it. We’ve defied the odds.”

Monster back Tyler Bergeron offers an interesting perspective on the streak. The freshman initially played for the Wildcats back in 2012, but after one season, joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Bergeron served five years, then rejoined Linfield this season.

Asked about the 63 successful seasons, Bergeron stated, “It’s awesome! I was here in 2012 for year number 57, took a little hiatus, came back and now I’m here for 63. It’s pretty impressive and I’m pretty happy for this program.”

Bergeron’s impact has become a welcome surprise, according to defensive coordinator Jackson Vaughn.

“He came in as an old transfer and he’s been huge for us,” he said. “We didn’t know what we’d get out of him, but now he’s emerged as a starter and he’s making some outstanding plays like his pick-six today.”

Added Smith, “Tyler has just been a wonderful addition to our team with regards to experience and the respect he has with his peers. He’s been in danger’s way for our freedom, so he’s earned instant respect. He’s also one of our hardest workers and trainers and now his play is catching up with his ability.”

Bergeron and the Wildcats’ defense posted yet another strong outing in limiting the Lute offense to 171 total yards. After entering the season with question marks, that unit has quickly become the strength of this Wildcat team.

“We’re finally maturing at some critical spots and that’s allowed us to really give up very little on defense,” explained Vaughn.

Linfield’s defensive line simply dominated the interior.

Travis Swanson led the Wildcat linemen with two sacks and three tackles for loss. Starting linebacker Patrick Pipitone also recorded an impressive performance, notching seven tackles, two-and-a-half for loss and forced three fumbles. Bergeron returned an interception 72 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter.

Offensively, the Wildcats benefited from a 108-yard rushing effort by Chidubem Nnoli. He also scored two touchdowns including Linfield’s initial pair of scores in the first and second quarters. Wyatt Smith turned in a quality outing at quarterback, throwing for 228 yards and two touchdowns.

“We worked really hard during the week and we capitalized today,” noted Nnoli. “We just got on a roll today and he had a great balance between run and adding in more of the pass. I played well today, but the line blocked great for me which always makes my job easier.”

Leading 20-7 at halftime, Linfield increased lead in the third quarter. Wyatt lofted a beautiful 36-yard touchdown pass to JD Lasswell for a 20-point advantage at the 9:32 mark.

Five minutes later, Bergeron jumped a route by PLU, intercepting the pass and returning it 72 yards for another score. Bergeron attributed his amazing run back to the advice of the Linfield linebackers’ coach, Phil Rombach.

“I could hear Coach Rombach in my head, ‘Cut it back across the field,’ so I cut it back and all my boys were there leading the pack. They made it easy for me,” said Bergeron.

In the fourth quarter, Wyatt passed for his second TD, hitting Chris Cassi on a 26-yard flag route to cement the 41-7 margin of victory.

“Today was just a good team win for us today,” noted Smith. “We played well in all three phases – offense, defense and special teams – and that’s how you get lopsided wins.”

With their 34-point victory and their streak extended another year, the Wildcats (5-2, 4-1 NWC) look to win their fifth game in a row Saturday at University of Puget Sound. Game time is 1 p.m.

YOU’RE INVITED TO 90th BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR ‘DUFFY’ REYNOLDS

Friends, colleagues, former students of Edith “Duffy” Reynolds, Linfield grad and Linfield professor emeritus, are invited to her 90^th birthday party, 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, at McMinnville First Baptist Church (FBC) in downtown McMinnville. Posted here is a story about Duffy which appears in the Nov. 2018 edition of FBC The Tidings newsletter.

'Safety first, (Linfield) football purchases $950 helmets' - Story in Oct. 22, 2018, Linfield Review student newspaper

'Safety first, (Linfield) football purchases $950 helmets' - Story in Oct. 22, 2018, Linfield Review student newspaper.
Article hard to read? Click on it for a larger, easier to read version.

BUZZ STROUD: Wildcatville Questions & Answers

Wildcatville:

Where were you born and where did you grow up?

Buzz Stroud:

Born in Vancouver, Washington, and grew up about 20 miles north of there in Woodland, Washington.

Wildcatville:

Is “Buzz” a nickname? If so, what’s your given name and why the nickname?

Buzz Stroud:

Given name is Leon Wesley Stroud… nickname Buzz given to me by my sister (two years older) who thought the name of character in a book she had, “Buzz,” was more appropriate for me than my given name… small town with lots of neighborhood contemporaries who heard it and started using it.

Wildcatville:

What did you do growing up… what activities, hobbies, family, school etc.

Buzz Stroud:

Growing up Woodland's population was around 1,500 and most of my contemporaries lived within two to three blocks and our home was half a block from the elementary and high school. Plenty of driveway basketball games and/or games at the covered asphalt courts at the elementary school, over the line baseball at the school playgrounds, home run derby contests in the city park across the street from the school. 

Delivered the Longview Daily News for about six years. 

My father, Leon Stroud, was a Woodland High School (WHS) science teacher as well as a professional photographer and my mother Woodland’s Librarian… I was my father's photographic assistant helping carry tripod, camera gear to high school athletic events as well as family and wedding photo shoots… also assisted in darkroom that was part of his science lab/classroom at the high school helping develop film, print/dry photos.

Family outings were for the most part centered around camping/huckleberry picking trips to Gifford Pinchot National Forest or to friend of the family cabin on Puget Sound (near Heron Island… West/Northwest of Gig Harbor/Purdy). Worked summers in berry/bean fields as well as daffodil/tulip/iris bulb harvest and processing. Learned to fly-fish when I was about eight and my father and I fished streams in the Lewis River drainage.

Played football, basketball, baseball in junior high and high school (my father was the Trico League secretary/treasurer) I was involved in high school newspaper/yearbook, honor society, international relations club. Parents coordinated the American Field Service foreign exchange student program for WHS. Pretty normal small town experience knowing and being known by a good percentage of the population since my father started teaching in Woodland in 1938 and had taught or was teaching second generations of some families.

Wildcatville:

Your father was Leon Stroud. You are Leon Wesley Stroud. Are you junior or did he have a different middle name?

Buzz Stroud:

My father’s middle name was Leon (first name George) and my paternal grandfather’s middle name was Wesley (his first name also George).

Wildcatville:

Why Linfield?

Buzz Stroud:

My parents were both college graduates (father Whitman College, mother University of Washington) and my sister attended Whitman. My father regularly took students from his science classes to visit Linfield, particularly to see the Linfield Research Institute and good friends of the family were George and Helen Murdock parents of Linfield alums (George Jr. and Barbara)… believe Barbara referred the Linfield Admissions Office to me and I did attract some (very little) recruiting interest from the Linfield athletic department. 

On my recruiting visit to Linfield in January or February of 1967, my host was Barry Stenlund against whom I had competed in high school when he played at LaCenter High. We attended a Linfield/Whitman men's basketball game in Riley Gym and enjoyed the people I met (several members of Theta Chi Fraternity and athletic teams) … wanted a small/private college experience and found the connection with the people I met.

Wildcatville:

What aspirations did you have attending Linfield? Was Linfield a good “fit” for you?

Buzz Stroud:

Hoped to play either basketball or baseball but did not have much success with either although I enjoyed the time I did spend participating/competing. Did find Linfield was an excellent fit… small college academic, cultural, social environment was the reason I enrolled and subsequent activities I was involved with and relationships developed reasons for staying. I completed work for my degree from Linfield May 1971.

Wildcatville:

What degree did you earn in what discipline?

Buzz Stroud:

1971 graduate from Linfield with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications… subsequently (2002) earned a Master of Arts degree in History from the University of Portland.

Wildcatville:

You mentioned Theta Chi fraternity. How were you/have you been involved with the fraternity?

Buzz Stroud:

I joined Theta Chi Fraternity my first year at Linfield (1967-68) and the friendships started then continue today… I have continued to stay involved since graduation… (1972-74) as a member of the international fraternity’s professional staff (was a traveling chapter consultant for Theta Chi) and subsequently (1974-80) as a regional volunteer consultant, (1980-88) as a two-term member of the international fraternity’s board of directors… have at various times served on several advisory committees for the international fraternity and currently serve as president of the local chapter alumni corporation.

Wildcatville:

What was your career path after graduating?

Buzz Stroud:

Fall 1971 - Spring 1972 worked as a copywriter for a public relations agency in Portland (Cork Schaefer & Assoc.); Chapter Consultant for Theta Chi Fraternity August 1972-June 1974: Linfield College Admissions Counselor 1974-1977 and Asst. Dean of Admissions 1977-78; Commercial radio sales representative 1979-1984 (several radio stations in Portland area); 1984-2016 University of Portland (athletic department)

Wildcatville:

You were with the University of Portland (UP). Talk about your time at UP. What years did you work there and what were your job titles and responsibilities?

Buzz Stroud:

Started at University of Portland athletic department in June 1984 and retired June 2016.

I was hired just prior to the opening of the Chiles Center (UP’s multi-purpose arena) and served as UP’s first athletic marketing director 1984-1990: oversaw basketball season ticket sales, advertising sales, radio/television broadcast production and all game management activities.

I was Assistant Athletic Director/Compliance Coordinator 1990-96 and Associate Athletic Director/Compliance Coordinator 1996-2003: provided NCAA rules interpretations for staff/coaches, oversaw initial and continuing eligibility requirements for all student-athletes, processed all athletic scholarship awards, continued to oversee all game management activities; 1996-2016 Associate Athletic Director: oversaw all game management activities; at various times had oversight for the sports of baseball, men’s and women’s golf, soccer, tennis and cross country/track; oversight for Sports Medicine, Intramural/Recreational Sports, Sports Performance and athletic facilities.

Wildcatville:

You were busy. What else?

Buzz Stroud:

Since 1990 produced/directed University of Portland’s Athletic Hall of Fame induction banquet and have served as Chair of the UP Athletic Hall of Fame selection committee since 2009; Tournament Director/Manager for 1992 and 2007 West Coast Conference basketball tournaments hosted by UP; Meet Director for four NCAA Division West Region Cross-Country Championships hosted by UP; Oversaw all NCAA postseason men’s/women’s soccer championship competition hosted by UP including the 1994 women’s soccer championship semifinals/finals (UP first predetermined site for NCAA Division 1 women’s soccer semifinals/final) and coordinated UP host responsibilities for 2006 NCAA Men’s Golf Championships at Crosswater Golf Club (Sunriver, Oregon).

Also, I was West Coast Conference Representative to NCAA West Region Women’s Soccer Advisory Committee (1999-2001); West Region Women’s Soccer Advisory Committee Chair and West Region representative to NCAA Division 1 Women’s Soccer Championships Committee (2005-08); coordinated phases 1 and 2 of baseball field renovation which saw engineering/construction transform UP’s Etzel Field from native soil/grass playing baseball field to comprehensive artificial turf playing surface and the installation of lights (2014).

At the University of Portland I enjoyed working in an academic/athletic environment … good students and colleagues.

Wildcatville:

You have retired from UP. What are you doing in retirement? You have a hobby or interest that would surprise your Linfield classmates?

Buzz Stroud:

Sixteen years ago I became a volunteer reader with the SMART (Start Making A Reader Today) Foundation first at Sitton Elementary (St. John’s area, Portland) and now at Astor Elementary (two blocks from UP campus) and I continue that in retirement.

I still am involved in an advisory role with the Linfield chapter of Theta Chi; continue to chair the Athletic Hall of Fame committee at UP and I also fill in occasionally as a public address announcer for its men’s and women’s soccer and basketball games.

A little more golf with spring trips to Myrtle Beach and Pinehurst the past couple of years… Hope to incorporate some international travel in coming years (golf in Ireland/Scotland) first on the list.

Also, I want to make more visits to family in Washington D.C./northern Virginia. In the past I attended the 2016 and 2017 National League Baseball playoffs Nationals/Dodgers and Nationals/ Cubs, my first postseason Major League baseball games ever.

I have worked for the Etzel Agency (events management, brand identity/marketing company in Portland) and the Oregon Sports Authority assisting in the production of the 2017 and 2018 Oregon Sports Awards program recognizing the most outstanding high school, college and professional athletes in the state of Oregon by writing the athlete biographical material for the printed program and writing the video highlight voice overs for all the nominees as well as serving as the voice talent for the voice overs of the male high school and college award nominees. Hope I will have the opportunity to keep doing these things in future.

Wildcatville:

Your selection for UP Athletics Hall of Fame was a surprise since you chair the Hall of Fame selection committee?

Buzz Stroud:

At the UP Athletic Hall of Fame selection committee to review finalists nominees for the Class of 2018 the committee was gathered in our meeting room while I made additional copies of documentation about each finalist for the committee to review. When I entered the room and sat down to convene the meeting Jim Sollars (former UP women’s basketball coach, UP Hall of Fame member and selection committee member) said that he would like to amend the agenda to include my nomination and selection by acclimation. Although I started to demur he said the committee had already made the decision to include me in the Hall of Fame Class of 2018 and that I could not rescind or postpone their decision.

Wildcatville:

What does being a member of the UP Athletics Hall of Fame mean to you?

Buzz Stroud:

It is a bit surreal. I have always been working on behalf of those nominated, selected/inducted and never really gave any thought to being part of such a distinguished group. Very grateful for the other members of the selection committee seeing my contributions as worthy of consideration and that they merited selection. Always thought of University of Portland Hall of Fame inductees as exceptional and not sure I see myself in that category. I have preferred to work behind the scenes so being among those honored/inducted (Sept. 29, 2018) was a new experience.

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PHOTOS

All photos from University of Portland/UP except one from Linfield 1967-1968 New Student Directory.

--Group (l-r): Mike Maley (Linfield 1972), Charlie Chadbourn-brother-in-law, Sally Chadbourn-sister, Buzz Stroud (Linfield 1971), Tom Macaulay, Debi Macaulay, Pam Sollars, Jim Sollars-former UP women’s basketball coach and Steve Lathrop (Linfield 1971). Tom is a McMinnville High and OSU grad. His mother, Margaret Macaulay, was in charge of student teacher placement in Linfield Education Department for many years.

--Group: Buzz with sister, Sally Chadbourn; and his brother-in-law, Charlie Chadbourn.

--Plaque: Buzz Stroud, University of Portland Athletic Hall of Fame, Meritorious Service. Inducted Sept. 29, 2018.

https://youtu.be/38vrO4KHFlI
--Buzz UP Athletics Hall of Fame video (14:03) interview from University of Portland

https://youtu.be/zYa-lKEeGgc
--Buzz UP Athletic Hall of Fame (0:56) slideshow produced by Wildcatville using University of Portland photos

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BUZZ STROUD/

Woodland (Clark County), Washington, High School Class of 1968 

 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2018 LINFIELD COACH PAUL DURHAM

Happy Birthday 2018 

Linfield Coach Paul Durham

Born Oct 18, 1913, Portland

Died June 22, 2007, Honolulu

Captain, six others leave Linfield volleyball team (McMinnville N-R 10/16/2018)

Captain, six others leave Linfield volleyball team

By Logan Brandon 

McMinnville News-Register/N-R 10/16/2018

Seven Linfield College volleyball players have left the program following allegations of verbal abuse, bullying and retaliation by first-year Wildcat head coach Josh Davis.

The school’s administration continues supporting Davis, citing challenges when it comes to coping with new coaching styles.

“Changing coaches and coaching style, in any sport, often involves a growth process for both players and the coach,” the school wrote in an official statement. 

“Linfield will continue to communicate openly with everyone involved in this transition, and is confident the result will be a successful on-court team and a positive and supportive learning environment for our student-athletes.”

Linfield athletes Taylor Petersen, Shannon Stoller, Mattie Kelly, Tessa Doerfler, Brianna Sanford, Anikalea Keliiheleua and Destyni Grace have quit due to alleged treatment by Coach Davis.

Assistant coaches Alfred Agcaoili and Meaghan Angel remain with the program.

Agcaoili disclosed to the News-Register his Monday meeting with Linfield Human Resources.

In his official statement, he said, “Based on what parents and former volleyball student-athletes shared with me in detail recently, I went to Human Resources to share my concerns in support of them.”

Petersen, a 2015 Mac High grad, left the squad last Tuesday, Oct. 9, following a team meeting which outlined Davis’ return to the program after a brief four-day medical leave. 

Kelly and Doerfler also quit on Oct. 12.

Last week, Petersen’s mother, Shelli Wainwright, sent the News-Register and the college a nine-page report compiled by Petersen and her teammates detailing incidents by Coach Davis they considered harassing, bullying and examples of erratic coaching methods.

After select athletes brought their concerns to the Linfield administration, the college investigated through individual interviews.

“We were made aware of concerns by some players in mid-September, and have been actively working with our student-athletes ever since,” the school responded.

“Because of privacy restrictions of both employees and students, we’re limited in the details we can share. But the volleyball coaching staff and the administration have met multiple times with our student athletes, both individually and as a group. We have invited open communication and will continue to be proactive in addressing any concerns they have.”

Players were told Davis would be undergoing some kind of plan of improvement. 

Director of Communications Scott Nelson said they cannot discuss that given the school’s policy of not discussing personnel issues about employees.

Davis left the team from Oct. 3 to 9, to attend to some health-related matters, Nelson said. 

Shane Kimura, who coached the Wildcats for 40 years until his retirement last season, stepped in as interim head coach while Davis was away.

Kimura coached the team against Whitworth Oct. 5 and against Whitman Oct. 6. The Wildcats won their only conference match of the season against Whitman, a 3-1 victory.

Linfield held a team meeting Oct. 9, which included Director of Athletics Garry Killgore, Vice President of Student Affairs Susan Hopp, Assistant Director of Athletics Amy Dames Smith and coaches Davis, Angel and Agcaoili.

“That’s when we were told Josh was coming back,” said Petersen. “It was when he was supposed to apologize to the team and tell us his plan for coming back. His only words that entire night were to thank us for being there; there was no plan implemented.”

Feeling the situation hadn’t changed, Petersen stepped away from the team that evening.

“I told my team, if he comes back, I will not suit up for him,” she noted.

The next day, players returned to practice. Davis led the team during two home matches last weekend, against Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran.

Kelly and Doerfler quit the program before Friday's match. Grace, Keliiheleua and Sanford officially left the team Monday. Sanford was forced to leave the program earlier in the season due to conflicts with practice times.

“The college is sorry they left the program, and that they weren’t happy with their volleyball experience. We certainly hope they have continued success and satisfaction in the other aspects of their lives as Linfield College students.”

It continued, “The college is taking these questions and criticisms to heart. This is not an easy time for anyone involved.”

Petersen said the coach’s actions throughout the season have created a culture of fear and anxiety among players. 

An initial case Petersen described in the report occurred during the team’s first week of practice in August. The Northwest Conference rankings were released, with Linfield seeded last, Davis reportedly said, “I don’t know if you guys all saw the rankings, but we were voted to take last, and I was one of the coaches who voted you to take last.”

Deorfler then discussed with Petersen her Aug. 28 one-on-one meeting with Davis. 

According to Petersen, Doerfler was told by Davis that he doesn’t want people to feel complacent because next year he’s planning to add numerous recruits and will replace players if they didn’t meet his expectations.

Petersen said players felt uncomfortable and unsafe attending one-on-one meetings with the coach.

Another major issue Petersen detailed was Davis’ practice strategy, using a system called Competitive Cauldron, created by University of North Carolina college basketball coach Dean Smith.

Competitive Cauldron employs a points system, earned during practice and based on individual skills. 

Starters are determined on the number of points. 

Players were not allowed second chances to make up points, even in the case of academic studies taking precedent over a practice i.e. taking an exam.

The report mentioned that Davis’ lack of confidence, rude behavior and retaliation eventually damaged the team’s overall positivity and feeling of safety.

“Girls will purposely not look at the bench after making a mistake, or at all, in fear of seeing Josh’s reaction,” the report stated. “He does not have a consistent lineup in games or in practice and we are not able to build trust or a rhythm between players ... He is constantly subbing people out even if they are playing well because he is more concerned with proving his point and punishing people than he is with winning games.”

The alleged behavior by Davis eventually culminated in a postgame altercation between Petersen and Davis Sept. 29. Following the Wildcats four-set home loss to Pacific University, Petersen says she briefly walked into the stands to greet her family and friends, before returning to the women’s locker room.

“We meet in our women’s locker room (following a match). I walked in and the moment I stepped through the door, he told me to wait in the hall,” said Petersen. “It was my personal breaking point; I listened to the entire meeting outside, sitting on the floor. After it ended, I went up to the foyer where all the parents were and I had tears in my eyes because I was so upset.”

Petersen was met by her father, who encouraged her to speak with Davis. She was met by teammate Taylor Souza, who escorted Petersen to the locker room for the players’ postgame talk. Petersen noted her teammates were in tears when she walked in. The players reinforced their belief in one another; then Petersen stepped out to talk with Davis.

Petersen initially asked Davis, “What was that?” She told Davis she believed he kicked her out to embarrass her. Davis responded that she was late to the meeting because she ran into the stands, and she wasn’t behaving like a teammate and captain.

Petersen reiterated her stance that Davis intended to embarrass her, before the two engaged in a shouting match.

As detailed in Petersen’s report:

“It got to the point where he was on his tiptoes, in my face, pointing to me and screaming, ‘Taylor Petersen, you will listen to me.’ And I responded with ‘Josh, you will have the respect for me to finish what I was saying.’ And then he did.

“I’ve never experienced anything like that before, I’ll be the first to admit that,” she added. “I came into it really levelheaded, but I did match his screaming, so that wasn’t the most eloquent manner to deal with it in.”

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