Miami (Ohio) women’s basketball coach, De Unna Hendrix, has resigned after four seasons, the Miami University Director of Athletics announced on Wednesday.
According to CBS Sports, the former coach’s resignation follows an investigation of an alleged inappropriate sensual relationship between Hendrix and a student-athlete.
The university’s athletic director, David Sayler, became aware of Hendrix and the student exchanging intimate text messages at least a week before the coach’s resignation. Hendrix sent more than 30 messages to the unidentified student, texting “I love you” and “You’re my baby,” CBS reported, citing a report from The Athletic.
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The coach was suspended the day after Sayler learned of the messages, and the school’s Title IX coordinator launched a probe. Title IX is the 1972 landmark law that banned gender discrimination in federally funded education programs and is linked to promoting girls’ and women’s athletics in schools.
The investigation found that Hendrix did not violate Title IX or the school’s sexual misconduct protocol. However, officials said she transgressed the university’s policy on consensual relationships between staff and undergraduates.
“I want to thank Miami University and its administration for allowing me to lead this program for the last four years,” Hendrix said in the statement. “I can’t express the amount of gratitude I have for this prestigious institution and its leadership. I also want to thank the Oxford community for their continual Love and support. I look forward to the next phase of my career and continue rooting for the RedHawks.”
During her tenure, Hendrix led the RedHawks to a 12-19 overall and 7-11 Mid-American Conference record this past season. Under her headship, seven players earned All-MAC honors, and 1 student-athlete was named to the Academic All-MAC squad.
