Grambling State fired volleyball coach Chelsea Lucas on Tuesday, three months after his controversial move to cut the team’s scholarship players.
“The decision was made due to the decision to conduct an internal investigation into the volleyball program,” the school said in a statement. “Any additional comments will be made until the conclusion of the investigation.”
Dr. Grambling State Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. Travan Scott said in a statement that the student-players who received the scholarship for the upcoming season will retain him and remain on the team. The walk-on will also maintain their roster spots from the previous season.
“The success of student-athletes and their ability to matriculate at Grambling State University is a top priority,” Scott said.
Grabling State President Rick Gallett added: “It is the responsibility of the organization to ensure that student-athletes are provided with opportunities in line with all regulatory bodies. It applies to academics as much as it applies to athletics. “
The national search for a new coach will begin this week.
Lucas, a former opener on the Grumbling volleyball team and a 2006 SWAC defensive player, was appointed by the school on February 14 after a three-year stint as head coach at the Arkansas-Pine Bluff. He replaces Demetria Keys-Johnson, who stepped down in December.
Less than two months into his new role, Lucas informed all 12 returning scholarship players that he would not renew the scholarship for the 2022 season, which left many players stunned. In a statement released by Grambling’s Athletic Department on April 7, Lucas said, “I would like to personally meet my team, every student-athlete, to discuss my plans to move forward with the Grambling State University volleyball program.” My decision was not to bring anything back. Current student-athlete on the team. While athletic scholarships are awarded to student-athletes, the scholarship is not guaranteed and is not binding under NCAA rules and regulations.
Scott initially supported Lucas’ decision, saying: “Just as the transfer portal empowers student-athletes, our coaches are empowered to make the necessary decisions to move their programs forward.”
A month later, the university announced an independent review of the allegations involving the program, which is ongoing, according to Tuesday’s statement.