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Report on outside review of Memphis Tigers women’s basketball program released

The University of Memphis released new information on an outside review of the women’s basketball program. The review came after complaints by some former playe...

The University of Memphis released new information on an outside review of the women’s basketball program. The review came after complaints by some former players about how they were treated by head coach Melissa McFerrin.

READ MORE: Memphis Tigers women’s basketball program focal point in athletic department review by outside firm

(UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS NEWS RELEASE) –In adherence to its commitment to continuous improvement and ensuring anappropriate atmosphere for its student-athletes, the University of Memphisengaged The Pictor Group (TPG) to conduct a comprehensive review of the women’sbasketball program.

Consistent with our commitment to ensuring a healthyenvironment for our student-athletes and as a result of a number of playercomplaints and concerns raised by (head women’s basketball) coach MelissaMcFerrin, the University of Memphis engaged The Pictor Group to conduct acomprehensive review of the women’s basketball program,” said UofM President M.David Rudd. “TPG managed an in-depth evaluation of the women’sbasketball program including issues related to organizational structure,infrastructure support, culture and the overall experience of ourstudent-athletes. The four-month process included a review of documentsand extensive interviews with current and former staff and student-athletes.   

“The University is sharing thisinformation as it places the highest value on transparency, integrity andaccountability to our student-athletes and the public we serve. The health andwell-being of our student-athletes is our highest priority. I havecomplete confidence in our athletic leadership to develop and implement a planto address all identified areas of concern, position the program for successand move the Athletic Department forward.” 

In response to specific concernsraised by McFerrin and women’s basketball student-athletes, TPGconducted an in-depth evaluation of the women’s basketball programincluding issues related to culture and the student-athleteexperience. 

“I appreciate the leadership of President Rudd and ourUniversity Administration for their commitment to supporting ourstudent-athletes and coaches,” said new University of Memphis Athletic DirectorLaird Veatch. “As I considered this incredible opportunity at theUniversity of Memphis, the administration’s willingness to conduct thisthorough review of our women’s basketball program, and be transparent in itsfindings, signaled to me their genuine commitment to the well-being of ourstudent-athletes. Our administrative team and I look forward to working withcoach McFerrin and her staff to position us for a successful future.”

The University of Memphis AthleticDepartment is in the process of making supportive investments in these areas,including hiring additional staff and a $2.8 million remodeling of Elma Roane Fieldhouseplanned for the women’s basketball program.

We havehad a series of healthy, productive conversations,” said McFerrin. “Actionplans are now in place to insure the success of our program. I am committed tothat action plan to allow me to be more fully effective for our team, and Itrust that the department and University will also fulfill commitments andsupport our women’s basketball student-athletes. 

“We are looking forward to moving into the 2019-20 season with atalented and committed group of young women.”

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