Families of Heidelberg University women's basketball players are calling for the dismissal of head coach Erin Eaton and an NCAA investigation into claims of verbal, mental, and emotional abuse. Attorney Martin Greenberg filed a 52-page demand letter in March, supported by recordings and interviews alleging misconduct and university failures. Heidelberg University states its external review found no NCAA violations or laws broken.
In Tiffin, Ohio, the controversy surrounding the Heidelberg University women's basketball program has intensified as families accuse head coach Erin Eaton of fostering a toxic environment that extends beyond rigorous coaching. A recording from a team meeting last season captures Eaton stating, “I do hate this team. This is a miserable experience. It’s miserable.” Another features her boyfriend addressing players: “Dad ain't really happy right now. I've got $4,000 invested in this program and no one's said thank you.”
Greenberg, a sports law attorney, argues in his letter that the university negligently hired Eaton, citing prior abuse complaints from her time at Muskingum University. Parents like Jennifer Persinger describe the impact after a game against Ohio Northern University, where players hid to avoid the coach following severe locker room yelling. Her daughter Jewel Persinger suffered a mental breakdown and was benched as retaliation until the game's final minutes.
Multiple families compared experiences, revealing instructions from the athletic director to withhold information from parents—a major red flag, Jennifer Persinger noted. Players sought campus counseling for anxiety and depression, with Jewel questioning, “How are a group of girls all going to see a counselor on campus and nobody sees this is a problem?” They report derogatory language, including being called “f---ing a--holes” and “motherf----ers,” and blame for the coach's medical issues. Former player Cammi Wickens highlighted the unusual involvement of Eaton's partner, who yelled at suspended teammates.
Student senate president Hyaniah Powell said efforts to investigate were blocked: “They said we can't investigate, but we can advocate. But then they told us not to do either.” Greenberg, who has represented athletes nationwide, warns of a pattern: “There’s a line you can’t cross. When you create a hostile environment and mental distress, you’ve gone too far.”
Heidelberg's statement emphasizes commitment to a safe environment and notes steps for improvement, but Greenberg was denied the investigation report. Several affected players have quit the sport, with Jewel Persinger feeling lost: “It feels weird, I feel like I don't really know what to do.” Jennifer Persinger added, “She just shouldn't be able to hurt anybody else.” As a private institution, personnel records remain inaccessible.
