Idaho responds to allegations against Vandal volleyball coach

Five days after a lengthy story in a southern California newspaper detailed numerous allegations of physical abuse and bullying players by University of Idaho volleyball coach Chris Gonzalez, the school released a statement Thursday concerning the allegations.

The statement from Idaho reads, in full: 

“The University of Idaho is deeply concerned about the allegations brought by some members of the women’s volleyball team against their coach, Chris Gonzalez. As a result, an investigation started in November around legal issues and has been expanded to include climate and culture concerns. The start of the investigation was delayed at the request of those who filed the complaints, in order to finish the season.

“An outside investigative team is doing the investigation, in which Coach Gonzalez is fully cooperating. While they have been asked to expedite the investigation, we also do not want to forego quality for speed. 

“Our goal is to ensure we understand the concerns, act on any findings and work to rebuild an effective and supportive volleyball culture.”

According to the story in the Orange County Register, current and former Idaho players also alleged in a formal complaint to the university, as well as in interviews with the newspaper, that Gonzalez also pressured them to play and train despite concerns from the school’s sports medicine staff, body shamed players and often deprived them of food on road trips. 

Asked by the newspaper to respond to the allegations, Gonzalez replied via email to the paper, “These allegations are unfounded, displaced, and dishonest.”

Current and former assistant coaches under Gonzalez appeared to defend his actions, according to the newspaper story.

Gonzalez, a longtime coach in southern California, recently completed his second season as Idaho coach. The Vandals finished 1-27 this season, after going 4-24 in 2022.