BUFFALO, N.Y. — SUNY Buffalo State is going to commission an independent review of its women's soccer program after nearly half the team quit this season.
Eleven former players are calling for the current head coach of Buffalo State's women's soccer team — Nicholas DeMarsh — to be removed from his position due to inappropriate behavior. Former members say DeMarsh belittled the athletes by making hurtful comments, and mocking and embarrassing players.
Timothy Gordon, vice president for student affairs at Buffalo State, says these complaints are being taken seriously. Gordon says the review will look into the complaints made by former members of the team, along with the women's soccer program and its leadership.
While the review is being conducted, the men's soccer coach will oversee the day-to-day operations of the women's program; however, DeMarsh currently remains as an employee of the college and athletic department during this time.
The results of the investigation are expected at the end of the year.
Gordon released the following statement:
I am announcing today (Monday, November 25) that the college will be commissioning an independent review of the women’s soccer program, its leadership, and the complaints outlined by some current and former members of the women’s soccer team. The complaints shared are indeed troubling and describe an environment that is not aligned with our institution’s values. We continue to take these concerns seriously. The welfare of our students and student-athletes is my top priority.
We are actively working to secure the services of a skilled and knowledgeable outside investigator to look into the complaints and evidence, and report back findings by the end of the calendar year (pending developments that may delay the review).
I would like to acknowledge and thank the parents, current student-athletes, and former student-athletes who have contacted myself and our athletic department over the past month to offer both information and messages of support. I would like to assure you that your statements will be shared with the independent reviewer.
Men’s soccer head coach Francesco Cardillo will oversee day-to-day operations of the women’s program while the independent review is conducted. Nicholas DeMarsh remains an employee of the college and the athletic department. I will have no additional comment until the review is complete.
One of the players who resigned is related to a 2 On Your Side employee.
That employee did not contribute to this article.
