NKU Basketball Player Writes Scathing Editorial on Coach's Behaviors
A Northern Kentucky University basketball player published an editorial on the behavior and antics of Head Coach Camryn Whitaker, in which she characterized the coach of bullying and abusive behavior.
Taryn Taugher, a redshirt junior from Freeland High School in Michigan, published an article today in The Odyssey Online in which she describes the tarnished relationship she and other players have had with Whitaker.
The Odyssey is a crowdsourced media model, allowing authors to submit content to be placed on their site.
Taugher took to social media to release her editorial.
"I am finally speaking out about the abuse my teammates and I have endured for 3 years now at Northern Kentucky University. This needs to stop now," she wrote.
The article, entitled, "Behind Closed Doors: Abuse In Northern Kentucky University Women's Basketball Program" details Taugher's conversations and alleged abuse that she and other athletes have been exposed to under Whitaker.
She writes: "The emotional abuse by current head coach has lasting effects on its players. But, it ends here.
There is a deep, dark, hidden secret that lies within the women's basketball program at Northern Kentucky University which has been swept under the rug by the athletic department for three years."
Taugher, has appeared in 84 games for the Norse since 2016, starting in 21 of those games.
A fellow NKU basketball player, Shar'Rae Davis, posted video corroborating Taugher's story. Other teammates have since agreed with Taugher’s story on Facebook and Twitter.
Northern Kentucky University released a statement on the allegations:
"The well-being of our student-athletes is of the utmost importance and when concerns are raised about our programs, they are appropriately reviewed, evaluated, and addressed.
The university is aware of complaints surrounding the women’s basketball program. We recognize the courage it takes to share personal stories. We have taken these complaints seriously and they have been thoroughly reviewed separately by the Title IX and Athletics offices, and addressed in accordance with university policy. There are ongoing efforts to improve communications and relationships between the program’s leadership and student-athletes.
We are committed to fostering a safe, healthy and inclusive learning environment for anyone who is a part of our campus community. Our students’ voices will be heard and the Athletics office will continue to monitor and assess our programs, taking appropriate corrective actions as needed.”
Whitaker was named the fifth head coach of the Northern Kentucky University women’s basketball program by Director of Athletics Ken Bothof on May 6, 2016.
Whitaker had coaching stints at Kentucky, Dayton, Missouri State and Austin Peay. A native of Cynthiana, Kentucky and Harrison County High School, she played five seasons at Western Kentucky University, leading the Hilltoppers to 97 wins and postseason berths in each of her seasons.
