Penn State women’s basketball head coach Carolyn Kieger commented during a media availability Tuesday about an Onward State story published a day earlier that detailed allegations by former players accusing Kieger of misconduct.
The article featured 10 former Penn State and Marquette players alleging misconduct by Kieger, saying her programs’ culture hurt players’ mental health, made multiple players suicidal and incorporated aspects of racism, body shaming and bullying.
“I read the story, and I was disappointed and sad that a few of my former athletes didn’t have a positive experience,” Kieger said on a Zoom call with media. “However, I am proud that many of my former players did have a positive experience and remain close to me to this day. I tell our players every day that every opportunity, whether it’s good or disappointing, is an opportunity to learn and grow and elevate and get better, and this is what that opportunity presents myself.”
“Obviously, at any opportunity, I’ll always evaluate myself and look for ways to do better and enhance our student-athlete experience. I always strive for my student-athletes to have a positive environment and to have a safe spot to grow and to learn,” Kieger later added. “No. 1 goal for our program is to provide a space for our young women to become the best versions of themselves. And I’ll definitely evaluate ways that I can improve and make the student-athlete experience a positive one.”
Kieger also offered insight into Penn State Athletics’ process of responding to the story.
“[Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics] Pat Kraft and the university have done a great job with researching and going back and looking at our student-athlete surveys and looking at end-of-the-year comments made by our student-athletes,” Kieger said. “I was pleased to know that those were all positive. The culture of inclusiveness and positivity is what our former student-athletes have been saying.”
Penn State Athletics responded to Onward State’s request for comment on Monday afternoon.
“Penn State and Penn State Athletics takes seriously any allegations of misconduct, and any reports are thoroughly reviewed,” a Penn State Athletics spokesperson wrote in a statement on Monday. “In addition, Intercollegiate Athletics conducts annual student-athlete surveys of its programs, as well as exit interviews with student-athletes and staff members departing their respective sport programs. Based on direct feedback from student-athletes, coach Kieger and the women’s basketball staff provide a positive and inclusive environment with a focus on their development on and off the basketball court.”
Kieger and the Lady Lions will face Niagara at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 14, at the Bryce Jordan Center.
