Grambling State University volleyball head coach recently cut all of her 19 student-athlete roster, which effectually canceling their educational scholarships according to CBS Sports. The players were reportedly told of the roster decision during the first week of April. Coach Chelsey Lucas made the change after only three practices with the team, informing each player in a one-on-one meeting where she told them according to reports. The change reportedly shocked the players, leaving many scrambling to find a new program to continue their student-athlete career The Shadow League.
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The players were informed of the change during the first week of April. Lucas reportedly has the autonomy to make roster decisions as she pleases to benefit the program.
“The decision, it’s her decision to make, and she’s got some quality players coming on board,” Grambling State University Athletics Communications Director Brian Howard told KSLA News 12.
Lucas already had her replacements vetted for the new look team.
“I think 14 or 15 (new student-athletes) coming on board at some point, so in terms of things, I hate to say out with the old, but in with the new a little bit” Howard said. “Obviously, we don’t want them to be cut or lose their scholarships or whatever that might be or whatever that might look like. At the end of the day, Coach Lucas has a goal, has a vision. We have a goal as an institution and a vision as well to win and that’s first and foremost.”
Lucas has the full support of the Grambling State Athletics Department.
“Just as the transfer portal empowers student-athletes, our coaches are also empowered to make the decisions they deem necessary to advance their programs,” GSU athletic director Dr. Trayveon Scott said in a statement.
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