Grambling State University has fired its head volleyball coach just five months after she was hired.

The school announced earlier in the week the termination of Chelsey Lucas, who was hired back in February. Grambling State officials say the firing is the result of an internal investigation within the volleyball program.

Grambling State University Athletics
Grambling State University Athletics
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You may recall that in April of this year, Lucas made headlines after she cut the entire team from the roster. She conducted individual meetings with returning players and told each that their scholarships would not be renewed based on their performances at practices.

At the time, school officials stood behind Lucas' decision, but it appears some new light may have been shed.

“The success of student-athletes and their ability to matriculate at Grambling State University is the top priority,” said Dr. Trayvean Scott, president of intercollegiate athletics for GSU. “As we move forward in this transition and commence a national search for the next coach, all volleyball student-athletes who received scholarships for the 2022-23 academic year will keep their scholarships and remain on the team. Walk-ons will also continue to hold their roster spot.”

TV station KSLA reached out to Lucas for comment on the school's decision to let her go and she responded with the following statement:

"Since I started at Grambling, I have been ordered not to speak to the media. My voice has unfortunately been silenced despite the rumors and accusations about me. As a result, I have not been able to provide my side of the story about the many events that have occurred during my tenure as head volleyball coach at Grambling. I was told today, without notice or any opportunity for discussion, that I was being terminated. When I asked why I was being terminated, the administration was not able to provide me any details about why they decided to fire me.

“This termination came just days after I had requested and then had a meeting with the President to discuss the way I had been treated in recent weeks by the Athletic Director. The AD, without me knowing in advance, was invited to this meeting with the President. The AD was visibly upset at my complaints during my meeting with the President, and today I was informed that he was the one who recommended my termination. I will be working with my attorney to prepare a response, and believe that my side of this story will demonstrate that what happened to me today was not right or just.”

“It is the responsibility of this institution to make sure that student-athletes are afforded opportunities in a manner compliant with all regulatory organizations,” Grambling State President Rick Gallot said. “That applies to athletics as much as it does to academics.”

Grambling will now conduct a nationwide search for a new coach.

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