Claims, recordings spark concern over Heidelberg women's basketball

TIFFIN — Families connected to Heidelberg University's women's basketball program say they are seeking accountability from the university and the NCAA after raising allegations of verbal, mental and emotional abuse by head coach Erin Eaton. Concerns about the program have circulated privately for months and in recent weeks, publicly as well, with families and others close to the team describing an environment they say went beyond demanding coaching and negatively affected players' well-being. Among the allegations are demeaning behavior, retaliation for speaking up and a lack of institutional response when concerns were raised. Concerned parents A group of concerned parents of players collected statements from their daughters and delivered them to Attorney Martin J. Greenberg, who specializes in real estate law and sports law. In a March 14 letter sent to Heidelberg University leadership, Greenberg outlined allegations raised by players and parents, and requested further review of the program, including the conduct of the head coach. Heidelberg University said an extensive external review into the allegations was conducted, and the university found no violations of internal policy or NCAA rules. "I think Heidelberg is blind to their own system and that appropriate action needs to be taken; we have now found out that there have been previous abuse charges filed at two different universities, and we will continue our fight to have this coach removed," said Greenberg in a statement. Audio recordings In one of several audio recordings from basketball games and practices reviewed by The A-T, Eaton is heard addressing players during a closed-door team meeting after a note was left in her office accusing her of quitting on the program. In the recording, Eaton acknowledges that the meeting itself was being recorded and repeatedly presses players to identify who left the note and explain their reasoning for doing so. During the exchange, a player suggests the note may have been written after comments Eaton made expressing frustration with the team, saying, "I hate this team." Eaton responds in the recording by saying, "I do hate this team — it's a miserable experience." The recording also has commentary from Eaton's partner during the closed-door meeting, who is not a member of the coaching staff. University responds Heidelberg University, in response to the allegations, shared a statement Friday: "Heidelberg University remains firmly committed to providing a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for all students on the court, in the classroom, and across campus," it reads. "The University recently concluded an extensive, independent review of a complaint involving our Women's Basketball program and Athletics administration. The investigation found no violations of NCAA policies or laws." The statement goes on to mention actions Heidelberg administration say the university has taken to "further strengthen the student-athlete experience," including "adding coaching support within the program," "providing enhanced professional development for all Athletics staff on complaint reporting and response," and "creating more structured opportunities for student feedback." The A-T received a copy of a letter dated August 8, 2025, and signed by President Rob Huntington, that was addressed to Heidelberg women's basketball team players and their families. The letter mentions the outcome of the university's investigation and its commitment to retaining Eaton as coach and Greg Cooper as athletic director. "I am writing to share that the University has completed its investigation into concerns raised regarding the conduct of Erin Eaton, our Head Women's Basketball Coach, and Greg Cooper, our Director of Athletics. The investigation included the retention of independent investigators who carefully reviewed all available information and conducted numerous interviews with players, family members, and Heidelberg staff." The letter continues: "While the investigation identified certain aspects of Head Coach Erin Eaton's approach that did not align with our highest expectations for communication and leadership, it did not reveal any violations of NCAA policy or law by either Coach Eaton or AD Cooper. After careful consideration, Heidelberg has decided that Coach Eaton will continue in her current role. I am pleased that Coach Eaton will lead our program forward."