MOSCOW, Idaho — The University of Idaho has confirmed to KREM 2 that Head Volleyball Coach Chris Gonzalez has resigned from the university amidst an investigation into alleged abuse of players.
According to the University, the investigation into alleged abuse will stop and no further action will be taken.
The resignation comes two months after the university placed Gonzalez on leave.
"Just relief, like finally, finally, this is happening" Emma Patterson, a University of Idaho volleyball player said.
Finally, after Patterson and the rest of the team went through months of investigations and waiting.
"All of the work that we've done and put in, all of the meetings that we had, and the evidence that we gathered, and the interviews with the law firms for the investigation, all finally came together" Patterson said.
At least 13 University of Idaho volleyball players claim they suffered mental, verbal and physical abuse by Gonzalez, dating back to 2022.
Last October, a formal complaint was filed against Gonzalez with the University’s Office of Civil Rights and Investigations (OCRI). It lists alleged offenses including "body shaming," "ignoring medical advice and putting players at greater risk of injury," "withholding food," and "creating a culture of fear, humiliation, embarrassment and intimidation."
Players previously told KREM 2 that Gonzalez physically pushed a girl to the ground during practice when he jumped into the drill. Players also said Gonzalez called the girls "linebackers," implying they need to lose weight.
The University finished one of the two investigations earlier this month. Those findings haven't been released to the public, but Patterson says the findings are clear.
"From the report, we found that there is sufficient evidence that Gonzalez is responsible for discrimination based on national origin, sufficient evidence that Gonzalez is responsible for sex-based harassment, sufficient evidence that Gonzalez is responsible for retaliation and multiple counts of retaliation" Patterson said.
She told KREM 2 that the report also found Gonzales violated three university polices. At this time, it is unclear what those polices were.
"It was very validating to see that" Patterson said.
The validation, also came with frustration for Patterson.
In the last few months KREM 2 has repeatedly asked University of Idaho its stance on the allegations. Now since Gonzalez resigned, the University says it will not finish the other investigation.
"We're all incredibly disappointed that the climate and culture investigation is over, and shut down, because there was so much more" Patterson said.
The University released a statement on Friday.
"With this resolution, we look forward to the volleyball program rebuilding an environment in which our student-athletes can be comfortable and succeed both on the court and off," Assistant Athletic Director, Jerek Wolcott, said.
As Patterson looks forward to her next season, she is hopeful for the same.
"I am just really hopeful that everyone who hasn't had the chance to experience what college athletics should be, really starts to feel everything that they should and get the environment that they should and kind of be able to grow past this" Patterson said.
WATCH RELATED: University of Idaho volleyball player details alleged abuse from head coach
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