'Confrontational and reactive': UIS outlines expectations for men's and women's golf coach

‘Confrontational and reactive’: UIS outlines expectations for men’s and women’s golf coach

Posted by author August 23, 2024 Golf

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Bill Welt

Springfield State Journal- Register

The University of Illinois Springfield administration conveyed its concerns and expectations to men’s and women’s golf coach Michael Leotta in a redacted July 24 document obtained by the State Journal-Register through a Freedom of Information Act request.

Anonymous allegations surfaced against Leotta in a 2aDays.com report on July 9 before a former player supported those claims in a subsequent State Journal-Register article on July 30.

The allegations ranged from verbal and emotional abuse to reckless driving.

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UIS vice chancellor for student affairs Jamarco Clark addresses Leotta with the redacted heading, ‘Letter of Expectations regarding Conduct,’ in the two-page document.

The opening paragraph alludes to conversations on May 31 and adds that Leotta’s conduct led to a UIS Access and Equity Office finding, along with concerns of “other behaviors that do not align with university expectations or the Code of Conduct.”

Clark then lists “detailed expectations for your position moving forward,” but those are redacted. The university declined to comment on the AEO finding, citing that it is a personnel matter.

Leotta’s salary as the men’s and women’s golf coach was $42,892 before Aug. 15, and the university said that appointment notices are being administratively processed for the upcoming academic year.

Leotta took over the UIS men’s and women’s golf teams in 2021 after previously serving as an assistant from 2013-16. He also acted as head coach at Wittenberg University for two years before returning to UIS.

Leotta emailed a statement to the SJ-R.

“Student-athlete experience has always been of the utmost importance to me,” Leotta said. “It is always disappointing when any student-athlete doesn’t have a positive experience. I have always prioritized and provided the appropriate resources to ensure student-athlete well-being both mentally and physically.

“I continue to look forward to addressing any concerns and making myself a better coach to help enhance the experience of our student-athletes and continue to elevate this program.”

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The document delves deeper into Leotta’s interpersonal skills, professional behavior and interactions with players on the ensuing page, to an extent.

“Behaviors such as raising your voice, engaging in arguments, and using intimidating language are unacceptable and cannot continue,” Clark says in the document. “It is crucial that you treat others with respect and maintain professionalism in all interactions.

“While you are recognized for your knowledge, there have been concerns about being confrontational and reactive. It is expected that you take responsibility for managing your behavior, interactions, and reactions.”

Clark later adds in the document, “You are expected to all times comply with all university policies and procedures. This includes specifically the University Non-Discrimination Policy. Your recent conduct was the subject of an internal investigation that led to a finding. This is a direct reflection of your judgment and decision making.”

Clark took over as the interim athletic director following Laura Liesman’s resignation in November. Mike Hermann began as the new AD in June.