Jacksonville, Florida, January 24, 2026
Kristen Wright, the former volleyball coach at UNF, has denied allegations regarding pressuring players to play through injuries and causing mental health issues. Following an investigation, several players shared experiences of feeling compelled to play despite serious injuries and the negative impact on their mental health. While Wright resigned after the investigation’s conclusion, she claims the allegations misrepresent the coaching environment. The university is committed to ensuring athlete well-being with new measures and has appointed Abby Gilleland as the new head coach.
Jacksonville, Florida – Former UNF Volleyball Coach Denies Allegations of Pressuring Players to Play Through Injuries and Causing Mental Health Issues
The former head coach of the University of North Florida’s (UNF) volleyball team, Kristen Wright, has denied allegations that she encouraged players to play through injuries and contributed to mental health problems among team members. These claims were part of a comprehensive investigation conducted by the university following complaints from former players.
University Investigation and Findings
UNF initiated a months-long investigation into Coach Wright’s conduct after former players reported concerns regarding their physical and mental well-being. The investigation, completed on November 18, 2025, substantiated several allegations, including:
- Pressuring Players to Play Through Injuries: Multiple players reported instances where they felt compelled to continue playing despite serious injuries. In some cases, players were told to be “mentally tougher” and to play through pain, leading to re-injuries and, in one instance, a medical retirement.
- Negative Impact on Mental Health: The investigation revealed that the team’s environment, under Wright’s leadership, was associated with increased anxiety and depression among players. Practices such as “hot seats” or “circle time,” where players were encouraged to share personal traumas in group settings, were cited as contributing factors.
Coach Wright’s Response
Kristen Wright, who served as head coach for eight seasons, resigned from her position in December 2025 following the conclusion of the investigation. Through her attorney, Wright has categorically denied the allegations, stating that the claims are “contrary to the lived experience of the coaching staff and the overwhelming majority of players.” She emphasized that decisions regarding playing through injuries were made collaboratively with medical staff and that mental health was prioritized within the program.
Background on Coach Wright’s Tenure
During her tenure at UNF, Wright achieved a 183-137 record, becoming the winningest coach in the program’s Division I history. Under her leadership, the team secured multiple conference tournament appearances and maintained a winning home record for six consecutive seasons. Despite these successes, the recent allegations have raised significant concerns about the team’s culture and the well-being of its athletes.
University’s Response and Future Actions
UNF has acknowledged the findings of the investigation and is committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all student-athletes. The university has implemented measures to address the identified issues, including reviewing coaching practices and enhancing support systems for players. Additionally, UNF has appointed Abby Gilleland as the new head coach, marking a new chapter for the volleyball program.
Similar Allegations in Collegiate Sports
This case is part of a broader pattern of allegations concerning the treatment of student-athletes in collegiate sports. Similar incidents have occurred at other institutions, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and reform to ensure the health and safety of student-athletes. For instance, in 2015, Illinois football coach Tim Beckman was dismissed after an internal investigation found that he had pressured players to play through injuries, leading to a culture that deprioritized player health.
Conclusion
The situation at UNF underscores the critical importance of maintaining a balance between athletic performance and the well-being of student-athletes. As the university moves forward, it is essential to prioritize the health and safety of its athletes, ensuring that coaching practices support both their physical and mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What were the main allegations against former UNF volleyball coach Kristen Wright?
The main allegations included pressuring players to play through injuries and creating an environment that negatively impacted players’ mental health.
How did Coach Wright respond to these allegations?
Coach Wright, through her attorney, denied the allegations, stating they were contrary to the experiences of the coaching staff and the majority of players. She emphasized that decisions regarding playing through injuries were made collaboratively with medical staff and that mental health was prioritized within the program.
What actions has the University of North Florida taken in response to the investigation’s findings?
UNF acknowledged the findings and implemented measures to address the issues, including reviewing coaching practices and enhancing support systems for players. The university also appointed Abby Gilleland as the new head coach of the volleyball program.
Has this type of issue occurred at other universities?
Yes, similar allegations have been reported at other institutions, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and reform to ensure the health and safety of student-athletes. For example, in 2015, Illinois football coach Tim Beckman was dismissed after an internal investigation found that he had pressured players to play through injuries, leading to a culture that deprioritized player health.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Allegations | Pressuring players to play through injuries; creating a negative mental health environment |
| Investigation Outcome | Allegations substantiated; violations of UNF’s ethical conduct and behavior policies |
| Coach’s Response | Denial of allegations; emphasis on collaborative decision-making with medical staff |
| University’s Actions | Implemented measures to address issues; appointed new head coach Abby Gilleland |
| Similar Incidents | Similar allegations at other institutions, such as the 2015 dismissal of Illinois football coach Tim Beckman for pressuring players to play through injuries |
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