The stark contrast in Oregon college basketball is impossible to ignore this week. On one side, a distressing lawsuit alleging abuse and mistreatment casts a dark shadow. On the other, a beacon of success shines brightly, showcasing exemplary leadership and team spirit. As John Canzano, a keen observer of the Oregon sports scene, points out, these two programs, mere miles apart, present a critical study in leadership and the well-being of student-athletes.
It begins with a disturbing cry for help. Nine women’s basketball players from Western Oregon University have filed a $28.2 million lawsuit, detailing harrowing accounts of abuse, harassment, and retaliation at the hands of their coaches. The words of senior player Cali McClave resonate deeply: “Why would I want to play for these idiots?” This sentiment, written as a vote against continuing the season under coaches Jessica Peatross and D.J. Marlow, led to the abrupt cancellation of their season, six games prematurely. Now, these players are seeking justice and speaking out, their voices amplified by legal representation.
Western Oregon University basketball court, highlighting the location of the alleged abuse and mistreatment discussed by John Canzano in his article.
Meanwhile, just 239 miles away, a completely different narrative unfolds. The Southern Oregon University women’s basketball team is experiencing a season of unparalleled success, boasting a 19-0 record. Ranked No. 4 in the NAIA, this team, under the guidance of head coach Carlotta Kloppenburg-Pruitt, embodies selflessness, discipline, and talent.
Kloppenburg-Pruitt’s remarkable four-season record of 100-19 is no surprise to those familiar with her lineage. As John Canzano emphasizes, coaching excellence runs in her blood. She is the granddaughter of Bob Kloppenburg, a 17-season NBA coaching veteran, and the daughter of Gary Kloppenburg, a seasoned WNBA coach who led the Seattle Storm to a championship in 2020. Carlotta’s own coaching journey includes positions at San Jose State, Winthrop University, and Arizona State, where she served as the assistant director of basketball operations. Her deep understanding of the game is evident in the joyful and winning culture she has cultivated at Southern Oregon.
Pete Newell Jr., son of the legendary Hall of Fame coach, recognized the stark contrast and prompted John Canzano to delve into this compelling story. “There is a column waiting for you to write,” Newell Jr. messaged Canzano, highlighting the dramatic dichotomy between these two Oregon programs.
As a father himself, John Canzano reflects on the crucial role of coaches in youth sports. Observing countless practices and games over the years, Canzano understands that true evaluation goes beyond wins and losses. As the legendary Bob Knight once told him, “We get real with each other in practice.” However, the reports emerging from Western Oregon paint a disturbing picture of nightmarish practices.
The lawsuit against Western Oregon details allegations of unreasonable workouts leading to vomiting, dehydration, and physical illness. One player recounted bleeding toes due to excessive drills. Despite multiple complaints to school administrators and requests for intervention, the coaches allegedly retaliated. This retaliation reportedly included showing up late to practice and subjecting the players to a brutal 3-on-3 drill with minimal rest.
Adding to the bizarre series of events, head coach Peatross claimed a player elbowed her during that 3-on-3 drill. Witnesses, however, describe it as incidental contact, with Peatross allegedly stepping into the player’s path. Despite the dubious nature of the incident, Peatross filed a police report, which was ultimately dismissed as unfounded.
Further investigation by The Salem Statesman Journal, as highlighted by John Canzano, revealed discrepancies in Peatross’s resume. She claimed to have played basketball at Chicago State University, a claim contradicted by the university’s records. Western Oregon seemingly failed to verify these credentials before hiring her.
John Canzano underscores the implicit promise universities make to parents: “We’ll take care of your kids.” In the case of Western Oregon women’s basketball, this promise was broken. The university’s response appears inadequate, with the termination of scholarships being their most significant action. For players who dared to object to alleged abuse from an unqualified coaching staff, this response seems particularly unjust.
The situation at Western Oregon is a cautionary tale, a “preventable and correctable situation” that spiraled out of control due to a flawed hiring decision and insufficient oversight. It serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences when institutions fail to prioritize the well-being of their student-athletes.
In contrast, Southern Oregon stands as a model program. John Canzano urges readers to appreciate the exceptional work of Carlotta Kloppenburg-Pruitt. Her team’s upcoming game at Northwest Washington presents an opportunity to witness firsthand the positive impact of strong leadership and skillful coaching.
Southern Oregon’s success is not just about wins; it’s about fostering a program built on respect, discipline, and joy. While the alarming situation at Western Oregon initially grabs attention, as it did for John Canzano, the contrasting success of Southern Oregon provides a vital lesson in the profound difference that quality coaching and institutional support can make.
