Jim Quist @ACCTheQ –
Syracuse University Director of Athletics John Wildhack has accepted the resignation of women’s basketball coach Quentin Hillsman. “Coach Hillsman and I agree that parting ways is in the best interest of the University, the program and our student-athletes. We wish him and his family all the best. Interim leadership for the Women’s Basketball Program will be announced in the coming days.” The move comes following a national publication exploring some deeper issues between players and the coach.
Wildhack added, “We remain focused on providing the best experience possible. One that prioritizes the well-being of all student-athletes and positions them for success in competition, in the classroom, in their communities and in life beyond Syracuse University.”
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The program has experienced one of the highest transfer rates in the country over the past few years. Last season 12 players left the program and Hillsman continued to have the support of Wildhack. However, an article in The Athletic pointed to Hillsman as the source of conflict driving players away with accusations of inappropriate conduct and bullying. Following the story in which 9 former players were cited an outside investigation began. The University retained an external law firm to conduct a review of the program and it is still ongoing. The school says it will address any issues that are identified at the conclusion of that review.
Hillsman has until the last few weeks been at workouts with the team.
Wildhack Accepts Hillsman’s Resignation
Hillsman was promoted to head coach 15 years ago from an assistant’s position. He led Syracuse to a national title game in 2016 and has the most wins of any coach in program history. The Orange have made the NCAA four of the past five seasons and have qualified for 9 NCAA Tournaments and 4 WNIT’s overall.
There’s been no public comments from Hillsman regarding the resignation.
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