Two weeks after Indian River State University announced it was discontinuing its women's basketball team, WPTV has learned more about the circumstances that led to the decision through a public records request.
When the team was first informed of the decision on March 18, they told WPTV they were blindsided by the news. A school spokesperson said this is a cost-cutting measure taken at a critical juncture when all athletic programs are under scrutiny.
The women's volleyball team was demoted to Division 1, the women's basketball team was cut, and the school's scholarship payments were reduced. The esports team was eliminated a few months ago.
New records obtained by IRSC show that the women's basketball team is one of the most expensive of all athletic programs, with operating costs only exceeding that of the women's softball team. According to the school's annual Fairness Disclosure Survey in Athletics, the women's basketball team incurred more than $97,000 in operating expenses during the fiscal year ending in 2023, compared to the men's basketball team. more than 20% higher than
Spending on sports also exceeded the inflow of funds. IRSC's annual report on student activities and service fees paid for student athletic activities reports a loss of more than $62,000 as of the end of the 2023 fiscal year.
This was the first loss listed on the five-year student activity expense report provided by the school.
And, according to its most recent financial audit published in March 2023, the school's unrestricted net position, or funds not tied up in assets or other financial commitments, was more than $30 million at the end of the fiscal year. was in the red. 2022, $7 million improvement over the previous year.
WPTV also investigated emails between school administrators.
An email from athletic director Scott Kimmelman dated Feb. 6, more than a month before players and coaches were told the team would be disbanded, had the subject line “Women's Basketball Discussion (Confidential).”
“I have met with Chief Financial Officer Marvin Pyles to discuss my recommendations moving forward with the women's basketball staff in the coming weeks,” Kimmelman wrote.
Kimmelman could not be reached for comment.
Scripps-only content 2024
