Shaw University announced the sudden resignation of longtime women’s basketball head coach Jacques Curtis, ending a 25-year tenure that included a 2012 NCAA Division II National Championship, 11 NCAA tournament appearances, 9 CIAA titles, and over 400 career wins. The announcement was made in an official press release just days before the start of the season, leaving fans and players surprised at the timing of his departure.
Allegations of Mental Abuse Surface Online
Curtis’s resignation follows abuse allegations brought forward by senior guard Kiara Shephard, who posted a TikTok video alleging that she and others had experienced “mental abuse” during their time under Curtis. Shephard claimed that formal complaints were dismissed or overlooked, sparking a wave of discussion on social media. The post went viral within HBCU sports circles and led to additional stories from former players.
Former Players Speak Out
One former player, Alliyah Chaplin, who played during the 2023–24 season, publicly shared that she too had experienced inappropriate treatment under Curtis’s leadership. Chaplin’s statements added weight to similar complaints reportedly spanning more than a decade. The emerging accounts intensified pressure on Shaw’s athletic department to respond to claims about the team’s internal culture.
University Responds and Appoints Interim Coach
In its official statement, Shaw University said it “takes any allegations of misconduct seriously” but declined to offer further comment while reviewing the matter. The school also announced that Lou Hamilton, who joined the program in 2023, would step in as interim head coach. Hamilton is a seasoned coach with experience at several HBCUs including Grambling State, Delaware State, North Carolina A&T, and most recently as an assistant at Norfolk State. Shaw confirmed it will launch a search for a permanent head coach following the 2025–26 season.
A Storied Career Ends in Controversy
Curtis’s exit marks a complicated end to one of the most successful coaching eras in Shaw University athletic history. During his tenure, the Lady Bears rose to national prominence, winning the 2012 NCAA Division II national title and dominating the CIAA with nine conference championships. While his on-court success is undeniable, the allegations from past and present players have cast a shadow over his legacy and opened a conversation about athlete well-being in collegiate sports.
Spotlight on Athlete Welfare at HBCUs
The situation at Shaw underscores broader concerns about how student-athletes’ complaints are handled within collegiate athletics, especially at historically Black colleges and universities. Advocates for athletes have pointed to the incident as an example of the need for stronger reporting systems, better oversight, and transparent investigations to ensure players feel safe speaking up about mistreatment.
Looking Ahead for the Lady Bears
As the Lady Bears prepare for the upcoming season under new leadership, players and fans hope the program can move forward while addressing the concerns raised. Interim coach Hamilton faces the dual challenge of leading the team competitively while rebuilding trust within the locker room. The outcome of any internal review, combined with the team’s performance this season, will likely define the next chapter of Shaw women’s basketball.