Ronda VarnesdeelClaim this profile

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.4

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Would Recommend

Overall

2.0

Caring

2.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

ResponsiveUnderstandingDisorganizedPoor CommunicationFitness Is Important

No very good overall teacher, just not good

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

4.8

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Would Recommend

Overall

4.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

Cares About AcademicsDirectBelieves In YouDevelops Team Beyond The FieldGreat Leader

Good coaches, the coaches staff was great and super supportive. I loved talking to them Iand learning from them and their journeys.

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

Cares About AcademicsBelieves In YouMotivationalDirect

Players coach, wants you to do good, pushes you to be your best and will get everything out of you during your time playing as an athlete and person

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

The bottom line is people aren’t comfortable getting verified because at Davenport we have been threatened multiple times by multiple people in leadership. At one point it was threatened they would use their own computer hackers so like not going to lie with that legitimate threat how can anyone feel comfortable on any platform. I would advise people to stay away from this place.

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Easy to confirm the athletic department and Ronda were aware of an intimate relationship between a coach and player and did nothing about it. In fact they let it go on for months. Call in coaches and the players of the men and women’s basketball team to confirm. These sick people hide behind their power. I would never send anyone to DU.

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

no respect or consideration for our lax team. Our concerns weren’t listened to & then our coach got fired for allegedly abusing players at a different school. Don’t get it.

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

A systematic broken and corrupt system when those in authority threaten anyone from telling the truth or reporting wrongdoing within the institution. Silencing has been used as a tool of deterrence of reporting and or follow through for years at this university. Anonymity has been threatened upon students, staff and coaches by leadership for years. If one is in fear of reporting the TRUTH anonymously, how can one not expect an institution of authoritarianism to not be harmful to those who oppose the wrongdoing. Although this fear of retaliation has generally worked in submission of unethical occurrences. It’s sad that the threat of even being anonymous is weaponized by those in power at this institution.

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

In recent news there’s been many reports of misconduct between coach and student athlete. Ultimately, these articles headline the coach being let go or not retained for that reason. If I have my facts correct, you were the direct report for Women’s Basketball. I can’t wrap my head around the evidence of unethical conduct that occurred within the program and the lengths the school went to completely silence the situation. It’s troubling to me that student athletes, coaches and administrators let this continue to occur. Many were aware of inappropriate conduct when it was occurring and after and still the school has been able to completely silence the wrong doing. Is that what money and power can buy? I believe a small outlet on social media made a few small reports but ultimately a coach engaging in an inappropriate relationship with an athlete, with evidence of male and female players being aware as well as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Assistant Women’s Coach. My questions are how and why was this allowed to continue to occur for as long as it did? How did many at the institution know without intervention. Why was it seemingly swept under the rug? The negligence of this institution allowed this behavior to move on without consequence and seemingly normalized the behavior. I’ve wondered why this story didn’t make headlines. Not only because the mishandling but the timeline of awareness it was occurring without consequence or action. Normalizing this behavior is unfathomable and dangerous to the integrity and ethics of any athletic institution.

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

2.2

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Would Recommend

Overall

2.0

Caring

3.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

4.0

Tries

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Not good.

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Someone should look into an associate athletic director that made money to help coach (wasn’t making enough money already) the jv softball team at Davenport. The jv team had a head coach leave for a full time position in the fall and then Ronda thought it best to make extra money and help the program. It’s clear, she lied to the athletic director and said the team didn’t have anyone else so she was being the hero and stepping in. That’s a complete lie. Davenport is all about spinning their own narrative but usually someone’s pocket is getting greased. The jv program was a complete disaster but shockingly and not so shockingly Ronda pulls the wool over the sheep’s eyes and take zero accountability or responsibility. Which is odd. Seeing she directly influenced every single decision made within the program. Not one thing done for the jv program was done without her direct knowledge, support or even her suggestions. In my opinion the next year for her not making extra softball money seemed to influence more of her bad decision making but in the end she ended up coaching again. This time the varsity program and guess what? She got an even bigger pay day to do that. You can silence the athletes at Davenport. You can scare them, you can manipulate them and it’s sad bc that’s already happened and will continue to happen. Davenport does a great job at deflecting, blaming and rewriting the truth. When they can’t buy you or manipulate you or scare you with threats - they then try and destroy you. This is the truth of the athletic department at DU. One small story that’s created so much hate and unkindness. That could have all been avoided if one person in leadership didn’t have an agenda. Davenport leadership had zero problem with this platform and even used many reviews to dismantle the softball program. It’s interesting they suddenly find fault in it now once actual truths about the school are being revealed. If that’s not a sign of a corrupt system and corrupt people. I don’t know what is.

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

What is Ronda going to coach next? She pushed out the men’s golf coach at Davenport- a D1- professional golfer. She was a strong FEMALE, and didn’t let Ronda push her around. Ronda hates that the most. People that stand up to her bullying. Confident women who were actually good at the sport they are coaching. She did the same thing to the softball coaches, who literally didn’t do anything wrong. Is this the men’s basketball coach fate next? Probably not because he is male. That will be the only way her son sees playing time though so never say never. It shouldn’t be allowed for her to coach, she’s a terrible role model. ALWAYS HAS BEEN.

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Classic Ronda trying to take credit for something she didn’t do. As she does most things.

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Rhonda covered up a relationship between my teammate (football) and a female facility worker. She still gets paid and does photography for the baseball team. DU allows full time employees to be in relationships with student athletes and that is normalized. The same thing happened in their women’s basketball program. Rhonda covers a lot up but we all know.

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Should be a national news story that a head coach at this school had a pre existing relationship with an athlete in high school - disgusting- then again at this terrible school. Ronda and HR ALL COVERED THIS UP. And then they rewarded the athlete and coach. How SICK is this school. Then a facility worker dated the star football player - RONDA & Nicole did NOTHING. Truly a disgusting school. No accountability for her favorites or herself ever. If you think this is all wrong and question DU?? They get rid of you. Real great place.

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

This school is shameful and harmful. Some of the most manipulative and evil people are right here in the west side of Michigan. They force people to sign NDA’s to cover up their crimes. STAY AWAY FROM THIS SCHOOL. You’re bound to run into some kind of trouble here and if you’re a half decent person this school will destroy you or worse turn you into how they are.

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

DisorganizedPoor Communication

What you did to the softball program is nauseating. Probably shouldn’t have told people your plan of hiring the rec ball guy years prior to actually doing so. Now we get a guy with two left feet that has intentionally loaded the bases for the GMAC player of the year and the GLIAC freshman of the year??? He do not know ball….. CLEARLYYYYYYY

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

DU is a horrible school where pedos thrive. Ronda allows this behavior and stands up for it. Sickening

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication

If Davenport did their job players, coaches, and staff members wouldn’t have to post here. Ronda and Davenport is upset about people sharing their lived experiences here but instead of bringing change, she would rather try to silence voices. All the staff, parents, and athletes want is to attend Davenport without being bullied, threatened to be fired, and scholarship/playing time be threatened for reporting to mandated reporters about inappropriate behaviors and relationships of DU’s coaches. Ronda heard specifically from players and staff members and never investigated a coach who was in an inappropriate relationship for months. Thats not safe. HR knew about it and instead of investigating, tried to remove those that reported and told players they couldn’t talk about it. Ask players, coaches, and those in it and you’ll find more info. Make DU safe so we trust we won’t be retaliated against for reporting unsafe environments to keep the students that attend here safe.

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

I worked at Davenport University for one season. During that time, I reported concerns to Ronda regarding abusive behavior by Travis and an inappropriate relationship that was occurring. The concerns were from others reported to me, so I, as a mandatory reporter, reported them. I raised these concerns multiple times to Ronda and Paul. All I asked was that an investigation could take place to either confirm it or refute it, and then we could move forward. Also, it is to note that Ronda knew Travis from before and that there was a history where Travis was coaching the player in high school, was reported for being inappropriate, he was removed and Ronda knew about the high school issue when hiring. Around Christmas, I informed them that I would resign because I did not want to be a part of this or have my name associated with him, as it was too much. He was making my job and the overall environment horrible to be in, as he knew I had reported him. I did not know at the time when I was begging Ronda and Paul to talk to players and others since they were coming to me, was to go to the source and ask them. Turns out, The players and other staff members were reportings and Ronda and Paul did nothing. They would hold these meetings in the business building. They did not follow their role as a mandated reporter when those that reported did their job. They asked me to remain in the role, and I did end up staying because it was clear that no one would be there to try and protect the student-athletes as best as I could and make it as good an environment as possible. During one conversation, Rhonda asked, “What if it were your brother?” in reference to the accused staff member. I responded that I would want any family member held accountable and the situation addressed appropriately. I wish I had said more because that was an inappropriate question. I also asked the AD, whose daughter played lacrosse years back, if he would trust this person coaching his daughter, and he could not provide a solid answer. At the end of the season, additional emails from others were submitted detailing the same inappropriate relationship to multiple Davenport administrators. Instead of conducting a full investigation, the university chose not to renew the head coach’s contract. They also told the players they could not talk about it or else. He was subsequently hired at Hillsdale a few years later. Once Hillsdale was alerted to the concerns via a Twitter post going viral about the coach, Hillsdale conducted a formal investigation, confirmed it, and removed him. Hilssdale also asked Davenport for information regarding this and they removed all of that information and the reports. When Davenport non-renewed the head coach, I was told I was not "eligible" to apply for the open position. I continued assisting with team operations until a new coach was hired. After that point, communication from the department stopped. I was no longer informed of workouts, when to even meet my new boss, what work to do, or when meetings would be, and I was effectively removed from ongoing responsibilities as they were pushing me out, although they asked for all of my documents, scouts, scheduling, recruiting contacts, and more. I decided to leave rather than try to stay in a toxic workplace. As soon as I quit, the other assistants were removed. I am an alum of DU and the WBB team, so was another AC. Shonda would not reply to texts about work at all or to meet until after I quit, which I am assuming was an order from Ronda because they could not fire me since I was the one who reported it. Davenport has the potential to be a strong program, but leadership failed to address significant concerns, which negatively impacted both student-athletes and staff members who attempted to act in their best interest. It is wild that she is the SWA and Title IX Coordinator. She never reported the reports I made or the documentation provided by players, MBB players who reported it to Burt and were told to be quiet about it, and more. The mistake I made was trusting the leadership to do what they are and were mandated to do. This is not even half of what happened keep asking around about this.

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication

Just because you’re friends with coaches doesn’t make it right for you to cover up them sleeping and drinking with players on their own teams and other teams. What an absolutely terrible environment behind the scenes. The culture at DU is TOXIC and if you think it’s wrong like anyone would - you’ll be on the hit list next.

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

DisorganizedPoor Communication

Ronda was aware as well as the entire athletic department that a full time facilities working was dating a player on the football team. It’s bizarre this behavior is normalized. It is at Davenport. Do your research before one of your athletes falls victim to disgusting behavior like this. It’s not right.

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

DisorganizedPoor Communication

In a matter of 3 years at Davenport 2 wrestlers died. Not sure why there hasn’t been an investigation into this and Ronda, Paul and athletics. Davenport needs to be looked into. As a wrestling guy this is shameful and disgraceful to be swept under the rug.

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication

Not sure why it’s not commented on more but everyone knows Ronda planned on hiring the softball coach years prior to doing it. She bragged about it to me. That’s so wrong in itself. Not sure how these people sleep at night. He’s odd but perfect fit at DU being friends with Ronda. Terrible for those girls to be blindsided.

Women's SoftballRonda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

DisorganizedPoor Communication

Do your research before you go to Davenport. The sports administration at this school is beyond corrupt. Ronda likes to be liked by kids. She sides with everyone that does the wrong things. If you lie, set up your teammate and act a victim, sleep with your coach, steal, get black out drunk, do drugs this school will be perfect for you. Ronda is manipulative and very much toxic. There’s absolutely zero accountability for people that do the behavior listed above. If you’re a good kid that has morals you will either be forced to conform to this behavior or they will bully you out. Seriously, it’s not a joke. Beware of what you’re getting into and how much this toxic school will change your kids life for the worse.