Davenport University
NCAA DII • GLIAC
Date: November 17, 2025
Would Recommend
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.