Claire Donahue Talks WKU Program Suspension, Future Plans for Herself and Coach Marchionda

Interview conducted by Loretta Race; Video editing by Coleman Hodges.

SwimSwam was able to converse with 2012 Olympian Claire Donahue, gaining insight into what mindset the 2011 Western Kentucky University (WKU) graduate finds herself in the wake of the school’s hazing scandal.

Donahue was deboarding her flight into Arizona for the Arena Pro Swim Series- Mesa competition when she was made aware of the five-year suspension, or “death sentence” as she calls it, of her alma mater’s swim program and has been immersed in what she refers to as her “swim family’s” difficult time ever since.

Here is a high-level recap of the events surrounding the WKU hazing situation and resulting suspension:

  • January 2015Swim program member Collin Craig filed hazing-related complaints with the Bowling Green Police Department; claims included Craig being pressured to drink underage, general mental abuse, and being forced to engage in embarrassing or compromising activity.
  • February 26, 2015 – Bowling Green Police concluded its investigation; seized property including marijuana paraphernalia and “picture boards” .
  • April 7, 2015Title IX investigation’s report was publicly released, which determined that hazing activity had indeed taken place and that head coach Bruce Marchionda knew about the hazing and sexual harassment since spring 2012 based on an email received from aforementioned accuser.
  • April 14, 2015 – WKU President and Athletic Director announce suspension of swimming and diving programs for a period of five years; Head Coach, Associate Head Coach, Head Diving Coach all terminated as of June 30th.
  • April 22, 2015 – Coach Bruce Marchionda released letter to press; “dispelled the misperception that the coaching staff knowingly turned a blind eye to this misconduct.”

Where does this situation leave Donahue? She walks us through the emotional environment, as well as what the immediate future holds for her heading into Worlds.

Donahue does reveal the short-term plan of WKU Head Coach Bruce Marchionda to remain at WKU through July, even though his position of head coach will be terminated as of June 30th.  As Donahue describes in the interview, the WKU athletic department was supportive of her staying and training and would actually allow Marchionda to remain on the premises to coach Donahue and any other postgrads. Without the WKU head position, however, Marchionda would be coaching Donahue without a standard salary, making the proposition not financially possible.

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SWIMGUY12345
8 years ago

Any word on where Fabian S, the breastroker, is looking to go? Have to imagine Cal is making moves to get him since they lost Katis.

Danjohnrob
8 years ago

Nice interview, SwimSwam! Personally, I’d enjoy seeing more video interviews like this to update swimming fans on the training of athletes and events in their lives in general!

I love Claire Donahue! And despite whatever negative comments people have made about him, I give Coach Marchionda credit for BELIEVING in her AND coaching her to an Olympic Final in the 100 fly! It will be interesting to see how Claire handles this challenge. I wish her the best of luck in her preparations for Kazan and Olympic Trials!

About Retta Race

Retta Race

Former Masters swimmer and coach Loretta (Retta) thrives on a non-stop but productive schedule. Nowadays, that includes having just earned her MBA while working full-time in IT while owning French 75 Boutique while also providing swimming insight for BBC.

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