Facts

Plaintiff Giuliana Mendiola served as Assistant Coach for the University of California, Riverside women's basketball team for seven years, beginning in 2012. Prior to beginning her coaching career Mendiola was a star basketball player for the University of Washington Huskies and played professionally for seven years, including in the Women's National Basketball Association. In 2018, Mendiola alleges she was being considered for the Head Coach position at Riverside after then-Head Coach John Margaritis came under investigation for mistreating female athletes. Mendiola complained to the University that Margaritis was abusive to the members of the team. Two months after Mendiola participated in an interview regarding the investigation of Margaritis, her contract was not renewed.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff alleged that the Regents and Margaritis created a hostile work environment and retaliated against her in violation of Title VII and Title IX because of her advocacy on behalf of student athletes and herself. Plaintiff also contended that the University reneged on its commitment to name her as Head Coach of the team.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendants contended that they decided not to renew Coach Mendiola's contract because her job performance had deteriorated over time. They denied that they ever committed to naming her as the head coach of the team.

Injuries

Lost income including future lost income as Head Coach of the UC Riverside Women's Basketball team.

Result

The case settled for $950,000.

Other Information

Coach Margaritis did not contribute to the settlement.