College Athletic Staff Rating: Ronda Varnesdeel at Davenport University

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

Terrible Administration If You Don’t Know Players Can Switch Positions

Date: November 1, 2025

By Parent

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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"My daughter told me both you and Paul Lowden said it was a demotion to go from the infield to the outfield. What is wrong with you and the athletic department at Davenport. Many players switch positions. I can’t believe these comments are made at the college level. It’s sickening how low of knowledge you all must have. "

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

Maybe The Money Went Right Into Your Bank Account

Date: October 28, 2025

By Parent

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"I overheard at Elite that you cut the softball budget $30,000 before they started their season last year. Bet that money is back in the softball budget now. Baseball needed to be covered I’m guessing. I hope someone who knows about this goes to the news. It would be a national story. "

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

Davenport Softball Is Full Of Bullies. Shame On You

Date: October 26, 2025

By Parent

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"Ronda is a manipulative bully. She allowed the Davenport softball team to bully players off the team and she rewarded it. She has no business ever being around student athletes again. Your mean girl middle school tactics have no business in college softball. The kids that transferred are much better off not being lied and manipulated by their own athletic director who they thought was on their side. Shame on you. "

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

Terrible Athletic Administration From Top To Bottom. Paul Just Sits Back And Lets It Happen! It’s Been Happening For 10 Plus Years Now

Date: October 23, 2025

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"There’s documentation of Ronda and her friend attempting to bully previous golf coach. She stood up for herself though, something these weak, small minded women don’t like. They both have slandered this coaches name and reputation. HR is aware of what these toxic individuals do to people that stand up to them. She was forced out and is the nicest and best golf coach out there. She had integrity and great character. If you are professional and display ethical leadership you will be on the hit list for this athletic administration. I’ve seen this movie over and over again. If you’re a coach that values your career and reputation think twice about coaching here. I learned the hard way 10 years ago. Sad to see it still occurring. "

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

She Is The Biggest Bully I’ve Ever Met

Date: October 18, 2025

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"You are the definition of a bully. I see it happen. Every single day."

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

They Are Holding Student Athletes Accountable But It Should Start Here

Date: October 13, 2025

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"Ronda is the worst communicator of any boss I’ve ever had. She must get the most paid time off of any employee at the University. She constantly cancels meetings and quite frankly doesn’t do her job. She is beyond frustrating to work for. I fear for my job writing this post but it’s the truth. "

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

If You Are Around Her For 5 Minutes You Will See She Is Toxic

Date: October 3, 2025

By Parent

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"One of the worst coaches and people I’ve ever let my daughter be around. Truly a rotten human being. It’s hard to expect kids to act any different when someone in a leadership role gossips, lies and is involved in inappropriate behavior. "

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

Would Rather Talk To An 18 Year Old To Feel “Cool”

Date: September 29, 2025

By Parent

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"Levels of professionalism for her are at an all time low. Imagine texting and calling an 18 year old athlete instead of communicating with the coach. When my daughter told me this was happening I couldn’t believe it. Very weird things happening at DU."

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

An Ad Allowed To Teach Student Athletes Seems Like A Conflict Of Interest. How Much More Money Do You Need?

Date: September 24, 2025

By Parent

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"Unprofessionalism at its finest. Gossip, inappropriate relationships with student athletes. Imagine your athletic director calling a freshman to get the tea. I was shocked when my daughter told me this. Being a parent of an athlete I’ve found a lot of what Ronda Varnesdeel has done to be embarrassingly unprofessional. Anyone that engages in basic interaction with this lady will quickly figure out she’s a narcissist. My concerns started to grow when it was discovered that Ronda allowed a softball player to keep engaging in a sexual relationship with her basketball coach. It was almost like she applauded the young girl for doing this. Not having any accountability or holding anyone to a standard creates a culture of toxicity. I’m not up to date with current drama at this school but I have years of experience to tell you it was a mistake having my daughter go here. It sure does seem like Ronda squeezes every ounce of money she can get from this school. Always doing everything but her own job to make more and more and more. Why do you need more money? I thought your trailer in the trailer park sold. "

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

Davenport University Has Zero Integrity. They Lie, They Cheat, They Cover It Up. Send Reporters There & Undercover Years Of Fraudulent Activity

Date: September 21, 2025

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"Ronda has been abusing university funds since being a coach and now it’s even worse as an administrator. Many coaches and individuals at Davenport ABUSE funds for PERSONAL BENEFIT. This is covered up by the business manager Kelly Stafford. Baseball absolutely abuses the system. Paul Lowden is aware as he abuses funds for personal benefit as well. He also uses money allocated for other things as a slush fund - giving it to programs - like football - when that is not what the money is attended for. If someone did a deep dive into the school they would undercover years of FRAUD and misuse of money. Every Athletic Administrator is aware that Baseball played ineligible players throughout a season they won a championship. What do you think they did about it. THEY COVERED IT UP. This Univeristy has zero integrity and values and I think it’s time the NCAA did an investigation into the baseball program for blatant CHEATING and disregard for rules. "

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

Davenport University Would Make A Great Espn Story About Scandal, Corruption And How They Pay For Silence And Cooperation.

Date: September 19, 2025

By Athlete

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"The unprofessionalism at Davenport is off the chain. I spent one year at Davenport and can tell you it’s the most insane place I’ve ever been. It’s crap like this that they normalize and manipulate the students into believing it’s acceptable and normal behavior. IT IS NOT NORMAL BEHAVIOR. It’s unacceptable at 99.8 % of schools around the country. I chose to leave DU because of how TOXIC the athletic department is. They normalize employees drinking and going to bars with students. It’s ODD. They normalize the most inappropriate, unprofessional, insane behavior from coaches, trainers and staff. They silence students and staff with MONEY. Ronda literally BUYS loyalty from both her staff and students. It’s disgusting. "

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

A Parent’s Worst Nightmare Sending Their Children To Davenport Athletics. If You’re Any Good At Volley Save Your Time And Go To Fsu

Date: September 17, 2025

By Parent

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

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Honest

1.0

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Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"My daughter played volleyball at DU and I can’t believe the ethics and leadership of your athletic programs. Essentially anyone sending their children to Davenport University are sending them to predators. Manipulating 18 year olds to believe their lives are better engaging in potentially life changing and threatening activities with zero accountability to anyone is horrid. A parent’s worst nightmare sending their children here. Lying is not good and being entitled is not good. It is a complete shame to society that people in charge of impressionable students preach and tolerate such terrible morals."

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

Not Sure There’s Any Integrity Or Standards At Davenport University

Date: September 17, 2025

By Parent

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"My daughter was considering coming to Davenport to play Volleyball. Her club coach told us that the current head coach would drink with players as an assistant and that the athletic administration rewarded that behavior. I was and still am so taken back that this is what is happening in a college program. "

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

What Is Being Allowed At This College Is Unsettling.

Date: September 8, 2025

By Parent

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"As a parent of a member of the swimming and diving team I can attest to much of what has been posted about not only Ronda but the athletic administration. I expressed concerns on how the coaching staff allows student athletes to participate in partying on their spring break trip. It seems to have fallen on deaf ears as most behavior like this has. Recently I saw that the baseball team had athletes arrested from running from the police on their spring break trip. This all saddens me very much. As a parent to have such weak leaders at the division 2 level that let student athletes continually party and drink to the point of arrests is unsettling. Someone in the athletic administration needs to be held accountable for allowing this continued bad behavior. It’s a bad look for every member at the college. "

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

An Athletic Department You Want To Stay, Run, Walk, Crawl Away From

Date: September 8, 2025

By Parent

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"Davenport became a joke the moment every athletic administrator had their children step on campus and join athletic teams. Ultimate conflict of interest that is continually being exploited. My son transferred to Ferris and I can promise you that there’s many other schools that aren’t as corrupt. Davenport is a school they should put on a reality tv show. The amount of money that is thrown away by this school is appalling. It seems many are more are interested in getting 2 or 3 sweat suits and gear than actually showing any true passion for their sport. My son experienced a toxic party culture, vandalism, hazing, credit card schemes and grown adult boys urinating in elevators. It’s really not funny what the administration allows student athletes to get away with. Standards are low but no one seems to care bc they are all too busy getting their pockets greased. If you’re looking to go to school here good luck to you. My guess is you will ultimately regret not only the poor culture but the outrageous tuition prices. "

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

Strange Woman To Interact And Work With. Corrupt Should Be Her Middle Name

Date: August 23, 2025

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"I worked at Davenport for one year and can tell you some things: Corrupt Disturbing relationships Silence is rewarded with a pay day Zero accountability for both athletes and certain staff Leadership in relationships with coaches Money scandals Player scandals Gross misuse of funds by athletic department Very toxic place. I now work at Northwood and it’s night and day better in every single possible way. Not having to work with a jealous, manipulative boss is an upgrade. "

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

Mocking Lgbt Isn’t Something That Should Be Taken Lightly.

Date: August 10, 2025

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"As an employee at Davenport I thought it was appropriate to share my encounter with Ronda talking negatively about a female coach in the athletic department. She called this coach embarrassing for her rainbow flag attire and pride. I thought this was odd for an administrator to say but I also found it odd as she seems to generally be supportive of LGBT. I’m not sure what she was getting at making these comments but they made me uncomfortable and also feel bad for everyone she talks negatively about… behind their back. I would be careful if you plan to have a relationship with her as this seems to be a reoccurring experience. "

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

Davenport Football Cover Up

Date: August 6, 2025

By Parent

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"1. Full time employee in relationship with DU’s star football player. 2. Ronda covered it up and did not do one thing about it. 3. Coaching staff and athletic trainers all aware of this incident. 4. No one did the right thing or report as obligated. Integrity? 5. It was actively discussed among athletic trainers and the full time employee involved. 6. SICKENING but absolutely normal behavior at this college. "

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

Women’s Basketball Cover Up At Davenport University

Date: August 5, 2025

By Parent

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"It is deeply troubling to witness the systemic failure within the athletic department, where a coach’s inappropriate and unethical behavior was not only ignored but actively covered up. The situation surrounding the women’s baseball coach's ongoing sexual relationship with a student athlete is a clear violation of professional and moral boundaries. What is perhaps even more disturbing is that this misconduct was known by others within the department, including Ronda and multiple staff members, but was not addressed in any meaningful way. Instead, the athlete involved was allowed to remain on scholarship, untouched by any consequences, while the toxic environment around them persisted. Rather than holding the coach accountable, those in power chose to protect their own interests, brushing aside the gravity of the situation. The fact that Ronda, someone in a position of authority, sent the coach off with a warm and affectionate email—expressing that he would be missed—sends the message that this type of behavior is tolerated and, in some cases, even condoned. This speaks volumes about the institutional culture and priorities that seem to revolve around protecting reputations rather than upholding ethical standards. What is particularly troubling is that this pattern of behavior is not isolated. The school’s lack of intervention and accountability towards full-time employees involved with student athletes speaks to a broader institutional failure. The apparent encouragement, or at best indifference, towards such relationships undercuts the integrity of the entire program and raises questions about the value the institution places on its students, their well-being, and their futures. This review is not just a critique of one coach or one individual’s actions but of the culture that allowed this to happen unchecked. It is a call for greater transparency, a demand for ethical responsibility, and a plea for the safety and dignity of the student athletes who deserve so much more than the environment they’ve been left in. "

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

Abuse Of Power Needs To Stop And Has No Business In The Work Place

Date: August 4, 2025

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"Abuse of Power:  Ronda, in a supervisory position, used her influence to solicit funds from staff for a personal cause (a friend/secretary’s car tires), which is highly inappropriate in a professional setting. Implied Coercion / Fear of Retaliation:  The feeling that employees had to contribute out of fear—not goodwill—is coercive. It creates a hostile work environment and reflects misuse of hierarchical power. 1. Favoritism / Unequal Treatment: The lack of similar support or even acknowledgment of mine or other staff members financial struggles further shows a pattern of favoritism. Public resources (like mass email systems) should not be used to push private or preferential agendas. 2. Potential Violations of Policy or Law: * If university email systems or resources were used inappropriately. * If retaliation or workplace bullying is taking place (even indirectly), it could violate HR or even federal guidelines (e.g., EEOC rules) HR is well aware of this incident and about 50 other concerns involving Ronda. I’m starting to see the light on how inappropriate and messed up DU is. "

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

Davenport Needs To Be Investigated, I’m Ashamed To Have Ever Gone To School There

Date: August 3, 2025

By Athlete

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"I am submitting this statement as a former student-athlete who witnessed and was made aware of a deeply concerning situation involving the women’s basketball program at Davenport University. During my time at the school, a dual-sport athlete engaged in an inappropriate relationship with the head women’s basketball coach, leveraging that relationship to manipulate team operations—controlling practice schedules, playing time, and more. This was widely known among students, staff, and coaches. Rather than investigating or addressing this misconduct, Ronda, a high-ranking administrator and the coach's direct supervisor, actively participated in a cover-up. She issued a flattering public farewell to the coach when he left, omitting the real reason for his departure. The student-athlete faced no consequences and was allowed to continue playing and receiving scholarship support. Additionally, when an assistant coach spoke up about the situation, Ronda instructed her to remain silent. That assistant was soon no longer employed by the school—an action widely believed to be retaliatory. These actions, and the institution’s failure to hold anyone accountable, represent not only a serious breach of ethical standards but also potentially a Title IX violation and a misuse of school and athletic department authority. I am bringing this to your attention because the culture within this athletic department has become toxic, corrupt, and harmful to both students and staff. The individuals in charge—including Ronda—must be investigated and held accountable. I urge you to conduct a full review of this matter and others involving the department. I would be willing to provide further details or statements under the appropriate conditions. "

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

I Currently Hold An Hr Position And Have A Degree From Du Unfortunately . Crimes Have Been Committed And Justice Should Be Served

Date: August 2, 2025

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"1. Toxic Work Environment and Manipulative Leadership Ronda, has developed a reputation among staff for manipulative and coercive tactics. She frequently uses her position of authority—particularly her influence over scholarships and salary increases—to pressure employees into compliance. This dynamic creates a culture of fear and transactional loyalty rather than one rooted in mutual respect and collaboration. Her leadership style is punitive and divisive, often pitting staff against one another. 2. Chronic Gossip and Unprofessional Communication A consistent pattern of gossiping behind staff members’ backs has been observed. Ronda, often disparages colleagues in private conversations, fostering an atmosphere of distrust and toxicity. In particular, she is known to ridicule and speak negatively about her own supervisor, Paul, in conversations with others, notably with Tidey, with whom she maintains an unusually close and inappropriate relationship. 3. Inappropriate Relationship with Baseball Coach There have been credible observations and reports of an ongoing personal affair between Ronda and the baseball coach, Tidey, which has resulted in both professional favoritism and unethical workplace dynamics. The alliance between the two has contributed to a bullying culture, especially as they jointly mock and belittle other staff members, including their direct supervisor, Paul. 4. Bullying and Psychological Harassment Several staff members have reported feeling intimidated and emotionally distressed after interactions with Ronda. Her tactics include passive-aggressive communication, public undermining, and retaliation when questioned or challenged. These behaviors meet the criteria for psychological harassment and create significant barriers to a healthy work environment. Ronda, displays behavior unfit for someone in a leadership role. Her manipulation of staff through control of financial incentives, involvement in workplace gossip and harassment, and misuse of her influence represent serious breaches of both ethical standards and professional integrity. Further, the unprofessional relationship with the baseball coach raises issues of conflict of interest and compromised judgment. It is strongly recommended that the institution: Conduct a formal HR investigation into these allegations. Evaluate the impact of her leadership on departmental retention, morale, and productivity. Consider placing Ronda on administrative leave pending investigation. Preserving institutional trust and staff well-being requires swift, transparent action. "

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

A Year Of Disappointment And Unethical Practices At Davenport

Date: August 2, 2025

By Other

1.0

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Caring

Motivational

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1.0

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Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"I spent a year working under an administrator at Davenport, and unfortunately, the experience has left me with nothing but disappointment and a deep sense of betrayal. Over the course of my time there, I witnessed numerous instances of wrongdoing that were consistently ignored, covered up, or swept under the rug. It became clear that those in charge, particularly the administration, were more focused on maintaining appearances and avoiding accountability than fostering a fair and ethical work environment. What should have been a place of growth, teamwork, and transparency was instead marred by dishonesty and a disregard for the well-being of employees. Anyone working in this environment, especially those complicit in unethical behavior just for the sake of a paycheck, is contributing to a toxic culture that undermines trust, morale, and overall success. I would not recommend working here to anyone with a sense of integrity or a desire to make a real, positive impact. There are far better workplaces where you can grow professionally without compromising your values. "

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

Review Of Administrative Conduct Regarding Golf Program

Date: August 1, 2025

By Parent

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

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1.0

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Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"It’s disheartening to witness a situation where an administrator, tasked with upholding the integrity of a collegiate athletics program, instead acts in a way that undermines fairness, accountability, and ethical standards. The men’s golf coach (a woman) at Davenport made the responsible and difficult decision to send home players who arrived at practice intoxicated. Her actions reflected leadership and a commitment to both student well-being and the reputation of the university. Student-athletes are expected to conduct themselves with discipline and maturity, and the coach appropriately addressed behavior that clearly violated those expectations. Rather than supporting this decision, Administrator Ronda chose to target the coach. This response is especially troubling given that one of the students involved is the son of Ronda’s best friend and a former women’s golf coach at the school. The implication of favoritism, whether intentional or not, casts a shadow over the administration’s credibility and raises serious ethical concerns. At the collegiate level, rules must apply to all athletes equally. Protecting or excusing certain individuals due to personal relationships not only compromises the integrity of the program but also sends a damaging message to other athletes and coaches — that accountability depends on who you know, not what you do. This situation points to a troubling pattern of unethical decision-making and a lack of support for coaches who are trying to do what’s right. Coaches should not be punished for holding their teams to basic standards of conduct, especially when safety and the university’s reputation are at stake. Favoritism has no place in college athletics. Leadership should reflect impartiality, professionalism, and a commitment to fairness. Anything less erodes trust and weakens the values Davenport claims to uphold. Ronda pushed this amazing coach out of this position and has slandered her name every chance she gets. It seems Ronda is threatened by strong, competent woman- It must make her feel bad about all of her own weaknesses and shortcomings. Ronda went on to help coach the men’s golf program- again, slandering the previous coach (with many prestigious accolades) every chance she got. "

0

Women's Softball

Ronda Varnesdeel

Associate Director of Athletics

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

Employee Review Of Davenport University Athletic Administration

Date: August 1, 2025

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Dedicated To Players Direct Disorganized Creates A Great Team Culture

"As a full-time employee at Davenport University, I’ve witnessed numerous instances of misconduct within the athletics department that have been ignored or covered up by administrators. These incidents raise serious concerns about the ethical climate and leadership accountability within the university. Key Issues Observed: 1. Eligibility Violations in Baseball (2021): The baseball team fielded 14 ineligible players throughout the 2021 season. Rather than addressing this violation, university administrators appeared to cover it up—likely due to the team's on-field success during that time. 2. Inappropriate Relationships in Football: The football coach failed to take any action regarding a highly inappropriate relationship between a star player and a university employee. This situation was seemingly overlooked to protect athletic success. 3. Cover-ups in Basketball Programs: The men’s basketball coach and university officials did not take action in response to a scandal involving the women’s basketball coach, instead choosing to suppress the issue. 4. Toxic Culture in Baseball and Softball: The baseball coach has openly bragged about undermining the softball program and creating a hostile environment. There have also been instances of inappropriate conduct involving alcohol with student-athletes. 5. Sexual Harassment in Men’s Hockey: A serious case of sexual harassment led to a female athletic trainer leaving the university. This incident was not properly addressed or made public. 6. Unprofessional Conduct in Support Staff: * Members of the strength and conditioning staff have fostered a toxic environment, often speaking negatively about athletes and coaches. * Athletic trainers have provided treatment at inappropriate times and locations, raising concerns about boundaries and professionalism. * A senior administrator, Ronda, has been repeatedly heard speaking disrespectfully about both current and former coaches, as well as student-athletes. Conclusion: There is a deeply troubling culture of protectionism and silence within Davenport’s athletic administration. Allegations and misconduct are routinely swept under the rug—especially when they involve high-profile coaches or athletes. Long-standing personal relationships among administrators appear to take priority over ethics, accountability, and student safety. This environment has created a workplace where many employees feel disillusioned, undervalued, and powerless to report misconduct without fear of retaliation. For those of us who stay, it often feels like survival rather than a career. "

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