A group of nine former members of Western Oregon University’s women’s basketball team has reached a $2.25 million settlement with the school after alleging that coaches Jessica Peatross and D.J. Marlow subjected them to abusive training practices and retaliated when they raised concerns.
The plaintiffs, identified in court filings as Gracie Arnold, Gretta Baker, Kiylynn Dawkins, Hanne Hopkins, Ana McClave, Cali McClave, Jodi Noyes, Kailiana Ramos and Pi’o Tu’ivai, said the coaching staff forced them to endure excessive drills with minimal rest, required them to practice while injured and confiscated personal belongings as punishment. They also claimed the university revoked their scholarships after they spoke out.
University officials, represented by attorneys Michael Strack and Bill Poehler of Littler Mendelson P.C., denied the bulk of the allegations in filings, maintaining that the coaches acted within policy and that scholarship decisions were academic. Nevertheless, the settlement will distribute roughly $200,000 to $325,000 to each of the nine athletes, while two additional former teammates who were not part of the lawsuit previously received $15,000 each.
University Retains Coaching Staff Amid Roster Overhaul
Following the litigation, the administration kept Peatross and Marlow on staff for the ensuing season and required remaining players to meet with the coaches to retain their positions. Ten athletes were ultimately released, and most have since transferred to other institutions, where they continue their collegiate careers.
Program Progress and Outlook
The team, competing in NCAA Division II as a member of the Great Northwestern Athletic Conference, posted a 9‑17 record in 2024‑25 and improved to 15‑13 in 2025‑26, earning a playoff berth for the first time since 2011. Despite the turnover, the program appears poised for renewed competitiveness as new recruits join the roster.