Danielle Haskett

ROSEBURG – The Roseburg School District is parting ways with high school volleyball coach Danielle Haskett after an investigation into harassment and bullying complaints from a group of students and parents.

Roseburg superintendent Gerry Washburn announced in a statement Thursday that it was his opinion the volleyball program needed new leadership, but that the school district appreciated the “time and effort” Haskett gave during her five years as head coach. Haskett had the support of Roseburg High School principal Jill Weber and athletic director Russ Bolin, but ultimately it was Washburn’s decision.

Controversy within the program arose in September when a group of six players chose to leave the varsity team over a dispute surrounding homecoming. The players and their families later filed an official complaint with the school bard against Haskett and assistant coach Kari Marrow.

The complaints alleged that the coaches “harassed, bullied, and verbally assaulted” the players, according to a report from the News Review. An independent investigator was hired by the school district to look into the matter. The investigation has resulted in the school board evaluating new guidelines to deal with conflicts between student-athletes and coaches.

Haskett led the Indians to two conference titles and five straight playoff berths. The team made the state tournament twice under Haskett and placed fifth at state in 2013. The process for finding a replacement head coach has not yet been outlined by the RHS athletic department.