The University of Portland women’s volleyball head coach Jeff Baxter will not return to the program, according to UP Vice President of Athletics Scott Leykam. Baxter will be replaced by interim coaches Megan Burton and Dylan Hamilton for the remainder of the 2019 season.
"We have full confidence in Megan and Dylan and their ability to provide the best student-athlete experience possible for our student-athletes," Leykam said in a press release. "We will immediately start conversations regarding the best option for the leadership of the program going forward."
Baxter, who was not present at the recent 3-1 loss against San Francisco on Saturday, was promoted as head coach of the program last season, leading the Pilots to a 20-13 record and their first-ever postseason appearance at the National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC). This year the Pilots are 11-15 with a 3-12 record in conference play and have three games remaining. University of Portland Athletics declined to comment.
Kyle Garcia is the Sports editor for The Beacon. He can be reached at garciaky20@up.edu.
Editor's Note: This story has been updated with the response from the University of Portland Athletics.