A lawsuit against Winthrop University by its former women’s soccer coach was settled Wednesday for $35,000 and a letter of recommendation.
Former coach Melissa Heinz filed suit against the school in November 2010, claiming discrimination and harassment, naming school President Anthony DiGiorgio, Athletic Director Tom Hickman and men's soccer coach Rich Posipanko in her suit.
In the initial claim, Heinz said the discrepancy in her pay and Posipanko’s was because of gender, while the school countered by pointing out the difference in experience and the fact she had losing records in six of seven seasons despite one conference title.
But Wednesday’s settlement brought a quiet close to a case that featured allegations of discriminatory practices against female coaches.
The $35,000 is being paid by the state’s Insurance Reserve Fund, with the school paying nothing toward the settlement.
Winthrop also did not admit any liability in the case in the statement released by the school.
“I am pleased that no wrongdoing was established in this lawsuit,” DiGiorgio said in the school’s news release. “We understand and respect that for business reasons, insurance companies sometimes have to settle lawsuits.”
Reached at his office Wednesday afternoon, Hickman said he had nothing to add to the university statement, saying “I can’t make any further comment about it.”
Messages left for Heinz (now the coach at Division II Valdosta State in Georgia) and her Charlotte-based attorney Nicole Gardner weren’t returned.
Likewise, Posipanko did not return messages Wednesday.
As part of the settlement, Heinz dismissed claims against all the named parties in the suit. The fact the reference letter was part of the settlement speaks to the part of her initial complaint that the school’s action was preventing her from finding other jobs.
In 2009, Posipanko made $59,137, to Heinz's $47,644, which the school said was in direct relation to his 21 years as head coach at Winthrop compared to Heinz's seven.
The school also disputed her claims about additional income earned by each for summer camps. According to Winthrop's figures, Posipanko earned $15,000 and Heinz $7,000 in 2009 from camps. Heinz's complaint said Posipanko earned "roughly $30,000" and Heinz made "roughly $3,500" from 2008 summer camps.
Heinz also complained about practice facilities and scholarships, while the school countered by pointing out the men’s team had fewer scholarships (9.67 to 11.62 for the women’s team) and that Posipanko carried a greater maintenance burden for the fields.
