The Columbia Bible College Bearcats have announced that women's basketball head coach Taylor Claggett has been removed from the bench for this weekend's games and has been replaced by her assistant coaches.
The announcement comes days after the Pacwest league finished its investigation into allegations of an incident that occurred between Claggett and trans student-athlete Harriette Mackenzie of the VIU Mariners team back in October.
The Pacwest refused to give any details on the findings from the investigation, but CBC officials shared they were disappointed with the results and were going to take steps to have the decision reviewed. They also stated that they believed that a proper process was not followed in the investigation and that the results were not fair.
So @cbcBearcats have now announced that two new people are taking on coaching responsibilities this weekend for the women's basketball team.
鈥� Ben Lypka (@BenLypka) February 8, 2025
It seems as though the punishment @ColumbiaBibleCo received was losing the provincial basketball tournament and Claggett was suspended https://t.co/1HM4XNsjkR pic.twitter.com/1cUAdtFf5a
On the other hand, the VIU Mariners stated that they were pleased with the results and that the decision upholds the principles of respect, equity and inclusion with collegiate athletics.
The News has asked CBC and the Pacwest if Claggett has been suspended, but we have not yet received confirmation. CBC's statement on her being removed from the bench indicates that they hope to see her back behind the bench soon, but they do not give a date on when that might occur.
Assistant coaches Alexis Worrell and Victoria Jacobse will take over Claggett's duties for the time being, with Worrell serving as head coach.
BREAKING: @ColumbiaBibleCo will no longer be hosting the @pacwestbc basketball provincials.
鈥� Ben Lypka (@BenLypka) February 7, 2025
This comes after a three-month Pacwest investigation following accusations of hateful behaviour by @cbcBearcats head coach Taylor Claggett to a trans student-athlete on the @VIUMariners. pic.twitter.com/FBFS5dcpyj
It's also believed that the Pacwest basketball provincial tournament, which was scheduled to occur at CBC in Abbotsford, has been moved as a result of the investigation into Claggett's actions. Mariners players last month refused to travel to Abbotsford for games against the Bearcats due to safety concerns. At that time the players suggested that the tournament be moved out of Abbotsford.
A new location for the tournament has not yet been confirmed, but a source told The News that Douglas College is a likely landing spot. That event is planned to run from Feb. 27 to March 1.
The @VIUMariners have acknowledged that the investigation is over and they are pleased with the results.
鈥� Ben Lypka (@BenLypka) February 6, 2025
Adding that "the decision reinforces the importance of upholding principles of respect, equity, and inclusion with collegiate athletics."
Full statement below https://t.co/qZG3bPWNDn pic.twitter.com/YYHLnXXJDL
VIU and CBC still need to make up the postponed games from January. It has not yet been determined when or where those games will occur.
Claggett was named the team's head coach in 2023 and led them to the program's best record ever last season at 14-10. This season's team has already surpassed last season and has a 16-3 record in regular season play. The Mariners have a record of 18-1.
