East Tennessee State University announced the termination of Belinda Hendrix as head coach of the softball program on Tuesday, Nov. 15.
ETSU came to this decision after complaints about Hendrix creating an unhealthy team culture, according to a press release by ETSU Athletics. These complaints came from student-athletes, parents and community members.
Hendrix came to ETSU as head coach in July 2021 and served for one season. The team held an 8-48 overall record and a 4-14 record for conference play under her authority.
“The mental health and overall well-being of our student-athletes is our top priority as an athletics program,” said Dr. Richard Sander, Interim Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “We have been working with Ms. Hendrix for some time in an effort to improve the situation. Unfortunately, we have not seen the results we expect.”
In addition to the termination of Belinda Hendrix, her husband and assistant coach, Jimmy Hendrix, was also terminated.
Prior to coaching at ETSU, Belinda Hendrix was head coach at Chipola College in Marianna, Florida for 17 seasons with Jimmy Hendrix serving alongside her as an assistant coach for nine seasons.
ETSU has terminated Hendrix, effective immediately, and is actively looking for a new head coach.
