A thorough investigation into the University of Michigan’s troubled athletic department uncovered some shocking allegations against the school’s former water polo coach.
In 2023, athletic director Warde Manuel received complaints of “abusive, unprofessional behavior” by then-water polo coach, Cassie Churnside, according to The Wall Street Journal’s examination of the investigation done by the Jenner & Block law firm.
Parents complained about Churnside in 2024 before two internal complaints were filed the following year with a university office. Manuel, 58, was reportedly also notified that Churnside ignored trainers’ medical advice.
Churnside received “at least two formal warning letters” about her behavior.
Us has reached out to Churnside and the University of Michigan.
“While there are improvements to be made, Warde consistently and appropriately engaged and shared information with professionals in the athletic department and within the university, including his supervisors and the Board of Regents,” Manuel’s lawyer, Matthew Schenk, told The Wall Street Journal.
Churnside was hired by the University of Michigan in August 2022. She abruptly “resigned” from her position in March 2026 without any mention of the allegations made against her.
“The water polo program has become part of who I am because of the incredible young women and staff I had the privilege to work around every day,” Churnside said in a statement at the time. “I’m so proud of everything we built together, and even more proud of the strong women behind it. I’m looking forward to new opportunities and new challenges.”
Manuel added in his own statement, “We want to thank Cassie for her efforts, and we wish her the best in her future pursuits and endeavors. We are looking forward to continuing to support these young women in the pursuit of their season goals.”
The investigation into the University of Michigan’s athletic department was commissioned in the aftermath of the termination of former head football coach Sherrone Moore, who was found to have had a years-long relationship with former football staff member Paige Shiver. Moore was fired in December 2025.
Earlier this month, it was announced that Manuel had agreed to step down as athletic director at the end of the calendar year.
In total, the months-long investigation cost the University of Michigan $12 million.
“The university has publicly shared the principal findings, recommendations and actions resulting from those reviews,” a university spokesman said in a statement, further indicating that the school was in the process of implementing changes based on the investigation’s findings.
