By Spear Editorial Staff
In the wake of USA Today’s story published last month regarding San Jose State’s reopening of a decade-old alleged sexual misconduct investigation, at least 20 letters have been sent directly to the university’s president’s office.
The Spear was copied on 20 letters in support of swimming and diving head coach Sage Hopkins that were sent between April 29 and May 6. The majority were written directly by current and former student-athletes, while the rest were composed by their relatives.
Kenneth Mashinchi, SJSU’s senior director of media relations, spoke on behalf of President Papazian. According Mashinchi, she has received the emails in favor of Hopkins. Papazian is addressing each letter privately. The case was reopened at the NCAA’s discretion. More information was provided from the over ten-year-old case.
“In December 2019, the NCAA and Mountain West Conference forwarded to SJSU officials a compilation of emails and notes from the head coach of the women’s swimming and diving team, related to a ten-year-old case for alleged inappropriate touching of a student-athlete,” Mashinchi said. “The case stems from a 2009 complaint filed against a trainer in the athletic department.”
President Papazian called for there to be an independent investigator to reevaluate the 2009-10 case in January. Linda Hoos, the California State University systemwide Title IX coordinator, was appointed to oversee the investigation.
The USA Today article referenced that Kristen Trammell, a member of SJSU’s swimming and diving team at the time of the initial investigation, said Hoos told her the reopened investigation would be at a stalemate unless more student athletes came forward.
According to sources, San Jose State’s swimming and diving team isn’t the only Division I program at the university dealing with an ongoing Title IX investigation.
“It’s not just about this one trainer,” Trammell told NBC Bay Area last month. “It’s about the entire athletic department and the culture that’s being created there.”
Members of the swimming and diving team who wrote to Papazian date as far back as 2005. Over the years, students have been outspoken on issues regarding misconduct within the athletics department.
“I have been sexually assaulted twice during college,” an anonymous SJSU swimmer wrote in an email to President Papazian. “One of those times was a Title IX case within the athletic department that I recently emailed you about. Both times reaching out to Sage helped me so much in my healing process … He has put everything on the line fighting for my past, present and future teammates, and all other female athletes on this campus.”
There is fear brewing among SJSU’s swimming and diving team that Hopkins will be fired.
Hopkins is in his 14th year as the head coach of the swimming and diving program. He was named full-time in 2006, the same year Scott Shaw was hired as the athletic department’s associate head athletic trainer.
Shaw was accused in 2009 for touching female athletes beneath their undergarments as they sought treatment for other body parts, according to USA Today. The initial Title IX investigation found no wrongdoing.
Now that this has been brought to the current president’s attention, the investigation has been reopened.
“Because President Papazian was not at SJSU at the time of the investigation, she has reopened the matter to review the original investigation,” Mashinchi told The Spear. “The goal of President Papazian and the current administration is to better understand the facts. President Papazian has made it abundantly clear that SJSU will take appropriate action if any misconduct has taken place, regardless of the timeframe.
An email that stood out in particular was actually from a relative. Caitlin Macky’s father, Brian, sent Papazian an email on April 30. His daughter was a junior on the swimming and diving team at the time of the original investigation.
“Leadership is not found in denying there is a problem, but in acknowledging the problem, and doing all that can be done to fix the problem and making sure it never happens again,” Brian said in an email to the SJSU president.
The university has alerted the SJSU community in a series of emails promising transparency in regards to the investigation but has made it clear that no information will be released until it is completed.
The Spear will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Spring 2020 editor team: Executive editor Ernie Gonzalez, managing editor Madyson Montoya, senior content editor Richy Zajic and content editors Sofia Wright, Jarra Gojolo and Alex Valle.
Below are all 20 emails addressed to President Papazian between April 29 and May 6.
1. Tarolyn Makley – (SJSU swimming and diving 2005 – 2009)
We have not yet had the opportunity to meet, so please let me introduce myself. My name is Tarolyn Makley (née Robertson). I was a member of the Women’s Swimming and Diving Team from 2005-2009, serving on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee for two years and as team captain my senior year. Additionally, I was a four year All-WAC All Academic honoree, received multiple All-WAC First Team and Second Team awards for a variety of individual events and relays, and was also a part of several school record setting relays. In light of recent events, which I am also involved in, I feel this email is necessary to show my support of coach Sage Hopkins. Sage was not the coach who recruited me to SJSU, as the coach who recruited me left suddenly a few weeks into my freshman year. While it was difficult at the time, being young and away from home for the first time, it turned out to be one of the most impactful moments in my swimming career and my life. Upon arrival at San Jose State, I was slated to swim mid-distance freestyle events. Unfortunately, the training for these events under my club coach created an overuse of my shoulder thus a long standing shoulder injury. In an early intersquad meet, Sage identified I had talents in other strokes and distances. If he had not had the eye for this, I don’t think I would have been able to swim for four years. He transitioned me to be a sprint butterfly and freestyle specialist, something I was told my entire life I was not capable of. Not only did he transition me to these strokes, I excelled at them, earning spots on record breaking and conference winning relays. Sage not only developed us as athletes, but as overall well rounded women. He truly believed in the term “student-athlete”. Our academics were always a priority. He held us to the highest standards, while being supportive, understanding, and encouraging. While swimming can be an individual sport, Sage was able to create some of the best teams. I would even identify these teams as a family or sisterhood. To this day, some of my closest friends are former teammates. Beyond swimming and academics, Sage has been a mentor and a father figure for me. Sage helped me get my first job out of college which is where I still work ten years later. He helped me apply to graduate school and was there at my master’s graduation ceremony. On the day my dad passed away about five years ago, my mom called him first – so I wouldn’t have to be alone when I got the news. I have always thought Sage is the best coach. Now that I’m a mother, I believe that even more. I can only hope that my daughter has coaches in her life that are even half of what Sage has been to me. I apologize for the lengthy email, but I could write a thesis on the qualities of Sage. In the end, the best I can say is San Jose State and his athletes are lucky to have him. They couldn’t find a better person for the job.
2. Barbara Robertson (Relative of Tarolyn)
In light of recent events, I wanted to write & let you know how important Sage Hopkins (Women’s Head Swim coach) is to the young ladies he coaches. My daughter, Tarolyn Robertson, swam for SJSU from 2005-2009. Sage was her coach for her college career. As a former National & Division 1 All American swimmer, I understand the makings of a college coach. Sage is one of the finest coaches I’ve ever met. He doesn’t just care about how well they swim, but he cares about them as a person. For Sage, it’s just as important to do well in school, as it is to perform in the water. He is there for these young ladies any time, day or night (even weekends). My late husband had a near fatal skydiving accident (requiring months of hospitalization & rehab) Tarolyn’s sophomore year. Sage was there for her through it all. If it weren’t for him, I think she may have moved home. Sage is there for each and every young lady, in the same way he was there for my daughter. He is there to coach, but he is much more to these girls and their parents. He helps prepare these girls for life after swimming and graduation. I am so grateful for everything Sage has done for Tarolyn and all the Spartan swimmers! SJSU is lucky to have such a wonderful coach!
3. Caitlin Macky (SJSU swimming and diving 2007 – 2011)
My name is Caitlin Macky and I attended San Jose State University from 2007-2011. I competed for the Women’s Swim & Dive team under coach Sage Hopkins all four years. From the moment I first set foot on the pool deck to my last WAC Conference, Sage Hopkins was my biggest supporter. Sage Hopkins is the epitome of a leader. He is strong, compassionate and trustworthy. He was always challenging us to rise to our fullest potential and made us feel safe along the way. Sage made a point to make himself available to his swimmers, day or night. I was able to come to him when I was struggling with classes, anxiety or familial hardships. In 2009 I came to Sage with an “embarrassing” problem. Years later, I realize I have nothing to be embarrassed about , I was a victim. A member of the Athletic Training staff had sexually assaulted me…on more than one occasion. After hearing both mine and my other teammates’ accounts of sexual misconduct, Sage immediately took the matter to the campus police. I was called in to recount my interactions with the trainer in question. When the interviews were concluded, Sage had a talk with the team. He explained that what had happened to us was in no way our fault, seems obvious, but I was young and had a bad habit of self-deprecating. Sage then offered to help us set up appointments with university counselors. It’s been 10 years, and no justice; yet, Sage’s perseverance continues. Sage Hopkins is risking his job and reputation by taking a stand and declaring that he believes victims. Despite the recent efforts of the #metoo movement, this is an unpopular stand. And not only is he believing us, but he is fighting for us. Words cannot describe the debt of gratitude I carry for this man. Sage Hopkins should be honored for his effort, not punished. For some reason, unbeknownst to me, my alma mater has ignored my cries. San Jose State University has ignored my sisters’ cries, and a predator with a serial record of complaints continues to be employed. I realize my case might be outside the Statute of Limitations, but please, for the sake of all current and future Student-Athletes, take a page from Sage Hopkins book and stand by him. Take a stand for truth, respect and justice. If not for the University’s sake, then for the students. Every student, every athlete, every person deserves to feel safe and supported by the institution they decided to represent.
4. Terry Macky (Relative of Caitlin)
I am sending this message to you re: Sage Hopkins (SJSU Women’s Swim coach. Sage has played a pivotal role in my daughter’s collegiate career. From the start of her collegiate swim career Sage was there guiding her every step of the way. My daughter always felt comfortable approaching him at any time for any reason. He easily gained her trust from the beginning of her collegiate career. He helped shape the person she is today. Sage has always exhibited great professionalism and caring with his swimmers including my daughter. His work ethic (coaching) is superb! I could easily approach him and vise versa for anything. Sage has always been a leader in the intercollegiate swimming arena. He has done amazing work at SJSU bringing great success! I along with my family support Sage Hopkins. He always had goals for my daughter and believed 100% in her! Under his superb coaching she was able to reach her goals and supported her dreams (swimming).
5. Brian Macky (Relative of Caitlin)
I am writing this letter in support and praise of Sage Hopkins. When my daughter, Caitlin Macky, enrolled at San Jose State University and became a member of the swim team I knew that it would be a major part of her life for the next four years. At that time I did not know how fortunate she would be to have coach Hopkins supporting, inspiring, and helping her over those years. I was able to make almost every home meet and many away meets and this allowed me the opportunity to observe the interactions between coach Hopkins and members of the team. I saw a man who was consistently calm and invariably had a positive demeanor when working with the swimmers. Over the years, his actions demonstrated that he cared about these young ladies not just as athletes but as people. One way leadership is demonstrated is how one deals with a challenging situation. Too many times over the last years we have seen how some people and institutions take on this challenge by denying or minimizing the inappropriate, or even felonious, behavior of those associated with the institution. This is not leadership. Leadership is demonstrated by holding those responsible for the misdeeds responsible. Leadership is not found in denying there is a problem, but in acknowledging the problem and doing all that can be done to fix the problem- and making sure it never happens again. Coach Hopkins should be supported and honored for the stand he is taking directly on behalf of his student-athletes, and indirectly on behalf of all students and student-athletes at SJSU. The first priority of any education institution is to protect its students. To do otherwise is disgraceful. Sage Hopkins is precisely the type of leader that every school should have at every leadership position and I urge you to support him, and others, who are doing what they should to make SJSU a better and safer place for all. I am forever grateful that he was there for my daughter when she needed it.
6. David W. Macky (Relative of Caitlin)
This message is to bring to your attention my great respect for and appreciation of the work of Sage Hopkins with the SJSU Swim team. My granddaughter was a member of the swim team for her four years at SJSU. I had many occasions to observe and talk to coach Hopkins and he was always respectful of his athletes and fair minded in his treatment of the young women. I would gladly send any other member of my family to work with him. He was one of those members of the faculty and staff at SJSU who Caitlin always thought highly of and praised to me. Having been on the faculty in the Mathematics Department at SDSU for 29 years until my retirement I encountered many young professionals at the university level and I consider Sage to rank among the highest in personal character and honorability. I don’t understand why there would be any question as to him being a strong asset to the University. Please contact me if you have questions about Sage and his conduct of the Swim team.
7. Heather Brookmeyer (SJSU swimming and diving 2008 – 2012)
My name is Heather Brookmeyer formerly known as Heather Denman. I had the privilege of swimming for Sage Hopkins from 2008- 2012 as part of the Women’s Swimming & Diving Team. I am a Maryland native and was recruited by Sage Hopkins in 2007. It took just a recruit trip for me to pass on scholarships from South Carolina, Clemson & University of Kansas. In just a short weekend Sage was able to show me what a supportive, compassionate coach he is through our conversations as well as hanging out with the swimming & diving team. Out of all of my recruit trips I had never heard a team speak so highly of their coach. His leadership & the way he cared for his team is why I chose to attend a college 3,000 miles away from my family. Under Sage’s leadership I accomplished more than I could have wished for. I received 2009 WAC Freshman of the Year, was named team captain my junior year, received multiple All-WAC team awards, have held numerous school records & was part of the 2012 WAC conference championship team. This would have not been possible without Sage. He believed in me before I believed in myself. Not only was I accomplished in the water but I graduated in 4 years with a B.A. in Psychology. You would think swimming came first for Sage but in fact it was academics. He held us to a higher standard than SJSU did regarding student athletes and their eligibility. I can thank him for what he taught me both in and out of the pool resulting in the woman I am today. The incident in 2009 and how it was handled infuriates me to this day. San Jose State is lucky to have a coach like Sage Hopkins for so many reasons including that he genuinely cares about each and everyone one of his athletes. I am so proud to be one of his athletes. He stood up for us when the very school that I love so much made me feel unheard and dismissed. He has continued to advocate for us years after being his athletes. Being a new mom, I can only hope that my daughter has the opportunity to be coached by an individual like Sage Hopkins.
8. Julia Craddock (SJSU swimming and diving 2009 – 2013)
I am writing this letter to advocate for Sage Hopkins and his position as the women’s head swimming and diving coach. I graduated in the class of 2013 and have a lot of pride calling myself a Spartan. I was the team captain my junior and senior year, held a position on the student athletic committee and was very involved as a student athlete. My pride stemmed from the leadership of coach Hopkins. My time spent at SJSU was a privilege and honor and I will always reflect on my experience that way. In light of the recent media attention the SJSU athletic department has received, I am at a loss for words. Sage Hopkins is a man of integrity, respect and loyalty. The San Jose Athletic Department is extremely fortunate to have a coach like Sage Hopkins on their staff. Please take my words as a testament of the positive influence he has had on me and countless others that have been involved with his program. We need more people like Sage in this world.
9. Erika Harvey (SJSU swimming and diving 2010 – 2014)
My name is Erika Harvey. Ten years ago today marked the beginning of my memorable journey at San Jose State University. Over the last decade, I have had the pleasure of working with Sage Hopkins as an athlete and as an volunteer assistant coach. During my time as an SJSU athlete, I was one of five swimmers who qualified and competed for the 2012 Olympic Trials. We were back to back Western Athletic Conference Champions, and a nationally ranked program. My success and my teams’ achievements were due to the support and dedication of Sage and the coaching staff. Sage didn’t just coach us to be good athletes. He pushed each one of us to be better teammates, better students, better daughters, better friends, and better citizens. One quote that resonates with me is, “Who do you want to be, and how do you want to be remembered?” Sage has many redeeming qualities, but the most admirable quality is his sense of selflessness. I have been in the athlete/coach business for over 20 years, and I have never met a coach who is more dedicated to their athletes. Sage has made it his moral obligation to to make sure they succeed in and out of the water. In a collegiate atmosphere, most if not all our families are miles away and our team and coaches become our family. For example, I have Celiac Disease and require specific dietary needs. Whether it was checking up on food availability in the dining commons or team travel, Sage always made sure I had the proper diet required. On team travel trips he would routinely make extra trips to the grocery store to get any supplementary foods I needed. Time and time again, Sage has gone above and beyond the call of duty to support his team. In short, everytime one of his athletes has had a concern, Sage always put himself and his position in the line of fire to make sure our voices were heard. As an undergraduate alumnus, graduate alumnus, previous SJSU employee, and an SJSU donor, I ask you to consider my comments.
10. Christina Bruni – (SJSU swimming and diving 2011 – 2015)
My name is Christina Bruni and I am a graduate of San Jose State University (Political Science 15′) and a former athlete of Sage Hopkins (11′-15′). I would like to take this time to tell you how much love and respect I have for coach Sage Hopkins. When I first met Sage and the team during a recruiting trip, I saw how close knit and driven they were. This is what led me to commit to SJSU; I knew they had something special. During my first two years, my team and I won back-to-back WAC Championship titles. This something that was never done before by our team for we had never previously won one title! Throughout my 4 years there, my teammates and I all got progressively stronger and faster. The reason for this was Sage; he is a unique coach in the fact that he is constantly reinventing the team and searching for the newest ways to push us to the next level. And I thank him for that because it has made me a stronger person post athletics. However, what I love most about Sage is that he would do anything for his athletes, like a parent would. When I was a freshman, I was dealing with the worst homesickness, and I wanted to leave the team. He convinced me to stay. My junior year I was involved in a traumatic event off campus, he made sure I was okay and made arrangements for me to receive counseling. When my mother was hospitalized with Leukemia and my father and her could not make my senior meet, he gathered the Swimming and Diving Alumni to stand in place for my parents as a surprise. When my mother passed away the summer after I graduated, he and the current team continuously reached out with love and support for my family and I. My fondest memories of college include Sage and my team, and I can’t imagine anyone else ever leading SJSU Swimming and Diving. I am so grateful to have had him as a coach.
11. Kayla Nakamoto (SJSU swimming and diving 2011 – 2015)
My name is Kayla Nakamoto and I graduated from SJSU in 2015. I had the opportunity to be a student athlete on the Women’s Swim & Dive Team from 2011 to 2015, and took much pride in attending SJSU. I am emailing you as I have seen the recent articles regarding the situation surrounding (or, involving) Sage Hopkins. I think it is important to illustrate the caliber coach, mentor, and person that Sage truly is. During my recruitment trip, I had an allergic reaction in front of the whole team and the other recruits. Sage Hopkins personally took me to the hospital to get the treatment I needed. In addition to the hospital, Sage went above and beyond his duty by constantly checking on me throughout the duration of my trip, making sure I was okay. At the end of that weekend, I knew I wanted to attend SJSU and swim for Sage. I swam all four years under Sage and we still talk to this day. As an athlete, you do not always agree with your coach or may not like the work they demand of you. However, I can say I trust him with my life and he exemplifies his strength and courage by sticking up and fighting for his athletes. The recent articles have reminded me Sage is not the type of coach for whom you just swim a few years, and never speak to again. I have friends who swam for other colleges and they have not heard from their college coaches since they graduated. I continue to receive support from Sage. An example of this would be how he shares with me potential job opportunities specific to my qualities and interests, when he comes across them. I cannot stress how lucky I am to have been an SJSU swimmer for Sage Hopkins; a coach who would turn into a lifelong mentor. I strongly feel all the girls who swam for him would say the same. He has helped us be the best swimmers and people that we can be! I would like to reinforce how PROUD I am to be a former student athlete at SJSU and how much more proud I am to see you opening a new investigation to ensure all future SJSU Students will have a president who truly cares about their safety!
12. Riley Spitser (SJSU swimming and diving 2012 – 2016)
My name is Riley Spitser, and I was a member of the SJSU swim team from 2012-2016, a badge I carry with great pride. The recent news about Scott Shaw saddened and embarrassed me. In hearing that coach Sage Hopkins’ job is on the line for protecting his student athletes, I became very concerned and saddened. Losing Sage Hopkins as a coach would be tragic to the program and its future success. At one point, coach Hopkins had the most swimmers with improved times than any other team in the NCAA. If you ask any of the alumni swimmers, they would tell you how much he helped them improve and succeed. He helped me and several other swimmers live our dream of achieving Olympic Trial qualifying times. In the last 5 years, the program has seen 13 of its school records broken, which shows the continued improvement and value the program gets from having him as a coach. I personally improved enough during my four years to get four of the school records, thanks to coach Hopkins’ coaching techniques and unwavering belief in me. Additionally, we were continually among the top teams for GPA’s for both the nation and the school. Sage is not only one of the most successful coaches at SJSU, but was an incredibly supportive coach to me and all my teammates. He cares not only for the athletic success, but the life success, safety, and overall well being of all his athletes. When we had issues in our personal lives, Sage made time to listen and share resources to improve and fix those issues. When we were nervous seniors on the cusp of venturing into the rest of our lives, Sage met with each of us to talk about our passions, goals, and interests, and provided advice for becoming the best versions of ourselves. When we had injuries that put us in the hands of Scott Shaw, he made time to accompany us personally so we wouldn’t have to be alone with him. On multiple occasions, I personally had to meet with Scott to discuss a knee injury and Sage made it a priority to attend each one of those meetings to protect me. Now, with his reputation and career on the line, he is STILL choosing to put the safety of student-athletes first. After reading the testimonies of nearly 20 former SJSU student-athletes, I was disgusted and appalled. These women bravely came forward to share their experiences in hopes of protecting future SJSU athletes from the same fate, but the institution let them down. There is no benefit to be gained by the athletes having disclosed this information, so why do we continue to disregard their experiences? San Jose State’s athletic department made the self-serving decision to sweep under the rug allegations made by these female athletes in 2009. I hope they won’t make that same mistake twice. I encourage you to choose to protect your students past, present, and future, as coach Hopkins has always done and will continue to do.
13. Brynne Beneke – (SJSU swimming and diving 2012 – 2016)
My name is Brynne Beneke and I am a proud San Jose State Women’s Swimming and Diving Alumni (2012-2016). I met Sage Hopkins almost 10 years ago during my recruit trip to the school. After my trip, because of the coaching staff, the team, and the amazing University, I moved across the country to attend SJSU. To this day it is still the best decision I have ever made. Sage Hopkins cares so much about the school and his athletes and his pride for the program still shows after almost 20 years. He is arguably one of the best, if not the best, coaches at that school. Although he has proven himself to be successful on the deck he has also led women to strive to be immaculate both in and out of the pool with most of his athletes graduating on time and with honors. His number one goal is to make sure that we have the resources to be the best possible humans we could be both in and out of the pool and to find that in a coach especially at this level is extremely hard to come by. Yes, our athletic abilities were important, but Sage Hopkins always made sure academics came first and isn’t that what being at a University is all about? With all of that said it deeply concerns and saddens me that a man who has always wanted nothing but the best for his athletes is on the verge of potentially losing his job because he did the right thing in stepping forward to protect them. I remember coming in as a freshman and being specifically told not to have Scott Shaw work on me. At that time I was young and naive and did not fully understand why, that was back in 2012. There have been female athletes coming forward for years about sexual harassment issues from this specific staff member, who is still currently employed at our school, and yet nothing has been done. Instead of the matter being dealt with we were simply told to avoid him. That was the ‘solution’ to the problem. Female athletes were being sexually assaulted at our facilities and the athletic department chose to ignore it. If our own University will not protect its athletes then who will? Sage Hopkins embodies what it means to be not only a great coach but an overall exceptional human being. He has risked his job by doing the right thing and making sure that other female athletes don’t fall victim to this man. It disgusts me that over 10 years later this matter is just now coming to light, even though the Department has known about it all along. Sage should be viewed as a hero and should be able to keep his job. My hope is that the University follows in Sage Hopkin’s footsteps and does the right thing.
14. Natasha Moffit (SJSU swimming and diving 2012 – 2016)
I swam for SJSU from 2012-2016 and I wanted to reach out to tell a story about my experience swimming for Sage Hopkins. “I’m humbled and so thankful to have had the opportunity to represent the spartans as part of the swim team for the last four years. I am short on words to describe how special the program that Sage and Taylor have built truly is, but life changing is one of them. These past four years life has presented many challenges, and I am lucky to have had the leadership of two of the best individuals I know to coach and walk me through it. The past two years specifically have been very frustrating, antagonizing, and bittersweet as I recovered from surgery and essentially had to re-learn how to swim. Thank goodness I ended up at San Jose State with two of the sassiest, relentless, encouraging, and loving coaches I have ever encountered. They pushed me continuously, never giving up on me even when I started giving up on myself. Last week competing as a senior in the Mountain West swimming and diving Championships with my parents in the stands and teammates by my side was more than I ever could have dreamed of. I am proud to be a Spartan, forever. #unscared” The above are thoughts that I wrote down in 2016 when my time as a Spartan had come to an end. I swam for SJSU as an out of state student, and I would not have made it through my 4.5 years there if it wouldn’t have been for Sage. When my parents got divorced, Sage connected me to a church group. When I had surgery on my hip, Sage made sure I had the best athletic trainer to rehab me back to health. I never doubted for a second that Sage didn’t have my best interest at heart. I hope that the college can support Sage in his quest to advocate for his athletes.
15. Taylor Curado (SJSU swimming and diving 2012 – 2016)
I am a former athlete and assistant coach for San Jose State University Women’s Swimming and Diving. I had the opportunity to swim for and coach alongside Sage Hopkins during my time at SJSU between 2012-2016. I recently read the article that was published in USA Today and wanted to voice my support for Sage and the SJSU Women’s Swim & Dive Team. I am friends with some of the women who have come forward in regards to being inappropriately touched by Scott Shaw; this situation is one that has broken the hearts of many teammates and those associated with the program for a long time as we all watched Sage do the right thing when it came to reporting anything that had occurred with an athlete on his team. It also goes without saying that Sage has always reported anything along the same lines of inappropriate behavior or assault to any athlete beyond those reported specifically about Scott Shaw, which is not only his legal duty as a state employee but also the right and moral thing to do. I stand with Sage because without him many female athletes who have graduated from the university you now lead would not be the women they are today without the support and guidance from Sage through their college years. I have never worked with or competed for a coach who holds as much integrity and good faith as Sage does. We are talking about a man who gives the underdogs of the world a chance at succeeding when other college programs might not. He sees potential. He sees the strength of the women on his team, sometimes before they even see it for themselves. And those women tend Grow into some of the fastest swimmers and greatest leaders to come out of the program. The whole point of college— which has largely been lost in the shuffle of focusing on a school and athletic dept’s monetary gains as a business— is to help young adults prepare for the ‘real world’. The best coaches in the world win championships AND ALSO make their athletes stand-up citizens ready to engage in life after sport at the highest level they possibly can once they leave a program. That is what Sage produces from his program. We live in a society where we— meaning females— fight and yearn to be respected. We fight and yearn to be heard when we have been assaulted and harassed (ie Me Too movement). We fight and yearn to be seen equal to our male counterparts. There are a lot of women who use their voice and platform to speak upon these necessary equalities and yet when it comes time to take action they either hide in fear behind their reputation or they only ever speak out for their own personal gain, and when that looks to be tarnished they run in the other direction. To truly understand the fight for equality and stand up when terrible things like sexual assault occur is to stand next to allies who do the right thing. To stand next to those who truly show they will take the road sometimes less travelled in order to ensure females are actually being supported to be that powerful woman we want them to be. This is what Sage Hopkins does. To lose Sage as a coach would mean SJSU losing one of their greatest assets towards growing strong female student-athletes and also going against an ally of women’s respect and equality. Please feel free to contact me if you would ever like to speak to an alumni of the program.
16. Lisa Ellis (SJSU swimming and diving 2013 – 2017)
It would be a colossal mistake for you to dismiss Sage Hopkins, not only one of the most successful coaches, but one of the most admirable. He cares more about his athletes than most and it shows. He checks up on alumni and does everything in his power to help us succeed. Look at his track record, he has led underdogs to championships and underclassmen to NCAA’s and Olympic Trials. Sage is the embodiment of what it means to be a Spartan. He has a special way of making athletes believe in themselves and has helped us all in and out of the water. It is clear that Sage always chooses his athletes. He understands that he may lose his reputation and job, yet he still chooses to protect the athletes that mean the most to him. Marie, on the other hand, has a reputation of cover ups and mistreatment. Marie covered up rape at her last university SS, Appellant, and PL, Plaintiff, v. ROC ALEXANDER, Defendant, and UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON, Respondent. No. 58335-2-I COURT It doesn’t surprise me that she feels no shame about besmirching San Jose State’s name and legacy too. She has a long history of not caring for anyone but herself. She has continued to push ongoing sexual abuse under the rug at our university and we have had enough. This news devastates me because it is one of the first times I am not proud to be a Spartan. I bleed blue and gold, but when I hear about the mistreatment of female athletes while protecting their abuser, I am disgusted. I don’t care how long Shaw has been at SJSU or even his abilities as a trainer, because that’s not what is in question. Almost 20 women have come forward against Shaw with nothing to gain. Caitlin Macky, Linzy Warkentin, Kirsten Trammell, Greta Leach, and many more brave women came forward to protect Spartan athletes. Sage Hopkins came forward to protect Spartan athletes. People are looking to you for your leadership and support, we will be listening closely to who you decide to protect.The way I see it, you have the choice to protect one abuser or many survivors. Who will you choose?
17. Jenner Johnson (SJSU swimming and diving 2014 – 2017)
My Name is Jenner Johnson and I am writing to you on behalf of Sage Hopkins, Head coach of the Women’s Swimming and Diving team at San Jose State University. Not only is Sage an amazing and determined coach, but also a mentor, protector, motivator and someone who creates endless opportunity through guidance and his own pure will power. Going to college is a fun yet intimidating journey for anyone, but especially for young women. We are introduced to new opportunities and excitements, but are also exposed to what the “real world” looks like. When I read the article about the sexual assault testimonies against Scott Shaw, I was ashamed and disgusted that someone in a position of power, who we are supposed to TRUST, betrayed several young women while treating them at SJSU. If you lose Sage Hopkins as a coach at SJSU, you will be losing far more than just a coach. You will be losing someone who always strived for the best for each and every one of his athletes. You will be losing someone who treated all of his athletes as equals and gave everyone of us the same opportunities to shine each and every day. The definition of a coach says far less than what Sage was to my teammates and me. Sage has made and continues to make coaching his life work and it shows in his successes. He has always put his athletes first, so instead of just letting it go, he’s chosen the more difficult path of speaking and standing up for his athletes like he has always done. I would be lying to you, President Papazian, if I said I wasn’t ashamed to be associated with San Jose State University during this time. How can SJSU ignore the testimonies of 17 student-athletes that went through something so detrimental and move on like nothing happened? By continuing to employ Scott Shaw, you are ignoring the pain these women went through, and continuing to hurt not only your athletes, but the university as a whole. Will this be another large university cover up that just gets swept under the rug? Or will the leader and speaker for every woman affected by this choose what is right and protect them? I hope you understand the importance of this email and the great impact Sage has had on so many lives. I am so grateful Sage was my coach and that he continues to improve my life outside of collegiate sports. It is a blessing to have a coach who cares so much about the performance of his team, but more importantly the safety of his team on a daily basis. I encourage you to make the right decision.
18. Cari Reiswig (SJSU swimming and diving 2014 – 2018)
I am writing to you regarding Sage Hopkins. From 2014-2018, I had the privilege of diving for San Jose State under Sage Hopkins. During this time, I learned what it means to be a strong woman, helping me to develop what it means to really build work ethic, work in the face of fear and uncertainty, and more so, he aided me when I thought no one else would. During my junior year, I was dealing with an undiagnosed anxiety disorder and clinical depression. He helped me find someone to speak to during one of the most difficult times in my life. Furthermore, I believe Sage only has his athletes’ very best interests at heart. He wants each and every girl who is on his team to leave as a strong woman, ready to face the world beyond athletics. I have everything to owe to Sage. He believed in me when I had only been diving for a year before signing with SJSU. He believed in me enough to help me connect with USA Weightlifting where I have gone on to win multiple state and national gold medals. I owe so much to Sage. I was gifted an amazing opportunity: to become a better human, develop a sisterhood unlike any other, and all while doing the thing I love most (being an athlete). I hope you take into account this brief (and in no possible way all encompassing) statement toward his character. I could not imagine a better coach for the women of the swimming and diving team, and I hope you feel the same way. Thank you.
19. Anonymous swimmer
Choosing to be a Spartan is the best decision I ever made. I am so proud to have been a student and athlete at this school for the past four years. It would mean a lot to me if you took the time to read the following letter about my coach, who has taught me what it means to be a Spartan. My coach, Sage Hopkins, is the best coach I have ever had (which is saying a lot because I have had many amazing coaches). He cares about his athletes as people first. He goes above and beyond to help us grow into strong, confident women and help us succeed in our sport and academics. During my four years, he has constantly figured out better and more innovative ways to coach. I have had a difficult college swimming career due to chronic health problems that made it so I could barely practice sometimes. Where some coaches may have given up on me for that, Sage only fought harder to help me succeed, even though I wasn’t one of the fastest people on the team. He has been there for me during some very personal times. I have been sexually assaulted twice during college. One of those times was a Title IX case within the athletic department that I recently emailed you about. Both times reaching out to Sage helped me so much in my healing process. He was one of my biggest support systems and was so understanding about what I was going through. That is a very rare thing for female athletes to find in a male coach. I am so grateful that I could put my trust in him and that he helped me get through the hardest experiences of my life. Since the USA Today article came out about sexual misconduct in the SJSU athletic department, I have been worried that Sage might lose his job. I implore you to please help make sure this doesn’t happen. He has put everything on the line fighting for my past, present and future teammates, and all other female athletes on this campus. He is being retaliated against for doing the right thing. We need more people to stand up for women who are abused. If we fire people when they do that, what kind of message does that send? It would certainly make me lose hope in the systems put in place that are supposed to protect students. I can never thank my coach enough for fighting for us like he has and for everything else he has done for me. It is now time for me to fight for him. Please help me in that fight. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and for everything you do for this school.
20. (Relative of anonymous swimmer)
This email is in regards to the recent re-investigation of Scott Shaw and accounts of sexual abuse. Unfortunately, I have personal knowledge that similar incidents have continued into the present school year. As recounted in the USA Today article, attorneys for Scott Shaw accused coach Hopkins of being “self-serving”. I am very curious as to just how coach Hopkins actions in this matter have been self-serving? It is obvious to anyone with first hand knowledge of the situation that Hopkins’ actions have been exactly the opposite of self-serving. Just how does it serve his own interests to place his job at risk? I have known Sage for four years now and I have never known him to do or say anything that does not place the interests of the women on his team above all else. The personal well-being and development of each individual on his team is and has always been at the forefront of any and all statements and decisions of which I was personally aware. Having been confronted with so many of these accusations against Mr. Shaw, and with continuing incidents and reports, what else would any individual, with even a semblance of decency, be expected to do? Sweep things under the rug? Not follow established rules? Not make mandatory reports to the appropriate offices? I will submit that coach Hopkins’ integrity and moral compass is right on the mark. Exactly where I would hope it would be for any institution to which I would send one of my children. My daughter has been swimming with coach Hopkins for the last four years. What I have heard over the years shows me that coach Hopkins has been an excellent coach and mentor for each person on the team. He is tough when it is needed. He is fair and shows great empathy and caring for each member of the team. My daughter was touched inappropriately by a massage therapist provided by SJSU athletics earlier this year while lying on a training table after a practice. My daughter has been undergoing therapy since this incident. As you can imagine, I am very disappointed that the administration has not done more to prevent these incidents from occurring, especially considering the egregious history pertaining to Mr. Shaw. I am vouching for coach Hopkins’ character to the utmost extent possible. Please consider this email when considering coach Hopkins’ future.
