BELTON, Texas — The University of Mary-Hardin Baylor has parted ways with women's head basketball coach Mark Morefield after video shows him launching an expletive-filled tirade toward Cru players on the court.
UMHB officials confirmed to 25 News that Morefield was "no longer employed" with the university but failed to disclose if he resigned or officials terminated his employment.
A university spokesperson said Kendra Foreman, the team's assistant coach, has been named interim head coach.
One former Lady Cru player posted a heartfelt account of her time on the team led by Morefield on social media including a video showing the coach hurling expletives with aggressive body language toward the female players.
TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️
So this was the coach y’all hyped up so much, FOR YEARS? Having a winning record does not mean ANYTHING when this is how it looks behind the scenes…#MentalHealthMatters #d3hoops #exposed #NCAA #d3basketball #wbb #d3wbb #ESPN #NCAAWBB pic.twitter.com/AIIpvti5Qi
— Lily (@lilyyyelise) January 26, 2023
Morefield told 25 News in a written statement that he regrets his behavior but explains the outburst came shortly after one of his players tore her ACL.
Here's his full statement:
"My coaching intensity to build a consistent championship program did not align with the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. It was not my finest moment and out of character. My emotions got the best of me due to a player who had just torn her ACL moments prior in practice. I was hurting for that player because of the hard work she had put in to have a successful season. The next day before practice I apologized to the team for my out of character moment and explained why I was upset. This does not excuse my actions, and I apologize to everyone affected. I wish the team the best as they finish out the season. I hope to build another program in the near future."
Morefield joined UMHB in 2015 and broke many records with his championship program over more than seven seasons.
He is also the current record holder for conference wins (95) and most wins overall (159) for Cru women's basketball.
Morefield made seven American Southwest Conference (ASC) tournament appearances with 11 wins for the program. He's also won the ASC West Division three times in 2018, 2019 and 2020 – winning the ASC regular season champion in 2022.
He is the only head coach to lead the Cru to the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championships with three appearances in 2019, 2020, and 2022, where they advanced to the sectional round in all three seasons.
Morefield led the Cru to ASC Tournament Championships in 2020 and 2021.
