University of Tennessee at Chattanooga associate head volleyball coach James Onikeku will resign at the end of the calendar year.
Onikeku submitted his resignation at the end of a meeting with athletics director Rick Hart who gave Onikeku a letter of reprimand for striking a player on the arm during a road trip earlier this month.
"It's unfortunate that this is the end result," Hart said. "'J.O.' is one of the most-liked people in our department and he's done great things for us.
"When I presented him with the letter, he shared with me that he didn't feel like he could be himself if he returned to work here at UTC."
Onikeku, who has two degrees from UTC, recently completed the ninth year of his second stint with UTC under head coach Lisa Rhodes, who was unavailable for comment.
"He felt it was in everybody's best interest for him to pursue other opportunities," Hart said. "I regret that decision, but I understand and respect it too."
The UTC athletics department and office of human resources investigated an allegation that Onikeku struck a player while on a bus trip to Western Carolina and Appalachian State earlier this month.
The letter of reprimand states, "You have indicated that the female student athlete proved your striking her on the arm by first rubbing your head. Despite this fact, you actions are unacceptable and there never is justification for a coach striking a student-athlete."
It continues, "Any further inappropriate physical contact with a student athlete will result in more severe disciplinary action."
Hart said this is the first letter of reprimand he's issued to a coach for physical behavior.
"We followed protocol, interviewed the parties involved, and sought assistance from people outside the athletic department to ensure everybody was treated in a fair and equitable manner," Hart said. "I hope everybody can move on."
Contact David Uchiyama at duchiyama@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6484. Follow him on Twitter at Twitter.com/UchiyamaCTFP