Julie Hermann has not considered resigning as Rutgers' incoming athletic director following reports that 16 years ago she humiliated and emotionally abused players while coaching Tennessee's women's volleyball team.
Speaking to reporters on a conference call, Hermann denied having knowledge of a letter that the 16 Tennessee players submitted to the school.
The 49-year-old Hermann acknowledged she was an intense coach and may have made a few mistakes handling her team. Hermann says she has matured and believes she is qualified to lead the scandal-marred Rutgers athletic program.
"For sure, I was an intense coach, but there is a vast difference between high intensity and abusive behavior," she said in a statement.
Rutgers officials have talked to Hermann about the letter in recent days. They say they are continuing to support Hermann, adding that she emerged from a vetting process that included 63 candidates.
"Rutgers was deliberative at every stage of this process," said university president Robert L. Barchi in a statement.
"Looking at Julie's entire record of accomplishment, which is stellar, we remain confident that we have selected an individual who will work in the best interests of all of our student athletes, our athletic teams, and the university," he said.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie plans to examine the appointment before Hermann begins June 17.
