Former soccer coach drops federal lawsuit for $35,000
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 7:09PM 
Melissa HeinzBy David Thackham
thackhamd@mytjnow.com
A fifteen-month long federal lawsuit filed by former women’s soccer coach Melissa Heinz against Winthrop University ended Wednesday in a $35,000 settlement fee. Heinz, who coached the soccer program since its beginning in 2003, had initially filed suit back in November 2010 on the basis of gender inequities and harassment. Winthrop University denied Heinz’s allegations.
Despite garnering a Big South Conference Championship in 2006 and a conference tournament finals appearance three years later, Winthrop University did not renew her contract after the 2009 season.
Winthrop University released a statement earlier today stating that Heinz “voluntarily dismissed all of her claims against [President Anthony] DiGiorgio, [Athletic Director Tom] Hickman, and [men’s soccer coach Richard] Posipanko without any recovery or settlement.” She settled her claims against Winthrop University for $35,000 and a reference letter. The settlement is being paid by the S.C. Insurance Reserve Fund, not Winthrop University.
In resolving the case, Winthrop University did not admit any liability.
Commenting on the settlement, DiGiorgio stated, “I am pleased that no wrongdoing was established in this lawsuit. We understand and respect that for business reasons, insurance companies sometimes have to settle lawsuits.”
The $35,000 settlement paid out to Heinz includes any claim for Heinz’s attorney’s fees, expert witness fees, and other costs associated with her lawsuit.
Heinz is currently the head women’s soccer coach at Division II Valdosta State University. She joined the Blazers in January 2010. In her first season with the school, she led the Blazers to a 11-6-2 overall record, including a 5-1-1 record in the Gulf South Conference.
Heinz’s squads had losing records six of her seven years at the reins of Winthrop women’s soccer. She won approximately 43.5 percent of her overall games, including 45 percent of conference match ups.
