Chris Aaland, assistant director of athletics for communications, and his wife, Shelly Aaland, the women’s volleyball coach, have been laid off by Fort Lewis College.
According to Athletic Director Gary Hunter, both Aalands are working with an attorney regarding the matter.
Hunter denied further comment.
Both Aalands’ Facebook pages have been updated to reflect the layoff.
David Oberholzer, Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach, and Damian Clarke, Head Women’s Soccer Coach, both denied to make a comment as well.
“Shelly and the entire Aaland family have been such a tremendous part of Fort Lewis’s volleyball program,” said Audrey Guiberson, who left volleyball last semester. “She built such a strong foundation for the team to grow and succeed. Now the program is ready to take the next step and we will always be grateful for what Shelly has done.”
The Women’s Volleyball Team stated that they “have no comment on Shelly’s release but we know that the school’s administration will lead us down a successful path and all we can focus on is the upcoming season.”
Shelly refused comment over the phone.
The Independent will continue to report as the story unfolds.