University of Texas track coach Bev Kearney resigns after admitting to sex with student athlete

Disappointing news from the University of Texas this weekend.

University of Texas women’s track coach Bev Kearney was forced to resign after it was revealed that she had an intimate relationship with a student athlete 10-years ago. UT put Kearney on paid administrative leave last November, but no one knew why until now.

And that brings up another question: Why now? The relationship ended a decade ago. UT isn’t saying what prompted the investigation and firing.

Kearney told the Statesman that it was a “consensual intimate relationship” that began in July 2002 and ended a year later. The student’s name is not being released.

You destroy yourself. You start questioning how could you make such a judgment,” she said. “How could you make such an error after all the years? You can get consumed (by it) … I didn’t commit a crime, but I displayed poor judgment.

Kearney was one of the best track coaches in the country and is credited with turning the Texas women’s team into a track and field powerhouse. She led the Lady Longhorns to six NCAA Championships.

Kearney’s life is an inspiring story. She came from poverty and homelessness and made her way through school on a track scholarship.

Kearney was paralyzed in 2002 after she was thrown from an SUV in an accident that killed two friends.

Here is an interview where Kearney speaks openly about her childhood and career.

The Statesman also has the highlights of her career.