Full Breakdown
Former UTC Golfer Files Lawsuit Over Denied Medical Care After Head Injury
2/28/2026, 12:23:58 PM
Allegations of Negligence and Unsafe Conditions
Alexis Daniel, a former women's golfer at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), has initiated a federal lawsuit against the university, its Board of Trustees, and several athletic department officials. The lawsuit stems from an incident on March 7, 2025, when Daniel alleges she sustained a traumatic brain injury during a mandatory workout that was conducted without supervision. According to the lawsuit, Daniel and a teammate arrived at the athletic facility to find it unlocked but devoid of any staff, violating NCAA and university safety protocols that require certified personnel to be present during such activities.
Daniel claims that this lack of supervision placed her in a difficult position: she could either skip the workout and face potential athletic penalties, including the loss of her scholarship, or proceed with high-risk exercises alone. During the unsupervised session, she reportedly suffered a severe blow to the head, leading to significant neurological symptoms.
Delayed Medical Response
Following the injury, Daniel sought medical assistance from an assistant athletic trainer the next day, but alleges she did not receive a response for over 30 hours. Ultimately, she drove herself to an emergency room while experiencing neurological impairment. The lawsuit asserts that UTC staff failed to implement NCAA concussion protocols, requiring Daniel to manage her symptoms through self-reporting checklists for weeks. It was not until March 29, 22 days post-injury, that she received an in-person clinical evaluation from UTC medical staff.
Legal Claims and Title IX Violations
In addition to claims of medical negligence, Daniel's lawsuit alleges violations of Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. She contends that she was denied equal medical care and academic support compared to male student-athletes who experienced similar injuries. Furthermore, the lawsuit claims that her access to athletic facilities and team communications was revoked after her injury. Daniel also alleges that UTC attempted to limit its liability by applying an unsolicited “athletic housing scholarship” credit to her student account, despite her not accepting or signing any scholarship agreement.
Seeking Justice and Reform
Daniel is pursuing compensatory and punitive damages, alongside injunctive relief aimed at reforming UTC’s sports medicine oversight and Title IX compliance procedures. She has requested a jury trial to address her claims.
UTC has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation, stating, "We cannot comment on pending litigation."
Conclusion
The lawsuit filed by Alexis Daniel highlights significant concerns regarding athlete safety and medical care within collegiate sports, particularly in relation to gender equity and compliance with established safety protocols. As the case unfolds, it may prompt broader discussions about the responsibilities of universities in safeguarding their student-athletes.
