Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) community members are confused and surprised at the firing of women's basketball team coach, Jeff Dow, who has an excellent record of 73 percent winning percentage with Crimson Hawks over a period of five years.

"He's one of the most successful coaches in IUP history, well over 100 wins; and from what I saw; all the girls seem to enjoy him as a coach. He did have a hard coaching style," said Josh Carney, who covers the team for the campus newspaper. She was shocked with the university's decision.

Dow led Crimson Hawks to three NCAA tournament appearances and one PSAC championship in 2009. He said that he too was astounded by the university's verdict. "I was stunned," Dow said. "I did not see this coming."

Rhonda Luckey, the IUP vice president for student affairs said that the university felt that he was not the right person to lead the team now and wanted a change in the leadership to fulfill their vision and goals.

Dow, who is hugely credited with taking the team to the next level, is also reported to be strict with the team and certain players miffed with his behaviour, quit.

In February, concerned individuals' parents met the university officials and questioned his coaching methods and treatment of players.

An official letter, signed by Luckey supposedly accused Dow of physical and emotional abuse.

Among various allegations, Dow is said to have slapped sophomore Lindsay Stamp during a practice; intentionally threw a basketball at freshman Anna Janisch, Dec.27, hitting her in the back of the head and causing a concussion.

Rubbishing these reports, Dow said that he has never ill-treated his players.

"I'm sure there are coaches who are easier to play for than me," Dow said. "But being fiery, being intense, being passionate doesn't make be abusive."

In his defense, Dow said that he tossed the ball around 750 to 800 times during the season, and this one pass happened to strike her on the back of the head. It was just a routine pass during a defensive drill.

The same sentiments were echoed by his well wishers.

Sarah Pastorek, the squad's senior, said that everyone knew it was an accident and nobody thought it was intentional.

Lacey Claar, a 2011 IUP graduate, said that coaches are supposed to be tough and confessed that she loved playing basketball under Coach Dow.