Park City High School volleyball coach placed on leave following alleged misconduct

Park City School District office. Photo: TownLift // Rayne Moynahan

PARK CITY, Utah – Park City High School Girls’ Volleyball Coach Kai Neilsen has been placed on leave from involvement in practices and games following an alleged remark made by Neilsen to the team during a team meeting about accountability.

On Thursday, September 5, parents of Park City High School volleyball athletes received an email from Principal Roger Arbabi and Athletic Director Jamie Sheetz notifying them Nielsen had been placed on leave.

“We wanted to provide an update regarding our girls’ volleyball team. Coach Kai Nielsen has been put on leave from involvement in practices and games as our Girls Volleyball Coach. During this time, our dedicated and qualified coaching staff will continue to lead and support our team, ensuring continuity and maintaining our commitment to a positive and successful season for all athletes,” the email read.

A student involved in the conversation with the coach indicated that the remark Nielsen made addressed student accountability regarding the topic of sexual assault. Neilsen’s comments to the team on the topic led to him being put on leave.

Park City School District spokesperson Heidi Matthews spoke on behalf of the district in an emailed statement to TownLift, saying, “We want to assure you that all processes are being followed and taken seriously. Due to privacy and confidentiality obligations, the district is unable to comment on individual personnel matters.”