One Thousand Showers

For Terri Patraw, playing by the rules was the only approach, despite the prevailing belief that Reno, Nevada—a town known for its NCAA sports corruption—operated under its own set of guidelines.

As a successful Division I soccer coach and recruiter, Terri embodied the aggressive, scrappy personality that the role demands. However, when she reported misconduct involving a fellow coach, her life spiraled into chaos due to a pervasive culture of retaliation that impacted the entire campus.

In the face of opposition from Athletic Director Cary Groth, the Nevada System of Higher Education, and a host of mercenary attorneys that they accumulated, as well as local media scrutiny and even the NCAA, Terri showcased her resilience. She proved to be a fighter, a winner, and someone who would not be cowed.

This saga mirrors contemporary stories making headlines—such as those surrounding Lance Armstrong, Penn State, Rutgers, and the University of Miami—and is poised to attract national attention within NCAA, judicial, and higher education circles. Additionally, this compelling narrative has even been adapted into film, titled 'One Thousand Showers.'

The Foreword

I was a successful NCAA Division I soccer coach who championed her athletes and embodied the very essence of what NCAA sports represent. However, when I reported wrongdoing by another coach, my life was turned upside down by a culture of retaliation that permeated the entire college campus. The recent scandals surrounding NCAA sports corruption, such as those at Penn State and Rutgers, highlight the detrimental impact a power-drunk university administration can inflict on individuals and the institution itself.

Despite my background in journalism, the last thing I ever imagined was writing a book. Journalism typically involves concise, quick stories, whereas this is a long, painful narrative about matters I never envisioned or engaged with. I have always loathed politics and rarely watch the news. To me, retaliation was merely something that occurred on the playing field, a poor response to a tough foul. Writing this book was not my original desire, but the relentless and harmful actions of the university administration left me with no choice.

Telling the truth can be risky, especially the whole truth. However, in the grand scheme of things, choosing not to tell the truth poses an even greater risk. Lies and deception have a way of festering within us, poisoning our souls and destroying our spirits. Some will admire me for penning this book, while others may resent me. Nonetheless, the reaction of others speaks more about them and their moral compass than it does about me. I’m holding up a mirror, daring them to take a good look.

Throughout my legal battles and everything that accompanied this ordeal, I often remarked that a thousand showers would not cleanse me of the filth I endured while living and working in Nevada.

I view this book as my one thousand and first shower.

Terri Patraw

Reviews

Extraordinary Book

Thank you so much for writing what many people of Nevada had already known but, were afraid to say. I think this book should be standard reading for every parent who has a child at the University. Kudos to you Terri Patraw for your courage under fire!

Twisted Tale

What a wonderful piece of work. Crisp, clear, well organized, captivating. She had courage to do this book.

She takes care of the bad guys real well--with their own documents! Good thematic development and a fast read.

All around A+.

Nevada Corruption Exposed

This book exposes corruption in the state of Nevada from its top university to the state's highest courts. Amazingly, the media also fails in doing its job in ferreting out and reporting the truth.

Any college student or student who intends to go to college -- especially those involved in sports -- and their parents should read this book.

This book will open a lot of eyes.

Couldn't Put it Down!

If you are interested in NCAA sports you will be interested in this! In this day and age of media driven sports scandals, this is another one that has to be told...but get the REAL story here...

Truth and Retaliation in the Desert

Of the over 550 men and women I graduated with from Mounds View High School in June of 1987, Terri Patraw has been one of the best in her field. There have been doctors, lawyers, professors, professional athletes, and highly successful (and wealthy) business people— Terri proves with this book that she is in a class by herself. The journey she lived through and describes isn’t a light hearted romp through championship seasons, but a bizarre description of corruption in college athletics and administration. It’s a story of courage and perseverance, and well worth the read. Kudos to my fellow alum for enlightening me about her journey.

Caught in the Middle

As the parent of a player from Terri's last UNR recruiting class I will never forget the call that we received from our Freshman on the eve of her 1st D1-NCAA soccer game. With no explantion Ms Patraw, who had just recently taken the program to the NCAA Tournament, had been fired and no explanation had been given to the team. A promising season soon suffered with an unprepared staff and what we now see as a corrupt and selfish A.D. It took a lot of courage for Terri stand up for herself and battle the Reno, NV system. The book is a eye-opening look into the politics, nepotism and lies of an athletic program and legal system out-of-control.

Juice and the Justice System in Nevada

This book about Terri Patraw's fight is a clear and gripping read for anyone interested in UNR and its athletics programs. She exposes how justice and higher education work in Nevada: corrupt UNR officials use taxpayer dollars to cover up a variety of criminal activities. What activities? Connect the dots. UNR and teams of lawyers paid by taxpayers use juice with local media, district judges, the DA, the attorney general, supreme court justices, the governor, and even the NCAA to avoid prosecution and to shut down people who oppose the corruption. Caution: you will never trust a public statement by a UNR administrator again.

Amazing How Things Work Behind the Scenes

I enjoyed the read and find it highly disgusting that school and public officials that are entrusted to protect our children use their position to feed their ego and destroy values they are paid to teach our children. This kind of behavior should be exposed.

A Rivoting but Disturbing Contemporary True Story

This is a well written documentation of the incredible journey of a successful coach who was terminated for all the wrong reasons and her legal battle to be exonerated...

Former Reno Resident

Sadly, sports has become such big business, that what happened to Terri could happen to anyone who reports violations to the NCAA. Evil people employ the same games and strategies. Terri's book is a template and a warning and a provocative insight of the egregiousness on how evil people will try to destroy the whistleblower, which is a major problem in our society.

This is about the University of Nevada, Reno and the Nevada System of Higher Education

This book provides insight into the notion that political influence plays a significant role in shaping justice in Nevada. It paints a vivid picture of how politicians, the judiciary, and law enforcement can work together, to the detriment of ordinary citizens. As the author mentions in the book, we, as Americans, take pride in our justice system. However, the reality can be rather ironic. Enjoy!