Former Kentucky swim coach Lars Jorgensen reaches settlement in abuse lawsuit

Court documents dated Aug. 6 show that former University of Kentucky swimming and diving coach Lars Jorgensen has settled the sexual-harassment and assault lawsuit brought by two ex-swimmers. The settlement resolves the claims against Jorgensen, but the suit remains active against other parties, notably former athletics director Mitch Barnhart and the university itself, with a trial set for May 2027. The plaintiffs, who filed the suit in April 2024, described a toxic, sexually hostile atmosphere in the program while Jorgensen led it from 2013 through 2023.

Prior to his resignation in 2023, Jorgensen was investigated for possible NCAA compliance violations. In 2025, the U.S. Center for SafeSport issued a permanent coaching ban, citing power-imbalanced relationships and various misconduct. Jorgensen’s coaching résumé includes leading the UK women’s team to its first SEC title and earlier stints at Toledo, Tennessee, and LSU.