LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A federal judge has set a June 2026 trial date in a Title IX lawsuit brought by two former University of Kentucky swimmers and assistant coaches against the university and former head swim coach Lars Jorgensen.
According to a scheduling order filed in U.S. District Court, the case is set for a five-day jury trial beginning June 22, 2026, in Lexington.
The case, filed last year, alleges misconduct by Jorgensen and names the university and athletics director Mitch Barnhart as additional defendants.
The plaintiffs, Briggs Alexander and Jane Doe, allege that Jorgensen subjected them to repeated sexual assaults during and after their time with the UK swim program, and that the university and athletics director Mitch Barnhart failed to act appropriately in vetting the coach before his hiring, and in responding once allegations were made.
Jorgensen and UK have denied wrongdoing.
In February, a U.S. District Court judge dismissed the plaintiffs’ constitutional claims against Jorgensen, ruling they were either filed too late or failed to meet the legal threshold for state action under federal law. However, the court allowed the plaintiffs’ state law claims— including negligence, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress—to proceed, applying Kentucky’s extended statute of limitations for civil claims involving sexual offenses. Claims against the university and Barnhart also remain pending.
The parties are now preparing for discovery, with deadlines for disclosure and expert reports set throughout 2025.
The judge also assigned a magistrate to manage pretrial disputes and scheduling. Any extensions to these deadlines will require approval from the trial judge.
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