Ex-UA Athlete’s Growing Frustration: The Slow Progress of Justice Against Former Coach

More than two years following the arrest of her former track coach, Baillie Gibson continues to grapple with anxiety and fear for her safety. Craig Carter, the former coach at the University of Arizona, was arrested after Gibson reported being stalked and threatened with a box cutter.

In March, a judge permitted Carter to relocate to Utah, alarmingly close to Gibson’s new residence in Wyoming. Recently, during a deposition, Carter declined to clarify whether he had ever visited Wyoming or her home, prompting the Pima County Attorney’s Office to seek a court inquiry into his compliance with release conditions.

Carter is also facing accusations of breaching a restraining order obtained by Gibson’s former roommate. Due to the absence of court-mandated electronic monitoring, Gibson has expressed significant concern for her safety and is currently installing a home security system.

Every day brings trepidation for Gibson, as she vigilantly watches for Carter’s vehicle in public spaces and feels compelled to avoid sitting with her back to doors in restaurants. “I can’t even go anywhere and feel safe,” she lamented in a recent interview.

Gibson’s ordeal traces back to 2012 when, after a night out, she was coerced into a precarious situation involving Carter. After a party during the U.S. Olympic track trials, she called him for a ride. The next morning, she discovered explicit photos he had taken, along with threats of public exposure. This marked the beginning of years of psychological torment.

The situation escalated to an assault in April 2015 when Carter threatened her while grasping her neck and wielding a box cutter. Following several terrifying incidents, including a physical confrontation witnessed by peers, Gibson reported him to the University of Arizona Police Department.

While the Star typically protects the identities of sexual assault victims, Gibson has publicly identified herself. Shortly after filing her report, she graduated with a degree in family studies, despite severe distress about her situation. “I didn’t even want to graduate,” she recalled, yet she pushed herself with encouragement from law enforcement.

Since leaving Tucson, she has distanced herself from athletics, a reflection of the emotional turmoil she continues to face. “I wish I was still involved, but the passion is just gone,” she stated. Gibson has sought therapy for years, but her fears resurfaced following Carter’s move.

In the wake of an ESPN feature detailing her story, Gibson received widespread support. Messages poured in from individuals sharing similar experiences, which provided her some solace. Nonetheless, she continues to live under the shadow of fear, asserting that she won’t feel secure until the legal processes involving Carter conclude.

Frustration looms over Gibson as court proceedings seem interminable. “Why does it have to take this long?” she questions, pointing to Carter’s admissions of guilt during questioning. In a motion filed by Carter, he requested to postpone his scheduled trial, citing the negative attention generated by the ESPN coverage as prejudicial.

A court date to address this motion is scheduled for June 13. Beyond the criminal cases, Carter is embroiled in a civil lawsuit from Gibson, which also implicates the University of Arizona and other officials. The state has reportedly spent $335,500 on attorney fees for Carter’s defense thus far.

Carter has counterclaimed against Gibson, alleging he has experienced emotional distress due to her actions. As litigation continues, Gibson expressed her desire for closure and a return to normalcy. “I’m never going to feel safe until this is all over,” she said, yearning for a life free from fear.

Contact reporter Caitlin Schmidt at cschmidt@tucson.com or 573-4191. Twitter: @caitlinschmidt