Former Players Support Claims About Ma

Two former Cal State Northridge women’s volleyball players have corroborated allegations made last week that Nancy Ma, the team’s top player, had schoolwork done for her by teammates.

Ellie Flato, a Northridge sophomore and former setter on the team, said she helped Ma with assignments in a photography class in the fall of 1996.

Flato said she completed schoolwork for Ma, an allegation confirmed by former Northridge volleyball player Carrie Kapfenberg.

“I would take a picture of the CSUN [campus] and then another picture of a stop sign and that one would be Nancy’s picture,” Flato said. “I was basically doing a double load. We both got Cs in the class. If I [only] did my own work, I probably would have done better.”

Nicki Midwin, another former Northridge player, told The Times last week she completed several academic assignments for Ma, a junior from China who has limited English skills.

Midwin also alleged that a roommate of Ma’s assisted Ma in completing two tests this semester in psychology and religion, prompting an investigation by Northridge.

Judy Brame, associate athletic director, on Monday completed her preliminary investigation. The findings, which Brame declined to reveal, were forwarded to Ronald Kopita, vice president of student affairs.

Kopita said he consulted with Northridge President Blenda J. Wilson and then directed Brame to continue her investigation.

Flato said she quit the volleyball team midway through last season to concentrate on schoolwork and because of a personality conflict with Coach Lian Lu. Flato said Lu and assistant Kathleen O’Laughlin were aware that Flato and Midwin were doing schoolwork for Ma.

Flato said the coaches asked her to enroll in Ma’s classes.

“They’d say, ‘Do you want Nancy to be playing with us? Do you want her to be eligible?’ ” Flato said. “Nancy was the pride and joy of Lu. What were we going to do, say no?”

Lu and O’Laughlin deny the allegations. Ma could not be reached for comment.

Kapfenberg, a junior, transferred to Middle Tennessee State last year after playing two seasons at Northridge.

“I know Nicki and Ellie had classes with her and did some stuff for her,” Kapfenberg said. “[Ma] didn’t really speak [English], but she kept doing well in her classes. That’s old news for me.”

Kopita said Brame’s preliminary investigation raised questions that prompted him to ask for further review. In addition, he directed Brame to consult with William Watkins, assistant vice president for student life.

Academic improprieties are potential NCAA rule violations, but “we’re presuming innocence until proven guilty,” Kopita said.

Eric Sondheimer is a Times staff writer and Mike Bresnahan is a correspondent.