DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An attorney for a former University of Iowa athletic administrator described her as an outstanding employee on track to head a college program until she was unfairly demoted and later laid off for discriminatory reasons.

Attorney Thomas Newkirk gave former administrator Jane Meyer’s view of her firing Tuesday in during opening statements of the trial over her lawsuit against the school. The trial is expected to offer a glimpse into big-time college sports with testimony by athletic director Gary Barta, head football coach Kirk Ferentz and others.

If they agree with Meyer, jurors could award her damages for pay and emotional distress. Assistant attorney general George Carroll responded that Meyer was moved out of the athletics department because of her performance and not due to discrimination.