UAB Blazers softball head coach Taylor Smartt is facing serious allegations after several players and parents accused her of abuse, racism, dangerous training methods, and inappropriate behavior within the program. The claims became public following a detailed report by Sports Illustrated that shared accounts from athletes and families connected to the team.
Coach Steps Back Amid Investigation
According to the report, Smartt has not been with the team for the past few weeks. In a statement to the Daily Mail, UAB Athletics said, “Taylor Smartt has taken a step back from the program. We will make further comment when it’s appropriate.” The university also stated it is “committed to providing a safe, respectful, and positive experience for student athletes” and noted that concerns brought to the department are thoroughly investigated.
Allegations of Verbal and Racial Abuse
Several players and parents described an unhealthy environment inside the softball program. One of the strongest accusations came from Linsey Dupree, the mother of player Auburn Dupree. She claimed her daughter faced repeated mental and verbal abuse from Smartt. Linsey also alleged that Smartt made racially insensitive comments about Auburn’s braided hairstyle, reportedly calling them “jailhouse braids.” Auburn Dupree later described the coach as “manipulative” in messages shared with Sports Illustrated. She said the coach made her question her value “as a player, a friend, and just as a human.”
Another parent told Sports Illustrated that Smartt once instructed a player to stop spending time with her “charred” friends, which was described as another racial remark.
Physical Mistreatment Claims
The report also included claims of physical mistreatment. After a game against East Carolina Pirates softball, a complaint was reportedly filed with ECU athletics staff by a witness who claimed they saw Smartt punch one of her players inside the dugout. The complaint stated, “While observing from the first base dugout area, I saw the UAB head coach punch a player in the dugout.” The witness also noted that the athlete appeared emotional and in pain afterward.
Unsafe Training Drills
Players described extreme conditioning drills that they believed were unsafe. One athlete claimed the team was forced to tread water until players felt like they “were going to die.” Others said players had to push an assistant coach’s SUV and then stand in front of the moving vehicle to stop it using their body weight. “One of my teammates almost got actually run over doing it,” one player told Sports Illustrated. “She tripped and fell, and the car almost went over her.”
Food Restrictions and Inappropriate Relationships
The allegations did not stop there. Players also claimed food was sometimes limited after losses. Some athletes said the team was given Lunchables for meals and only $10 for airport food during trips, forcing players to split meals. Another complaint discussed an alleged inappropriate relationship involving Smartt, volunteer staff member Julie Money, and a player. According to the report, a complaint filed during an April 24 meeting with athletic director Mark Ingram claimed Smartt had an unusually close relationship with one athlete, including overnight stays at the player’s residence.
The Daily Mail reported that Smartt did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The university continues to investigate the allegations as the softball program awaits further developments.
