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Longtime Harvard University women’s hockey coach Katey Stone is retiring, The Boston Globe reported Tuesday.
According to a Globe investigation earlier this year, Stone, who began coaching in 1994, created “a culture of complete fear” among her players. She reportedly used insensitive and degrading language, last year remarking in front of a group of Indigenous players that the team was performing as if there were “too many chiefs and not enough Indians.”
Two Indigenous players and an assistant coach with Indigenous roots subsequently left the team, the Globe reported. Twelve other recruited players have left the team since 2016.
Student athletes also alleged that Stone was insensitive to their mental health needs, downplayed concussion risks, disparaged their bodies and condoned hazing, among other things.
In March, Harvard ordered an independent investigation of the women’s hockey program.
Stone led the Crimson team to nine Ivy League championships and 12 Beanpots, as the Boston area hockey championships are called. She also coached the U.S. women’s ice hockey team in the 2014 Winter Olympics.
In a statement issued by Harvard, Stone said retiring “is never an easy decision.”
“The relationships fostered with my players over the years has been the very best part of my job. Their personal accomplishments both at Harvard and beyond, along with our shared achievements, will always be a point of great pride and inspiration for me.”
“For coaches, stepping down from the bench, leaving the program you have poured your heart and soul into for this many years, is especially hard,” the statement continued. “I believe a coach knows in their heart when it is time for change and I look forward to supporting the next chapter in Harvard Women’s Hockey.”
Harvard athletic director Erin McDermott said in a statement, “We recognize the decades of service and commitment that Katey has given to this University and Athletic Department. We thank her for all she has done to build the women’s hockey program here, and we wish her the best in her future endeavors.”
