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Two Seton Hill University field hockey players alleged in a lawsuit that they were psychologically and physically abused by three coaches, and that administrators failed to stop it, the Tribune-Review reported. The suit, which targets the coaches and several administrators, says the players were forced to practice in the dark, called "losers" and ridiculed in public, and mocked for their athletic performance. In one instance, the suit says, Head Coach Whitney Harness threw a water bottle at a player. The athletes' attorney says she spoke with administrators about the problems last fall, but no action was taken and the coaches remain at the the Division II university.
In a statement, a Seton Hill spokeswoman disputed that administrators ignored the abuse, and said the university did investigate the matter. "As a result of that investigation, measures were taken to address the unprofessional and ineffective conduct," the statement says. "While the investigation was closed, the administration continues to monitor the situation and work closely with the coaches and student-athletes involved."
This is the latest in a string of public allegations of bullying or abuse by female coaches.
