NWSL Reviews Bay FC Coaching Staff Following Player Complaints
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has initiated an independent review of the coaching staff at Bay FC, as confirmed by a league spokesperson on Friday. This action follows a two-month investigation by The San Francisco Chronicle that highlighted allegations from former players and staff concerning a “toxic” atmosphere under head coach Albertin Montoya.
Response from NWSL
The NWSL emphasized its commitment to player welfare in a statement, noting the seriousness of any concerns raised. “The NWSL takes all concerns related to player well-being extremely seriously,” the spokesperson stated. “We have established clear and confidential mechanisms for anyone in the NWSL ecosystem to report any concerns.” The league has initiated the formal review to assess the communication practices between technical staff and players at Bay FC, which will guide necessary future actions.
Status of Coaching Staff
Despite the formal review, Montoya is not facing any suspension or immediate sanctions. He is scheduled to lead the team into its 2025 season opener on March 15 against the Utah Royals in Utah.
League Commissioner Remarks
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman discussed the review’s significance prior to a Challenge Cup match, expressing confidence in the league’s processes for handling player complaints. “We’re very confident that the system we have in place will ensure that we surface the issues that need to be addressed,” she affirmed.
Background on Recent Developments
This review follows the recent resignation of Graeme Abel, who was appointed head of domestic scouting for Bay FC but left the position shortly after his hiring. Abel’s departure was linked to a report by The Oregonian that detailed allegations of verbal abuse during his tenure as head coach at the University of Oregon’s women’s soccer team.
Previous Complaints Against Montoya
Details from the Chronicle’s investigation revealed that there have been complaints lodged against Montoya, with the first occurring in summer 2024 when a player felt targeted by personal remarks during review meetings. While the ownership claimed to have cleared the complaint after an internal investigation, the second complaint’s details remain undisclosed to protect the anonymity of the individual involved.
Bay FC’s Response
In a statement to The Athletic, Bay FC addressed the complaints, noting that they took the first complaint seriously and conducted a thorough inquiry. The findings reportedly did not indicate any misconduct. The club also mentioned that they had recently received feedback regarding communication challenges, which they are actively addressing through new procedures aimed at improving team dynamics.
Concerns Over NDAs and Workplace Culture
Our ongoing investigation has also uncovered that multiple former staff members were bound by nondisclosure agreements, which can hinder transparency regarding allegations of abuse. This situation is particularly pertinent given the recommendations from the Yates Report, which suggested prohibiting NDAs to prevent the concealment of abusive behavior.
Player Perspectives
Two current Bay FC players expressed confidence in the club’s handling of player feedback. Forward Tess Boade remarked, “This has been handled exactly how it should,” implying the importance of open communication in a competitive environment. Defender Abby Dahlkemper echoed this sentiment, stating, “We know that the coaches and staff at this club care about us players.”
Looking Ahead
A timeline for the review’s completion has not been disclosed. Commissioner Berman indicated that each case will be evaluated individually concerning public reporting of findings.
As Bay FC embarks on its second season in the NWSL, having made history as the second team to reach the playoffs in its inaugural year, the NWSL’s emphasis on fostering a healthy, communicative team culture is more crucial than ever.
