UAB softball coach accused of abuse, racist remarks, inappropriate relationship with player, staff | Report
UAB softball coach Taylor Smartt is accused of physical abuse, racist remarks and having an inappropriate relationship in a scathing report.
Near the end of April, UAB said its softball coach Taylor Smartt was “taking a step back” from the program. A new report reveals why. According to a story published May 6 by Softball on Sports Illustrated , Smartt has been accused of physical and mental abuse toward her players, making racist remarks, having an inappropriate relationship with a staff member and player, and NCAA and Title IX violations.
Smartt has been away from the team since April 25. The Blazers’ season ended May 6 in Greenville, N. C.
, at the American Conference Tournament where Tulsa walked-off UAB for a 2-1 victory. UAB finished the season 21-33 in Smartt’s second season at the helm. According to SI, Smartt’s alleged misbehavior began when she took over the reins of the program in 2024.
SI says it spoke with 10 people with ties to the softball program, including four current players, four parents, a former player and a booster. Some of them spoke on the record and SI obtained emails where complaints about Smartt were documented. Multiple people in the UAB athletic department did not immediately respond to a request for comment when reached by USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday afternoon.