Concerns Surround Colgate Women’s Lacrosse Team
A former Colgate University lacrosse player, Amelia Cunningham, has filed a lawsuit claiming that her coach, Kathy Taylor, pressured athletes into playing while injured and made harmful comments about their weight. This lawsuit raises serious questions about the treatment of athletes at the university.
Cunningham, who was the Patriot League Rookie of the Year in 2021, alleges that coach Taylor’s practices harmed her health and academic career. She underwent five surgeries for injuries incurred during her time on the team, including a wrist injury that was exacerbated by being urged to play through the pain. According to the lawsuit, this has affected her dreams of becoming a surgeon.
The lawsuit claims that Colgate was aware of Taylor’s alleged mistreatment of athletes but took no action. In fact, around a third of the team left only weeks after Taylor started coaching in 2019. This topic is becoming increasingly relevant in collegiate athletics, as multiple reports highlight the need for better mental health support and accountability within sports programs.
A USA TODAY investigation revealed that numerous former players echoed Cunningham’s claims. They reported experiences of bullying and psychological abuse, which can lead to serious mental health issues. One player even attempted suicide after reporting concerns about mental health to school officials, illustrating the dire consequences of the culture within the program.
Daniel DeVries, a spokesperson for Colgate, stated that they cannot comment on pending litigation but confirmed that Taylor is no longer with the university. Interestingly, people who played for Taylor in the past defended her, saying she simply had high expectations.
The lawsuit points out that Taylor not only pressured athletes about performance but also made inappropriate comments about their sexuality. Cunningham identifies as bisexual, and the lawsuit alleges that Taylor made probing remarks about her relationships, which further contributed to a toxic atmosphere on the team.
The culture of competitive sports often prioritizes performance over mental health, leading to serious concerns in institutions across the country. In light of the increasing awareness of mental health issues in athletics, it’s essential for schools to establish better support systems for their student-athletes.
Cunningham graduated in December 2024 and is now working in Manhattan, but the impact of her experiences continues to resonate. This scenario serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that universities have toward their athletes, emphasizing the importance of healthy coaching practices and mental health awareness in sports.
For more comprehensive information on mental health in athletics and the challenges student-athletes face, you can visit the National Institute of Health’s page on this topic here.
Source link
Sports,News,Colleges,\u0026,Universities,Team,Sports,Sports,Coaching,\u0026,Training,Violence,\u0026,Abuse,Overall,Negative,Colgate,University,Sports News,Colleges \u0026 Universities,Team Sports,Sports Coaching \u0026 Training,Violence \u0026 Abuse,Overall Negative,Colgate University
