An investigation into UAB softball coach Taylor Smartt has led to her departure from the program after allegations of abuse were found to be credible.
WBRC 6 broke the news Thursday evening with a statement from the school confirming Smartt's departure.
"Taylor Smartt will not return to UAB Softball, and Anna Shelnutt will serve as head coach on an interim basis while UAB Athletics conducts a search. UAB is committed to providing a safe, respectful and positive experience for our student athletes. We have no further comment on this employment matter," the statement said.
The station also released two emails it received from sources within the program: one from UAB associate vice president and director of athletics Mark Ingram and another from an attorney in the investigation.
"UAB is committed to providing a safe, respectful and positive experience for you. While I expect the program will be run with total professionalism going forward, please know that you can always come to me or share concerns you may have anonymously through the UAB Hotline," Ingram said in his statement.
"Following a thorough investigation, I determined that there was sufficient evidence to find that Coach Smartt engaged in improper conduct and inappropriate behavior that violates UAB policies and certain NCAA rules and regulations. I have reported these findings to UAB," a message to someone directly involved in the investigation from the attorney in the investigation.
The investigation began in May when Softball on Sports Illustrated released a detailed report of allegations of physical and mental abuse by UAB softball coach Taylor Smartt. The lengthy story relied on 10 sources and described numerous calls for intervention by parents, players and program supporters.
"Throughout that season, my daughter was repeatedly subjected to what I can only describe as mental and verbal abuse… There were deeply concerning remarks made by Coach Smartt regarding my daughter's appearance, including racially insensitive comments about her braided hairstyle, which was referred to as 'jailhouse braids.' Such comments are unacceptable in any professional or educational setting," Lindsey Dupree wrote to school administrators in an email SI reviewed.
Another parent reported that "Smartt told their daughter to stop spending time with her 'charred' friends."
Smartt's tenure at UAB began on August 7, 2024.
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