Former Utah Royals goalkeeper Carly Nelson accused the membership of “emotional and psychological abuse” on Friday in a social media put up that shortly went viral.
In her , Nelson mentioned she skilled “relentless toxicity” throughout her time with the group.
The goalkeeper missed many of the season with an excused absence, and after her contract expired is now a free agent.
Nelson is from Utah and performed in 63 video games on the College of Utah. The Royals acquired Nelson in a commerce with the Orlando Satisfaction in December 2023. She was within the closing yr of a two-year contract with the Satisfaction when she was traded.
Carly Nelson’s assertion on the Utah Royals
Nelson shared the next assertion on X Friday afternoon:
”After deep reflection on my time with the Utah Royals, I can now not keep silent concerning the emotional and psychological abuse I endured there. Regardless of elevating considerations internally and searching for assist for my psychological well being, I used to be met with resistance and public retaliation from the coaches accountable. Taking psychological well being depart again in Might wasn’t elective for me. It was the one option to survive the relentless toxicity I used to be subjected to. This expertise revealed a harsh reality: the tradition of any group is formed by its leaders. After they prioritize energy over individuals, abuse thrives unchecked.
“The retaliation and discrimination I confronted for prioritizing my psychological well being made it clear that the membership cared extra about management than accountability. Whereas some accountable have been finally eliminated, the harm had already been carried out — not simply to me, however to others as effectively. Poisonous environments hurt bodily well being, emotional well-being, and derail careers. The abuse I confronted impacted my livelihood and undermined the 22 years of my life it took to get to this stage. This drawback goes past particular person experiences — it’s systemic.
“It’s time to carry these in energy accountable and foster cultures that prioritize respect, security, and assist. By talking out, I hope to make clear these points and advocate for change, so future athletes received’t should face the challenges I did. I’m dedicated to this combat as I proceed my very own journey of therapeutic. Nobody ought to endure this alone.”
The Utah Royals’ response to allegations
The Royals responded to Nelson’s allegations in a press release the group shared with the Deseret Information on Friday.
“Utah Royals FC prides itself in making a optimistic and supportive expertise for our gamers and workers. We take any allegations counter to this with the utmost seriousness and urgency. We have been saddened to study of a former participant’s expertise,” the membership mentioned. “Everybody deserves protected and supportive environments on and off the sphere of play. Our objective is to allow our athletes, our workers and workers to take pleasure in a nurturing, wholesome and respectful office for all.”
Final season marked the Royals’ return to the NWSL. The unique iteration of the group was bought in 2020 and relocated to Kansas Metropolis. The franchise was revived as an enlargement membership and performed its inaugural season in 2024.
The Royals had a rocky begin to the season.
After three and a half months and simply two wins, the membership on June 30. Actual Salt Lake president John Kimball, who took over the membership’s enterprise operation obligations for Royals group president , mentioned the transfer “was not disciplinarian” and was “performance-based” when addressing the media two days after the announcement, because the reported.
On the identical time, it was introduced that Hyncik would transition to a brand new function with Blitzer Household Workplace (David Blitzer is an element proprietor of the group). Kimball mentioned the transfer would permit Hyncik to “actually deal with the issues that she loves most, which is her youngsters and the legislation.”
The group additionally moved on from goalkeeper coach Maryse Bard-Martel.
Following firing, assistant coach Jimmy Coenraets was promoted to interim head coach. He coached the group to a 7-4-15 file, transferring the Royals up from final place to eleventh out of 14.
Because of the group’s enchancment, forward of the group’s season finale.