Allegations Of Abuse In Cal Soccer Program: Investigative Report

BERKELEY, CA — The Cal women’s soccer program is one of the most elite in the nation. But current and former players say that behind the scenes they’re subjected to emotional abuse, fat-shaming, bullying, intimidation, and mistreatment, according to a year-long investigation by KTVU.

The players say the root of the problem is coach Neil McGuire who has coached some of the sport’s premier athletes, including professional soccer player Alex Morgan. McGuire has also led Cal to 12 NCAA appearances, according to the university.

But several players went on the record to say that there’s an ugly side to the program.

Hannah Koski says she was verbally abused and ended up quitting the team. "I'm mentally tough and this was the first time I had been broken down," she said. "Everyone asks how physically demanding it is to play in college. It's the mental side that’s so much harder."

Caroline Clark recalls one especially punishing workout, "I got super light headed. I was laying on the training table with my feet up to help with the situation. And it was first me, then one more girl came down to put her feet up, then one more girl came down to put her feet up, and by the end of it there was just a row of girls about to pass out. Because he was overworking us so hard and no one understood why." Clark also quit the team.

The university's communications director points out, "this year’s recruiting class for our women’s soccer team was ranked #1 in the country, a sure sign of the program’s quality and excellent reputation."

See the full KTVU report here.

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