Jenna Hellstrom is speaking out, telling her story about being verbally abused by former Washington Spirit coach Richie Burke and the club’s failure to address her concerns.
Hellstrom was part of the Washington Post report that uncovered Burke’s alleged emotional abuse, speaking anonymously at the time for fear she wouldn’t be supported. Now, the former NWSL player says she left the league because of the verbal abuse she endured playing under Burke.
Jenna Hellstrom was one of the players I spoke to anonymously for my story about Richie Burke. As a current player, she was understandably scared to have her name in the story. But she posted this today."When I addressed this verbal abuse by Richie, the club failed to act." pic.twitter.com/41FNKtf7hw— Molly Hensley-Clancy (@mollyhc) October 2, 2021
Jenna Hellstrom was one of the players I spoke to anonymously for my story about Richie Burke. As a current player, she was understandably scared to have her name in the story. But she posted this today."When I addressed this verbal abuse by Richie, the club failed to act." pic.twitter.com/41FNKtf7hw
In her social media post, Hellstrom says that she took her concerns about Burke to the team and that “the club failed to act.” She also recalls detailing her experiences with the NWSL via an end-of-the-year survey, with no reply from the league.
The NWSL has handed down punishment following the conclusion of an independent investigation into the Spirit. As a result of the finding, Burke has been terminated for cause and will not be allowed to work with any NWSL players. The club is also barred from participating in league governance matters.
Hellstrom plays for club KIF Örebro DFF in Sweden and the Canada women’s national team.