Gardner-Webb University will not renew the contract of head softball coach Bailey Wigness, outlets reported this week. The decision follows an internal department investigation into misconduct allegations concerning inappropriate relationships with student-athletes.

University officials placed Wigness on leave during the 2026 NCAA softball season. As a result, she did not lead the Runnin' Bulldogs during last month's Big South conference tournament.

Allegations Shed Light on Gardner-Webb Softball History

According to Softball on SI, the allegations against Wigness span an 11-year period. Former players from three college programs — including Boise State and South Carolina Beaufort — alleged a recurring pattern of misconduct.

Several former athletes claim Wigness isolated them before pursuing romantic relationships. Others say they lost roster spots or NCAA scholarships after voicing their concerns.

However, player responses remain mixed. Senior Annicka McLaughlin defended Wigness, calling her an amazing mentor and labeling the prior claims false.

Before her departure, Wigness spent six seasons at Gardner-Webb softball while building an 128-165 overall record. The Runnin' Bulldogs finished their 2026 campaign at 32-25.

Wigness's contract officially expires at the end of June, but the university is already conducting a national search for its next head coach.

UAB softball coach coach Taylor Smartt has stepped away the American Conference program, after multiple allegations of player abuse and misconduct surfaced this week.

According to a recent Softball On SI report, sources connected to the Blazers raised concerns about the manager involving player treatment and inappropriate conduct. Potential NCAA and Title IX-related violations accompany those initial complaints.

UAB confirmed that Smartt had “taken a step back” from the program beginning April 25th. She did not coach the final five games of the season, with assistant coach Anna Shelnutt subsequently taking over the team.

Softball On SI spoke with 10 individuals connected to UAB athletics, including four current players, four parents, a former student-athlete, and a booster. 

Concerns About UAB Coach Taylor Smartt Go Unanswered

According to the report, one softball parent emailed UAB administrators to explicitly share concerns about Smartt's allegedly racist behavior.

"My daughter was repeatedly subjected to what I can only describe as mental and verbal abuse," wrote Lindsey Dupree.

"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."

Another complaint referenced a physical altercation in the dugout.

"I am writing to report an incident I witnessed during the ECU vs. UAB softball game," reads the March 2026 email.

"While observing from the first base dugout area, I saw the UAB head coach punch a player in the dugout. Following the incident, I noticed the player began to tear up, appearing to be in physical pain or distress... I wanted to bring this matter to your attention for further review."

The email was sent to East Carolina athletic director Jon Gilbert, among other front office figures.

SI noted Gilbert responded to the email, saying "Thank you for sharing. Will forward to the appropriate people."

On May 1st, the school released a general statement addressing the allegations.

"We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and positive experience for our student athletes," reads the statement. "When concerns are brought to our attention, we take appropriate steps to investigate them. Employment matters are handled between the institution and employees."

Smartt is in her second season leading the Blazers. She previously served on coaching staff at Florida Atlantic University.

According to the report, Softball On SI reached out to both Smartt and director of operations Julie Money for comment. Neither responded to the request.

Wrexham made club history last week, punching its first-ever ticket to next year's Champions League qualifiers after winning the top-flight Welsh league's Adran Premier title.

The March 29th 4-1 win over Cardiff clinched Wrexham's first league title — as well as its 2026/27 European debut. However, the moment was quickly overshadowed by sexist comments directed at the team.

The club quickly addressed online comments following the triumph.

"We are aware of sexist and misogynistic comments shared online following the match," Wrexham said in a statement. "Let us be clear: Such views have no place in football, in our club, or in society."

The team subsequently emphasized the significance of its achievement, making clear the spotlight should remain on the players and their success.

"We will not allow this behaviour to overshadow a great moment for women's football in Wales. Our focus remains firmly on celebrating our players and continuing to grow the game."

The statement also outlined consequences for the commenters' behavior. Wrexham said it will ban any supporters it identifies as responsible from all club outlets.

The Genero Adran Leagues later addressed the “sexist and misogynistic” remarks, pointing back to the match itself.

"Sunday's game at the Cae Ras was a magnificent and inspiring occasion for women’s football in Wales," the league said.

"This year's two best teams competing in an exciting contest, in front of the season's highest attendance. That should be the leading headline."

Now, the focus shifts back to the pitch. Wrexham will make its Champions League debut later this year, marking the title-winning club's next big step.

Abby Dahlkemper looks back on her time with the North Carolina Courage with mixed feelings. In 2017, Dahlkemper was named NWSL Defender of the Year and then helped the team win the NWSL Championship the following season.

But Dahlkemper said on The RE-CAP Show that those years now feel “grimy.” The Courage were coached by Paul Riley, who was banned from the NWSL for life in 2023 after revelations of sexual and verbal abuse.

“Doesn’t take away from the success I had, or our team had, but it does feel a little heavy for me,” she said. “Wishing it could’ve been for a better human.”

Riley was fired from the Courage in September 2021 after a report in The Athletic detailed his abuse from 2011-15.

“When you’re in the situation and you’re kind of getting a little gaslighted, you’re not really realizing what’s happening,” Dahlkemper said. “It’s hard to notice the bad behavior and what’s happening.”

Christen Press, co-host of the The RE-CAP Show alongside fellow USWNT veteran Tobin Heath, noted she endured a similar situation playing for the Chicago Red Stars under then-coach Rory Dames.

“It was an abusive and toxic environment the whole time, and I didn’t even know it,” Press said. “I have this whole complex of, I can’t leave the girls, I can’t leave the girls. I tried to fix everything from the inside. I thought I was the one who could stand up.”

Press eventually asked Dames to be traded because of his treatment and filed a formal complaint against him with US Soccer.

Dames was also banned from the league for life, along with Christy Holly and Richie Burke.

Press said it feels like players are living on a “knife’s edge,” because of the financial rewards tied to playing for the U.S. Women’s National Team. And than can be a disincentive for players to speak out against coaches.

“Scoring goals in club, meant I got to go into camp, which means I actually have a job that I can support myself with,” she said. “We’re, like, living in this world where, anything that goes awry, it feels like it’s going to take our whole dream away.”