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.

England defender Jess Carter is stepping back from social media this week, with the Gotham FC star stating she'd received "a lot of racial abuse" online since the start of the Lionesses' title defense at the 2025 Euro.

"Whilst I feel every fan is entitled to their opinion on performance and result, I don't agree, or think, it's ok to target someone's appearance or race," she wrote in Monday's post. "Hopefully, speaking out will make the people writing this abuse think twice so that others won't have to deal with it."

"It's really sad that we have to be occupied by this," said England head coach Sarina Wiegman. "It is ridiculous and disgusting what is happening and that goes beyond football. We had to pay attention to that and support Jess."

In response, UEFA, the NWSL, and the NWSL Players Association all issued statements condemning the abuse and expressing unequivocal support of Carter.

Carter's club also jumped to stand with their defender, with Gotham FC calling her "a role model" and "a leader," before bluntly stating, "There is no place for racism in our sport."

Blatantly labeling the abuse a "hate crime," English FA CEO Mark Bullingham said that the governing body has contacted UK police in order to hold the perpetrators accountable.

England players to stand prior to 2025 Euro semifinal

Carter isn't the only player taking action, as the entire England squad has chosen not to take a knee before their Tuesday semifinal match against Italy.

"It is clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism," the team said in a Sunday statement. "No one should have to endure such vile abuse, be that in football or any walk of life."

Until now, the Lionesses have knelt just prior to kick-off as a show of anti-racist protest, though Carter's 2025 Euro experience has prompted the team to reconsider the gesture's effectiveness.

According to England's Lucy Bronze, the team collectively discussed whether kneeling is still having its intended impact.

"It feels like it's not if these things are still happening to our players in the biggest tournaments of their lives," Bronze told reporters on Saturday. "More needs to be done in football and society."

As for England's 2025 Euro semifinal on Tuesday, there's no deterring the the Lionesses — or Carter herself.

"Although it is a hard situation, Jess is a very strong person," said Wiegman. "She's ready to perform and compete, and that says a lot about her and the team."