Allegations of misconduct have surfaced against Penn State women’s basketball head coach Carolyn Kieger, as former players claim her leadership fostered a harmful and abusive environment.
Multiple former Lady Lions detailed experiences under Kieger’s coaching they described as emotionally damaging, including instances of public humiliation, favoritism and disregard for players’ mental health. Former players described their experience on the team as deeply negative, highlighting the environment’s harmful impact on both their athletic performance and overall well-being.
Kieger, who joined Penn State in 2019, was hired to rebuild the Lady Lions program following a series of underwhelming seasons. While her leadership initially brought hope to the program, these allegations have diminished that. Since her arrival, 18 players have reportedly transferred out of the program, raising questions about the team’s culture and Kieger’s coaching style.
The accusations include claims of verbal abuse and extreme pressure on athletes, with one player saying Kieger repeatedly belittled her in front of teammates. Another former athlete shared that the environment led to a decline in her mental health, forcing her to seek professional help after leaving the team.
Penn State Athletics has not released a formal statement addressing the allegations but is reportedly conducting an internal investigation. These claims come amid a growing movement in collegiate sports to prioritize athlete well-being, especially as awareness around mental health issues continues to rise.
Kieger expressed disappointment and sadness regarding claims from some former players about negative experiences in her program.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about how Penn State will handle the claims and what steps the university may take to ensure accountability.
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