Recent NWSL investigation cleared San Diego Wave and Jill Ellis of wrongdoing.
Former US Women’s National Team coach and current San Diego Wave FC Jill Ellis has been accused of creating and fostering an abusive environment in the Wave FC front office.
A former employee of San Diego Wave FC took to X to reveal the allegations against Ellis.
The post, written by former Wave FC video and creative manager Brittany Alvarado, was accompanied by a four-page statement detailing the effect of this environment on her mental wellbeing. “On behalf of myself and my former colleagues, the treatment we endured under club President Jill Ellis has been nothing short of life-altering and devastating to our mental health. She has compromised countless lives to advance her narcissistic personal nature, fostering an environment where abusive behaviors among her subordinates are allowed to flourish.”
Alvarado also detailed her frustrations with the NWSL’s investigative prowess.
“The league has failed to take meaningful action and instead turned a blind eye to a pattern of profoundly damaging behavior. Their investigations into these matters were notably negligent, further exacerbating the disregard for the well-being of those affected.”
An NWSL spokesperson confirmed a completed investigation of San Diego Wave FC.
“The NWSL has previously received reports of misconduct in the San Diego front office. Those reports were investigated by an independent third party and we are satisfied with the results, including the finding that there was no violation of league policy in connection with the reported conduct.”
A test for a new procedure
The NWSL first implemented an anti-harassment policy in the spring of 2021, the 8th season of its existence. The policy was strengthened in 2023 to include investigation and reporting procedures, and supervisory responsibilities after a series of investigations into past abusive behavior in the NWSL.
Since the new policy was introduced, the NWSL has fired the Houston Dash’s goalkeeper coach, and the Kansas City Current’s team doctor for fraternization with players. Multiple head coaches have been banned permanently, and members of technical and medical staff have had suspensions in addition to being fired from their posts.
The NWSL has reporting procedures in place that have worked effectively at the player level. However, the league has yet to hand down a disciplinary decision to a front office member.
Procedures currently require findings of an investigation to be shared with the Commissioner and league General Counsel. If a violation is found, the NWSL Board of Governors, team personnel and players are informed.
After those notifications are made, there are no further procedures in the current anti-harassment policy for public, or internal notice.
A request to the NWSL for reporting data against San Diego Wave in 2023 and 2024 went unanswered.
San Diego, Ellis respond
San Diego Wave FC quickly released a statement of their own, calling Alvarado’s post one that is “inaccurate and filled with defamatory statements about the club… the claims made therein are categorically false, including the ones directed at our President Jill Ellis.”
Jill Ellis made a statement of her own to the Associated Press calling the allegations “false” and “personally damaging.”
Ellis touted the resources available for employees, including an employee assistance program and the club’s commitment to investigating allegations of mistreatment through a third party.
“At no time have those evaluations uncovered any wrongdoing by the club” said Ellis.
Former employees continue to speak out
Jenny Chuang, a former Wave FC photographer shared her struggles with mental health at Wave FC with a post on X.
“I was placed on suicide watch during my tenure with the Wave in 2022. I begged for help while my mental health declined rapidly, but was pressured to resign instead. After a failed attempt, I left to save myself. It breaks my heart that nothing has changed in the past 2 years” said Chuang.
Former Wave FC Senior Communications Manager, Bernadette O’Donnell made a statement on X echoing mental health concerns caused by the environment at Wave FC.
“After opening up to my boss about my mental health, as well as the unhealthy work environment, plus alerting her to an ongoing investigation at the time, I was put on forced leave the next day ‘to address my personal issues and work performance.’ I was terminated from my job two days later.
NWSL players voice support and concern
Alvarado’s post on X drew support from Angel City forward, Sydney Leroux.
“It’s the courage of one person to start telling their story in hopes that more people will feel comfortable enough to one day tell theirs. We are with you” said Leroux on X.
Sydney Leroux previously spoke about her experiences under Jill Ellis on the US Women’s National Team on The Crack Podcast with DaMarcus Beasley, Oguchi Onyewu, and Mabricio Wilson.
“We won in spite of her… she’s not good for people’s mental health that’s for sure” Leroux said when asked about Ellis’ exit from the USWNT.
San Diego Wave forward Alex Morgan made a statement of support on X for equity of protection for players and staff.
“I am disappointed to hear about the allegations made by multiple former Wave FC employees today. As players, we have worked hard to build a team that is surrounded by an inclusive, positive and safe environment. But it’s important to me that we are creating that environment for both players AND staff throughout the entire organization. Equity in the workplace is something I have and will continue to advocate for. I want to be proud of what we are building at the Wave but it is clear that there is so much work to be done” the statement read.
The findings of the existing league investigation into the matter are at odds with the severity of the allegations. The allegations against San Diego suggest a front office in crisis.
While the NWSL anti-harassment policy has increased pathways to reporting, the process lacks transparency. Without a public reporting mechanism in place, it’s impossible to know the efficacy of the policy. Without a mandate to study complaint data, the league misses an opportunity to continue learning from its abusive past.