UAB softball coach Taylor Smartt has been fired after a third-party investigation, nearly two months after allegations of physical and mental abuse surfaced.
Brieanna Young, the attorney who led the investigation, “determined there was sufficient evidence to find that Coach Smartt engaged in improper conduct and inappropriate behavior that violates UAB policies and certain NCAA rules and regulations,” according to USA Today.
Smartt first stepped away from the program in April.
On May 6, Sports Illustrated detailed the allegations of physical and mental abuse toward Smartt’s players.
SI reported that Smartt allegedly made racist remarks and had an inappropriate relationship with a staff member and player.
“Taylor Smartt will not return to UAB Softball, and Anna Shelnutt will serve as head coach on an interim basis while UAB Athletics conducts a search,” a UAB spokesperson told USA Today. “UAB is committed to providing a safe, respectful and positive experience for our student athletes. We have no further comment on this employment matter.”
Sports Illustrated reported that Smatt’s behavior started when she became UAB’s head coach in 2024.
Someone who spoke to SI said they walked in on Smartt, a player and another person associated with the program in a compromising position.
Smartt allegedly maintained a relationship with a player and slept over at the player’s apartment, SI reported.
Smartt also allegedly punched one of her players twice during a series at East Carolina in March. The ex-coach also allegedly would “threaten to loosen their buttholes with her fingers.”
“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,” ECU athletic director Jon Gilbert wrote in an email.
Smartt’s offseason training was also brought into question, with players alleging she would make them push Shelnutt’s Toyota 4Runner, then sprint ahead of it to make it stop.
Smartt joined UAB after working as the associate head coach at FAU.
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