Ex-USWNT coach Jill Ellis accused of fostering abusive environment with NWSLs San Diego Wave

Former San Diego Wave employee Brittany Alvarado accused team president Jill Ellis of fostering an environment “devastating” to workers’ mental healthAlvarado, who was the club’s video and creative manager, released a statement on Wednesday via X where she made allegations against the organization and the former two-time World Cup champion USWNT coach.“Despite its public proclamations, the organization often perpetuated discrimination against women and demonstrated a complete disregard for their long-term mental health,” Alvarado wrote.

“Despite my unwavering dedication to my job and the sport of women’s soccer, I found myself trapped in an environment where my mental health was relentlessly compromised.It became agonizingly clear that to protect my well-being, I had no choice but to walk away from my dream job with Wave FC.” “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 added.

Alvarado, who began working for the club in March 2023, alleged that nearly 75 percent of the 30-plus employees who were fired or quit since the inaugural season in 2022 were women.She also claimed that Ellis has “no place in this game.” “She prioritizes personal gain over employee well-being, fostering an environment that enables abusive behavior,” Alvarado wrote.The Wave quickly denied the allegations with a statement on their social media accounts, defending the former USWNT head coach.“San Diego FC has been made aware of a recent social media post by a former employee that contains inaccurate and defamatory statements about the club.“Not only does the post contain a fabricated email, but the claims made therein are categorically false, including the ones directed at our President Jill Ellis.”The club added that they are “currently reviewing this situation” and intend on pursuing “all legal avenues availabl...