USA 
United Kingdom
San Diego Wave FC, a leading National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team, has refuted allegations from a former employee of a toxic workplace where discrimination is “perpetuated” and mental health is “completely disregarded.”
The organization released a statement Wednesday denying the claims.
“San Diego Wave FC has been made aware of a recent social media post by a former employee that contains inaccurate and defamatory statements about the club,” it said. “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."
Brittany Alvarado, the former videographer for the soccer club, shared a social media post on Wednesday in which she claimed working under the club president was “life-altering” and “devastating” to the mental health of employees, adding that Ellis fostered an environment where abusive behaviors flourished.
AI in Hiring: Trends, Insights and Predictions
As AI revolutionizes the recruitment life cycle at warp speed, HR leaders must stay informed about AI’s advantages and its current shortcomings.
How can we adopt these tools to stay competitive and efficient while retaining the human touch that remains critical to optimizing candidate experience, making informed decisions, and, ultimately, building strong teams and cultures?
That is our industry’s biggest challenge as we navigate this new terrain. We hope these insights, tips, and predictions will help drive innovation and excellence in your hiring practice.
In its statement, the organization said it will take action against Alvarado, who resigned last month.
“San Diego Wave FC currently is reviewing this situation and it intends to pursue all legal avenues available to appropriately address this matter," it asserted.
Former employee alleges discrimination & widespread fear
Alvarado’s post leveled multiple accusations against the Wave, arguing the club does not live up to the principles of “equity, championing women and minorities in leadership, and prioritizing mental health and well-being” on which it was founded.
"Despite its public proclamations, the organization often perpetuated discrimination against women and demonstrated complete disregard for their long-term mental health," Alvarado claimed.
“Since the team's inception, over 30 employees have been fired or quit, 75% of them being women, underscoring the deep issues within the club," the post continued. “Sadly, many of these employees are hesitant to speak publicly about their experiences, reflecting the widespread fear surrounding these issues.”
Alvarado called on the NWSL to remove Ellis from her post at San Diego Wave, and from the league in its entirety, to “finally protect the staff and players they have neglected and ignored for far too long.”
Club president refutes toxic culture claims
Ellis has also released a statement denying the accusations, arguing the club is committed to “fostering a culture of respect, inclusivity, and excellence,” and that mental health is a “priority” with support measures including an employee assistance program in place.
“The false accusations in today’s post are not only personally damaging but also take away from the incredible work and progress we've achieved together as a team. It's important to address this information promptly and effectively,” Ellis wrote, adding that any allegations of mistreatment are investigated thoroughly.
“In addition, when appropriate, independent third parties have assisted us in evaluating our workplace,” she continued. “At no time have those evaluations uncovered any wrongdoing by the club.”
Ellis argued the organization has “actively responded to employees who have shown or expressed needs related to their mental health.”
However, Alvarado’s post prompted Jenny Chuang, a freelance photographer for the Wave, to share a statement in which she alleged while at the club in 2022, she was placed on suicide watch and “begged for help” from the club but was instead pressured to resign as her mental health declined.
“After a failed attempt, I left to save myself,” she wrote. "It breaks my heart that nothing has changed in the past 2 years,” though clarified that her former boss is no longer with the Wave.
Current Wave striker, captain, and employee Alex Morgan, who has 224 caps for the US Women’s National Team, said she was “disappointed” by the allegations.
“As players, we have worked hard to build a team that is surrounded by an inclusive, positive and safe environment,” she wrote. "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."
A statement by The NWSL also addressed the allegations, emphasizing that “the safety, health, and well-being of everyone associated with our league is our highest priority."
The league, similar to the Wave, says it investigates any allegations thoroughly including through independent investigators with corrective action where necessary.
