A prestigious New York university faces explosive legal action after a former student athlete accused the institution of turning a blind eye to systematic abuse within its women's lacrosse programme.
Lawsuit Details a Culture of Fear and Injury
On Monday, attorneys filed a lawsuit in the New York County Supreme Court on behalf of Amelia Cunningham, a 2024 Colgate University graduate and former lacrosse player. The legal documents present a damning picture of her time under head coach Kathy Taylor, alleging a toxic environment where overtrained athletes were pushed to the point of injury, harassed, and forced to play while hurt.
The suit claims Coach Taylor "abused her student athletes and treated injuries as moral failures." It states that Cunningham was repeatedly compelled to play through injuries and was actively discouraged from seeking necessary surgery. By the time she finally underwent an operation, the damage was too significant to fully repair.
Cunningham has since endured five surgeries for her lacrosse-related injuries. The court filings reveal she now lives with chronic pain and numbness in her wrists, which has shattered her ambition of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
Mental Health Toll and Institutional Failure
The alleged abuse extended beyond the physical. According to the lawsuit, Cunningham was later diagnosed with major depressive disorder and a stressor-related disorder, largely caused by her experiences on the team. The legal claim also states that Cunningham attempted suicide in 2022 as a result of her declining mental health.
The suit suggests her case was not isolated. It notes that at least 20 players left the team during Taylor's five-year tenure, which began in 2019. Shockingly, three former players are believed to have attempted suicide.
"Colgate knew the danger that Coach Taylor posed," Cunningham asserted in the lawsuit. "Over and over again, students and parents sounded the alarm." The legal action accuses the university of conducting an inadequate investigation into allegations against Taylor before clearing her of any wrongdoing.
Aftermath and Unanswered Questions
Kathy Taylor resigned from her position in 2024, with two years remaining on her contract. In a statement at the time, she said it was time for a change in leadership and described the team culture as "healthy with a positive mindset." During her tenure, she led the Colgate Raiders to three Patriot League tournament appearances.
The lawsuit seeks accountability and damages for the alleged physical and psychological harm suffered. It paints a troubling portrait of a university athletics department allegedly prioritising performance over player welfare.
Colgate University has been approached for comment regarding the allegations. Attempts to reach Kathy Taylor for a statement have been unsuccessful. The case continues to develop in the New York courts.
