Taylor Smartt will not return as the college softball coach at UAB. She was officially fired for allegations of racism and abuse.
An independent investigation finally came to its conclusion after more than two months.
It is unclear as to how Smartt plans to proceed. Her career in college softball is likely over.
Taylor Smartt was found guilty of improper conduct and inappropriate behavior.
Taylor Smartt, 34, was placed on administrative leave at the end of April. She did not coach her team during the last five games of the regular season. Nor was she allowed to lead the program for the conference tournament. UAB opened a formal investigation shortly thereafter.
The allegations were four-fold. Smartt was accused of racism, physical and mental abuse, an inappropriate relationship with the program’s director of operations and a student-athlete, and violations of Title IX regulations.
Maren Angus-Coombs of Softball on SI spoke with four current student-athletes, one former student-athlete, four parents and a booster about the coach’s alleged behavior over the last two seasons. Smartt was hired in August of 2024. The problems started during a grueling (and demoralizing) training program during the preseason. They continued into the regular season.
Auburn Dupree played for Smartt in 2025. Her mother wrote the following email about the experience:
“Unfortunately, her senior year became a profoundly distressing experience that has had a lasting impact on her mentally […] Throughout that season, my daughter was repeatedly subjected to what I can only describe as mental and verbal abuse… There were deeply concerning remarks made by Coach Smartt regarding my daughter’s appearance, including racially insensitive comments about her braided hairstyle, which was referred to as ‘jailhouse braids.’ Such comments are unacceptable in any professional or educational setting.”
— Lindsey Dupree
Her email was just the tip of the iceberg. According to a formal complaint filed against Smartt to the university, a different player walked in on the head coach, her director of operations, and one of her teammates on the couch in a “compromising position.” The coach was also accused of sleeping over at the player’s place of residence.
If that was not awkward enough, it gets worse. Smartt was accused of punching one of her players, twice, and threatening physical punishment. Her players also accused her of withholding food as punishment for a loss. The full list of allegations, which was verified by an investigation, do not bode well for the now-former head coach.
Not only will Taylor Smartt not be allowed back at UAB, this likely marks the end of her career. It would be shocking if another program is willing to give her a second chance in the future.
UAB fired its college softball coach.
As first reported by Angus-Coombs of Softball on SI, the formal investigation finally came to an end on Thursday. University of Alabama at Birmingham athletic director Mark Ingram issued the following statement on behalf of the program:
Blazers, I know this time has not been easy, and I want to commend and thank you for the grace and patience you have demonstrated through this process. UAB has now completed a thorough, independent investigation.
Coach Smartt will not return to the program, and Anna Shelnutt will serve as head coach on an interim basis while we conduct a search. UAB is committed to providing a safe, respectful and positive experience for you. While I expect the program will be run with total professionalism going forward, please know that you can always come to me or share concerns you may have anonymously through the UAB Hotline.
I look forward to supporting you and the program as you and your teammates continue to grow as individuals and as a team. I am proud to have you at UAB.
A lawyer for the university also confirmed the results of her investigation.
Thank you for sharing your recent concerns related to the UAB softball program and for participating in the investigation process. UAB appreciates your willingness to come forward and has taken your concerns seriously, including, in part, by ensuring that an independent, thorough investigation was conducted. As you know, I have been investigating all of the concerns raised by you and other student-athletes and parents. I have now concluded my investigation, and I am writing to follow up on the outcome of the investigation.
Following a thorough investigation, I determined that 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. I have reported these findings to UAB.
I appreciate your cooperation throughout this process. Please remember that, although the investigation is complete, any form of retaliation for raising concerns or participating in this process remains strictly prohibited by UAB Policy.
As Ingram said, Shelnutt will serve as the interim head coach while the university conducts a formal coaching search. Shelnutt made two Women’s College World Series appearances during her playing career at Florida State from 2017-2021 and won a national title in 2018. She got her start in coaching at Troy. She joined Taylor Smartt’s staff at UAB in 2025.