Following a three-month investigation into misconduct allegations, University of Alabama Birmingham announced that softball coach Taylor Smartt will not return for the 2026-27 season.
According to ABC 3340, assistant coach Anna Shelnutt will serve as the interim head coach while UAB searches for a permanent replacement.
Related: UAB Softball Coach Steps Away Amid Allegations She Punched Player, Harassed Others
"UAB has now completed a thorough, independent investigation," said UAB athletics director Mark Ingram. "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."
Smartt coached her final game for UAB on April 24, when the Blazers took on South Florida. Then, Smartt missed the final five regular-season games and the American Conference tournament games while the independent investigation was conducted.
That investigation began after several current and former student-athletes alleged Smartt made racist remarks about a player's "jailhouse braids" hairstyle, engaged in physical and emotional abuse of players, conducted inappropriate relationships with a former staff member and a player, committed numerous NCAA violations, and “created a hostile environment that was unfit for student-athletes.” One allegation claimed Smartt punched a UAB student-athlete twice in a match against East Carolina.
The independent investigation confirmed these allegations, leading to Smartt’s permanent removal from the program.
In an email to student-athletes, Ingram wrote, “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, lease know you can always come to me or share concerns you may have anonymously through the UAB hotline.”
