The Alcorn (Miss.) State University this week made the decision to cancel its 2024 women's soccer season amid low roster numbers and allegations by a number of players of possible Title IX violations against the program.
The school reportedly acknowledged to the Clarion Ledger that it didn't have enough players to field a team, while also confirming the existence of two letters that contain allegations of possible Title IX violations.
The HBCU of around 3,000 students located near Lorman, Miss., also faces sanctions from the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
"Our previous interim head coach left the university, and we had a short period of time to recruit additional players after the new soccer coach arrived," Alcorn State interim vice president of marketing and communication Maxine Greenleaf said in an email to the Clarion Ledger.
The Ledger obtained a copt of one of the letter, which was signed by 15 current and former players. The letter contained two pages worth of mistreatment claims that the players allege "may be considered Title IX violations."
The allegations include facilities with "no running hot water for athletes or coaches," and "bats and snakes in showers and locker room;" promised soccer equipment, like cleats, that were never fulfilled; and a training room "understaffed and not compliant with numerous undergraduate students attending and performing medical treatments with no experience or training."
According to Greenleaf, an investigation began on Sept. 13, and "the university developed a plan of action to address each issue outlined in the letters."
The Southwestern Athletic Conference has sanctioned Alcorn State over its cancellation of its season.
“The Southwestern Athletic Conference has been formally notified that Alcorn State University will cancel the 2024 Women’s Soccer season,” the SWAC wrote in a statement. “Alcorn State University has been sanctioned in accordance with the SWAC Constitution, Bylaws and Sports Regulations. We look forward to the return of Alcorn State Lady Braves Soccer as one of ten participating member institutions in the sport of Women’s Soccer within the Southwestern Athletic Conference.”
