The head coach of the women’s soccer team at the University of Texas Permian Basin is facing serious allegations that have led to her being placed on administrative leave. Players from the team anonymously reported that the coach, Carla Tejas, engaged in inappropriate behavior such as kissing students and asking them to contribute to her bail after her arrest for driving while intoxicated.
After Tejas’ arrest on September 11th, team members were concerned that the university might overlook the incident and hence sent a letter to the school, NCAA, and conference officials expressing their worries.
In the lengthy letter, the players detailed various accusations against Tejas, including engaging in illegal activities, NCAA violations, and personal misconduct. The students opted to remain anonymous due to fears of possible retaliation.
Allegations against Tejas range from asking players to help pay her bail following her DWI arrest to inappropriate physical interactions with members of the men’s soccer team. The letter also mentioned instances of Tejas providing alcohol to minors and encouraging players to harm opponents.
Notable sports director Kayler Smith highlighted some of the allegations on Twitter, including concerns about the eligibility of a player who allegedly did not meet all requirements to play.
The players expressed how Tejas’ actions had significantly impacted their mental well-being, with some reporting experiencing mental distress and resorting to self-harm. They also raised concerns about preferential treatment given to certain players and inequalities in disciplinary actions.
In addition, there were claims that Tejas abruptly re-entered a game from which she was ejected, disguised herself, and continued coaching using a walkie-talkie.
Despite the allegations and Tejas’ arrest, she was allowed to continue coaching as there were no specific DUI policies in place by the university or the NCAA at the time.
Former players from Belhaven University, where Tejas previously coached, shared harrowing experiences, with some stating that they were pushed to the point of attempting suicide due to the coach’s behavior.
Tejas, who is in her first season coaching at Permian Basin, had coached at Louisiana Christian College before her current position.
