The head coach of the women’s soccer team at the University of Texas Permian Basin is facing allegations of misconduct and inappropriate behavior. Carla Tejas, 28, has been placed on administrative leave after being accused by a group of players of kissing students and requesting bail money from players following a DWI arrest.
Tejas was arrested on September 11th for DWI, prompting concerns among team members who sent a letter to the university, NCAA, and conference officials, as reported by KMID. The players chose to remain anonymous due to fears of retaliation.
The letter detailed various allegations, including illegal activities, NCAA violations, and inappropriate conduct. Some players claimed that Tejas’ actions led to mental distress and self-harm among students. Allegations against Tejas also included asking players to assist in paying her bail after the DWI arrest, kissing male soccer team members in public, providing alcohol to players, and encouraging players to harm opponents.
Kayler Smith of KMID’s ABC Big 2 Sports summarized some of the allegations in a series of tweets. These included concerns about the eligibility of a player, Martina Terra-Garcia, and accusations that Tejas did not offer support to a player who suffered a stroke in a timely manner, resulting in the player seeking counseling.
Players also mentioned incidents where some received preferential treatment while others were left to watch film on their own time. Suspension punishments were reportedly unevenly applied, leading to the suspension of nine players.
Tejas was accused of re-entering a game in disguise after being ejected and using a walkie-talkie to continue coaching. Despite her arrest, she was allowed to continue coaching as there were no DUI policies in place by the university or the NCAA, according to KMID.
Former players also came forward with troubling experiences under Tejas’ coaching, with one disclosing that Tejas’ actions led her to contemplate suicide. Another former player mentioned attempting suicide due to the treatment received from Tejas and another individual.
Tejas is currently in her first season coaching the women’s soccer team at Permian Basin after previously coaching at Louisiana Christian College.
