Student Sues St. Andrew's School Over Soccer Injury

Lawsuit alleges school negligence led to serious head injury during practice

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A student at St. Andrew's School in Boca Raton, Florida has filed a lawsuit against the private school, alleging she sustained serious injuries when a soccer goal post struck her head during a practice session. The lawsuit claims the school failed to properly maintain the equipment and adequately supervise the students, creating an unreasonably dangerous condition.

Why it matters

This case highlights the responsibility schools have to ensure the safety of their students, especially during athletic activities. The lawsuit raises questions about equipment maintenance protocols, supervision policies, and potential liability for schools when students are injured on campus.

The details

According to the lawsuit, the incident occurred on February 7, 2024 during a preseason soccer practice at St. Andrew's School. The plaintiff, Harper Beck, was a minor at the time and was instructed by Coach Matthew Bellando to help move a soccer goal. While the students were relocating the equipment, the goal allegedly broke, and a portion of the goal post struck Beck in the head, causing significant injuries.

  • The incident occurred on February 7, 2024 during a preseason soccer practice at St. Andrew's School.
  • The lawsuit was filed in Palm Beach County Circuit Court in 2026.

The players

Harper Beck

A former student at St. Andrew's School who was allegedly seriously injured when a soccer goal post struck her head during a practice session.

St. Andrew's School

A private school in Boca Raton, Florida that is facing a lawsuit over the alleged injury to a student during a soccer practice.

Matthew Bellando

The coach at St. Andrew's School who allegedly instructed the students, including Harper Beck, to move the soccer goal that subsequently broke and struck Beck.

Brandon Sapp Law Firm

The law firm representing Harper Beck in the lawsuit against St. Andrew's School.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold schools accountable when their negligence leads to serious student injuries. St. Andrew's had a responsibility to ensure the safety of their athletic equipment and properly supervise these activities.”

— Brandon Sapp, Attorney, Brandon Sapp Law Firm

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on the school's response to the lawsuit and whether the case will proceed to trial.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the importance of school safety protocols, especially around athletic activities, and the potential legal consequences schools may face if they fail to properly maintain equipment and supervise students.