Six Former Pitt Women's Basketball Players Sue Coach Tory Verdi

Lawsuit alleges hostile environment, psychological abuse, and retaliation against players who complained

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Six former players on the University of Pittsburgh women's basketball team have filed a lawsuit against head coach Tory Verdi and the university, claiming Verdi created a hostile environment, abused players psychologically, and retaliated against them after they complained about his behavior. The lawsuit alleges a pattern of public humiliation, verbal degradation, and inappropriate comments from Verdi, as well as attempts to sow racial division among team members.

Why it matters

This lawsuit raises serious concerns about the culture and conduct within the Pitt women's basketball program under Verdi's leadership. If the allegations are true, it could represent a significant failure by the university to properly address player welfare and uphold Title IX standards. The case also highlights the broader issue of abuse and misconduct in college sports, an area that has faced increased scrutiny in recent years.

The details

The six plaintiffs named in the lawsuit are Favor Ayodele, Raeven Boswell, Makayla Elmore, Brooklynn Miles, Isabella Perkins, and Jasmine Timmerson. The lawsuit alleges that Verdi subjected players to "public humiliation, verbal degradation, arbitrary reductions in playing time, exclusion from team activities, favoritism of other players, manipulation of player statistics and inappropriate commentary regarding plaintiff's physical appearance, emotional state, and performance." It also claims Verdi intentionally tried to create racial divisions on the team. Perkins alleges she was kicked off the team after making a complaint about Verdi's behavior.

  • The lawsuit was filed on Friday, February 10, 2026.
  • The alleged incidents occurred during the 2023-24 season.

The players

Tory Verdi

The head coach of the University of Pittsburgh women's basketball team, who is accused of creating a hostile environment and abusing players psychologically.

University of Pittsburgh

The university that is being sued along with Verdi by the six former players.

Favor Ayodele

One of the six former Pitt players who is suing Verdi and the university.

Raeven Boswell

One of the six former Pitt players who is suing Verdi and the university.

Makayla Elmore

One of the six former Pitt players who is suing Verdi and the university.

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What they’re saying

“This case is not about the X's and O's of coaching. Some of his actions go beyond sports. This went beyond the bounds of decency. We're looking for Pitt to do the right thing to make sure other players don't have the same experience.”

— Keenan Holmes, Attorney for the six former players (Pittsburgh TribLive)

“The university is aware of these lawsuits and their allegations, which are without merit and will be vigorously defended.”

— Jared Stonesifer, University spokesman (on3.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the urgent need for colleges and universities to prioritize player welfare and foster healthy, supportive environments within their athletic programs. The allegations against Verdi and Pitt raise serious questions about the school's commitment to upholding Title IX standards and protecting student-athletes from abuse.