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

Lawsuit alleges Title IX violations, emotional and physical abuse by coach

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Six former players of the University of Pittsburgh women's basketball team have filed separate federal lawsuits against the school and head coach Tory Verdi. The lawsuits allege Title IX violations, as well as emotional, psychological, and physical abuse by Verdi during his tenure as head coach.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of student-athletes, particularly women's sports programs, and the need for robust Title IX enforcement to ensure equal opportunities and fair treatment. The allegations, if proven true, could have significant implications for the university's athletics program and the coaching staff.

The details

The six former players - Favor Ayodele, Raeven Boswell, Makayla Elmore, Brooklynn Miles, Isabella Perkins, and Jasmine Timmerson - allege that Verdi "used his position of authority to engage in emotionally abusive conduct, retaliation, and psychological manipulation" that created a "hostile, discriminatory, and retaliatory environment." The lawsuits cite several specific incidents, including Verdi telling the team "Every night I lay in bed I want to kill myself because of you," making "xenophobic and culturally insensitive remarks" toward a foreign-born player, and mocking a player's appearance and weight.

  • In the 2023-24 season, Verdi's first with the Panthers, the alleged incidents began.
  • The lawsuits were filed on February 10, 2026.

The players

Tory Verdi

The head coach of the University of Pittsburgh women's basketball team, who is accused of Title IX violations and abusive behavior toward players.

Favor Ayodele, Raeven Boswell, Makayla Elmore, Brooklynn Miles, Isabella Perkins, Jasmine Timmerson

Six former players of the University of Pittsburgh women's basketball team who have filed separate federal lawsuits against the school and Verdi.

University of Pittsburgh

The school that is being sued by the former players for Title IX violations and failing to properly address the alleged abusive behavior by coach Verdi.

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What’s next

The University of Pittsburgh has stated it will vigorously defend against the lawsuits. The court will determine whether the allegations have merit and if the university and coach Verdi violated Title IX and engaged in abusive behavior.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring equal treatment and opportunities for women's sports programs, even at the collegiate level. The allegations, if proven true, could have significant consequences for the university's athletics department and raise broader questions about the culture and accountability within college sports.