Former Pitt Women's Basketball Players Allege Abusive, Toxic Coaching

Six ex-players file Title IX lawsuits against coach Tory Verdi and the University of Pittsburgh

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Six former players on the University of Pittsburgh women's basketball team have filed lawsuits alleging abusive coaching methods by head coach Tory Verdi, including attempts to force players into the transfer portal and threatening their academic and athletic futures. The players say their efforts to seek help from Verdi's supervisors were ignored.

Why it matters

The allegations against Coach Verdi and the University of Pittsburgh raise serious concerns about the treatment of student-athletes and the failure to address reported abuse, which could have lasting impacts on the players' mental health and academic/athletic careers.

The details

According to the lawsuits, Coach Verdi engaged in a pattern of abusive behavior, including telling players "Every night I lay in bed I want to kill myself because of you" and "I don't like you as a player, but I'd let my son date you." The coach also allegedly divided the team by race and had them face off in practice. Some of the players are now seeking counseling or therapy, and others have requested a redshirt year due to mental health issues.

  • The lawsuits were filed on Friday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Tory Verdi

The head coach of the University of Pittsburgh women's basketball team, who is accused of abusive coaching methods in the lawsuits.

Favor Ayodele

A former Pitt player who is now at Grand Canyon University.

Raeven Boswell

A former Pitt player who left the team but stayed at the university to finish her degree.

Isabella Perkins

A former Pitt player who is now a student at Boston College.

Jasmine Timmerson

A former Pitt player who is now playing for Davidson College.

MaKayla Elmore

A former Pitt player who had transferred to the university for her senior year.

Brooklynn Miles

A former Pitt player who had transferred to the university for her senior year.

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What’s next

The University of Pittsburgh has stated it will vigorously defend against the allegations in the lawsuits. The former players are seeking an acknowledgment that the university violated their civil rights under Title IX, the restoration of their school records and reputations, and compensatory and punitive damages.

The takeaway

The allegations against Coach Verdi and the University of Pittsburgh highlight the need for greater accountability and oversight when it comes to the treatment of student-athletes, especially in high-profile college sports programs. The failure to address reported abuse can have serious consequences for the mental health and well-being of the players involved.