Former San Diego Wave Employee Accuses Team President of Toxic WorkplaceFormer San Diego Wave Employee Accuses Team President of Toxic Workplace Brittany Alvarado, a former employee of the San Diego Wave soccer club, has come forward with allegations of a hostile work environment created by team president Jill Ellis. Allegations of Mental Health Neglect and Discrimination In a statement released through X, Alvarado accused Ellis of creating an atmosphere that was “destructive” to employees’ mental health. She claimed that despite the club’s public commitments to diversity and inclusion, discrimination against women was pervasive. Alvarado asserted that nearly 75% of the over 30 employees who had been laid off or resigned since the Wave’s inaugural season were women. She also criticized Ellis for prioritizing personal gain over the well-being of staff. Ellis Denies Accusations The Wave swiftly refuted the allegations, asserting that they were “false and defamatory” and contained “a fabricated email.” The club threatened to pursue legal action. Support from Former Employees Two other former Wave employees corroborated Alvarado’s claims of an unhealthy workplace environment. Bernadette O’Donnell, the former senior communications director, reported being fired after seeking help for her mental health struggles. Past Allegations Against Ellis These allegations against Ellis are not isolated incidents. In 2020, former USWNT player Sydney Leroux criticized Ellis’s coaching style and questioned her ability to foster a positive mental health environment. Ellis’s name also appeared in the 2022 Yates Report on abuse in the NWSL, where she was reportedly informed of alleged misconduct by coaches but failed to take action. Response from Players and League USWNT and San Diego Wave forward Alex Morgan expressed disappointment in the allegations and vowed to advocate for workplace equity. The NWSL has not yet publicly commented on the matter. Ongoing Investigation The Wave has stated that it is reviewing the situation and will take appropriate action. The allegations raise serious concerns about the club’s workplace culture and the broader issue of mental health in women’s soccer.
Former San Diego Wave employee Brittany Alvarado accused team president Jill Ellis of creating an environment that is “destructive” to employees’ mental health.
Alvarado, the club’s video and creative director, released a statement through X on Wednesday leveling accusations against the organization and the former two-time world champion U.S. national team member.
For those who have suffered abuse.
For those who are afraid to speak.
I see you and I will fight for you.This is for you.
The time for accountability in the @nwsl is now. photo.twitter.com/ljdC1XUHCQ
— Brittany Alvarado (@bavacado2) July 3, 2024
“Despite its public statements, the organization often continued to perpetuate discrimination against women and showed a complete disregard for their long-term mental health,” Alvarado wrote.
“Despite my unwavering dedication to my job and the sport of women’s football, I was trapped in an environment where my mental health was being relentlessly compromised. It became painfully clear that to protect my wellbeing, I had no choice but to give up my dream job at Wave FC.”
“On behalf of myself and my former colleagues, I can say that the treatment we have endured under club president Jill Ellis has been nothing short of life-changing and devastating to our mental health,” she added.
Ellis reacts during a U.S. press conference during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France at Stade Oceane on June 19, 2019 in Le Havre, France. Getty Images US Women’s World Cup coach Jill Ellis during the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France. REUTERS
Alvarado, who joined the club in March 2023, claimed that nearly 75 percent of the more than 30 employees who have been laid off or resigned since the first season in 2022 were women.
She also claimed that Ellis “has no place in this game.”
“She prioritizes personal gain over the well-being of her employees and creates an environment that enables abuse,” Alvarado wrote.
The Wave quickly denied the allegations with a statement on their social media accounts, defending the former head coach of the U.S. national team.
“San Diego FC has been made aware of a recent social media post by a former employee that contains false and defamatory statements about the club.
“Not only does the post contain a fabricated email, but the claims made in it are categorically false, including the claims directed at our President Jill Ellis.”
The club added that they are “currently reviewing this situation” and intend to “pursue all available legal avenues to address this matter appropriately.”
The San Diego Wave FC team gathers for the match against the Chicago Red Stars at Snapdragon Stadium. Julia Kapros-USA TODAY Sports
Two former Wave employees also came forward on X to support Alvardo’s claims of an unhealthy work environment.
Bernadette O’Donnell, the team’s former senior communications director, claimed she was fired shortly after a conversation with her boss because she “had no hope for her life and didn’t want to live most of the time” due to the “unhealthy work environment.”
Casey Stoney was fired as the Wave’s head coach on June 24 after a disappointing 3-2-6 mark in 2024.
Stoney expressed her regret on social media that she “didn’t get the time to bring a championship to San Diego.”
Former San Diego Wave FC head coach Casey Stoney. Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Alvarado expressed her admiration for the collaboration with Stoney and highlighted her positive impact on the club.
“It was an honor to work with the team’s players and coaching staff, especially former head coach Casey Stoney,” Alvarado said in her post. “Casey was an influential leader who always cared for others, commanded the locker room, and inspired me as an LGBTQ+ member.”
“Now is the time for accountability in the @nwsl,” Alvarado also wrote, demanding the league take immediate action and fire Ellis.
These are not the first allegations against Ellis, who led the U.S. national team to back-to-back World Cup championships during her five-year tenure from 2014 to 2019.
Former USWNT player Sydney Leroux dribbles during a friendly match ahead of the 2015 World Cup. AFP/Getty Images
In 2020, former USWNT player Sydney Leroux, who currently plays for Angel City FC, told “The Crack Podcast” that she “liked” (Ellis) as a person, but not as a coach.
“We won despite (Ellis). She’s not good for people’s mental health, that’s for sure. The best thing was that she went,” Leroux added during her appearance on the podcast.
Ellis was also named multiple times in the 2022 Yates Report for allegations of abusive behavior in the NWSL and professional women’s soccer.
Ellis and former U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati were told by the USWNT that the NWSL coaches had engaged in abusive behavior, the report found. However, no action was taken against the coaches until the Yates report was released.
Ultimately, four coaches were banned from the NWSL by us, although Ellis saw no penalties resulting from the report.
USWNT legend and San Diego forward Alex Morgan was quick to respond to the situation on social media on Wednesday.
Alex Morgan for her club team, San Diego Wave FC Abe Arredondo-USA TODAY Sports
“I am disappointed to hear of the allegations made today by multiple former Wave FC employees,” she wrote on X.
“As players, we’ve worked hard to build a team that is surrounded by an inclusive, positive, and safe environment. But it’s important to me that we create that environment for both players AND staff throughout the organization,” Morgan continued. “Workplace equity is something I’ve advocated for and will continue to advocate for. I want to be proud of what we’re building at the Wave, but it’s clear there’s still so much work to be done.”
The Wave, currently ranked 10th in the NWSL, will play the Portland Thorns on Friday night.
