Bart-Carin Taylor posted a message on her Facebook page, originally written by Marie Kiprono, a Kokomo High School alumna and former athlete.
Her post sheds light on serious allegations of abuse, bullying, and emotional harm within the Kokomo High School softball program.
She called out the leadership of Coach Candace Steve and the school’s failure to act.
By sharing Kiprono’s words, Bart-Carin helped amplify the voices of the affected athletes and demanded accountability and change.
Kokomo Softball Coach Allegedly Body-Shamed Players, Used Verbal Abuse, And Caused Emotional Harm!
In her post, Bart-Carin Taylor described disturbing incidents reported by multiple student-athletes and their families.
She detailed serious allegations against Coach Steve, including verbal abuse, body-shaming, and emotional harm.
Players were allegedly called degrading names like “little b**ches” and “fu**ing b**ch,” including those recovering from injuries.
One athlete was so emotionally affected by body-shaming that she cried the entire way home and missed school the next day.
When eight varsity letter winners tried to report these issues through official channels, they were dismissed at every level, from the Athletic Director to the school district.
Moreover, one student was even pulled from class and interrogated alone by two adults over texts from the coach.
Despite two Department of Child Services reports being filed, no action was taken.
Bart concluded her post with a call to action, urging the community to cancel games and demand accountability.
She stands in solidarity with the players who refuse to return for the 2025 season.
In the following Facebook post, many commenters expressed outrage and support for the players.
One of the Facebook users called the coach’s behavior abusive, damaging, and disgusting, saying:
You are
right to not only speak up, but to also demand action!! This is abusive and SO damaging!! I am praying that the administration will listen, seek to understand, and make some MUCH needed changes!!
Likewise, some suggested organizing a petition and contacting the superintendent, saying:
That’s awful to hear. Maybe get a petition and go to the superintendent. I hope she loses her job and is replaced with someone that cares about teamwork and creating a positive environment supporting young women. I support you.
While others emphasized the importance of standing together and demanding change, and said:
So glad everyone is standing together about the abuse and the bullying of these young athletes. So sad and very disturbing that the school has not done anything about this coach. Hope you all get to be heard soon and something is done.
The overwhelming response showed that many people are ready to stand in support of the young women and push for a safer, more respectful environment.
Mentors in schools must uplift, not Sabotage; there is no place for abuse in education and sports.
