Kate Lucas Savage recalled her memory of being in a relationship with her 32-year-old high school softball coach, Corey, on a podcast, We’re All Insane.
Their relationship started in secrecy, but grew into years of manipulation, abuse, and silence from the adults who were supposed to protect her.
Kate played soccer and softball her whole life.
Her father was a little bit harder on her, especially with athletics and education, which made her fun experiences very stressful and intense moments.
He was a softball coach and would criticize her over and over again for the things that she had done wrong.
Also, see: Coach at Marty Indian School Allegedly Linked to Sexual Abuse, Grooming, and Corruption in Tribal Education Grants
Kate Opens Up About Grooming, Abuse by Her High School Coach
Canal Fulton, Ohio, resident Kate Lucas Savage spoke about the predatory relationship she endured with her high school softball coach, a relationship that began when she was just 16 and the coach was 32.
What started as a coach’s seemingly friendly support for a sophomore on the JV team slowly twisted into a pattern of manipulation and abuse.
Kate describes how the coach, Corey, first connected with her on social media, then began texting frequently, and eventually started spending one-on-one time with her outside of school.
The situation escalated during an overnight visit to Corey’s house.
She recalls being given alcohol and marijuana gummies before her first sexual experience with the coach, an event that remains hazy in her memory.
After that night, Corey declared they were in a relationship and emphasized that it must remain a secret.
The abuse continued for nearly three years.
Corey isolated Kate from her friends, controlled her social life, and even influenced her college plans, pushing her to play softball at a school that didn’t align with her academic goals.
Their relationship was marked by intense manipulation, with Corey positioning herself as Kate’s sole source of support.
However, rumors eventually swirled at school, leading to an administrative investigation in Kate’s senior year. Shockingly, the school district never contacted law enforcement or children’s services.
Corey was briefly placed on leave but was soon reinstated as a teacher, and then the abuse resumed more secretly.
Their relationship finally ended when Kate left for college, but the trauma lingered, affecting her mental health, relationships, and self-identity for years.
It wasn’t until a decade later, while in therapy and working as a prosecutor herself, that she found the strength to report the crimes to the police.
A thorough investigation followed, leading to Corey being indicted.
Despite showing no remorse and downplaying their relationship as a friendship in court evaluations, Corey ultimately pleaded guilty to a felony charge of endangering children.
She was sentenced to the maximum of three years in prison.
Kate hopes that by sharing her story, she brings awareness to the fact that women can be predators just as men can, and that abuse by a female authority figure is no less damaging or serious.
She also highlights the systemic failures that allowed the abuse to continue and encourages other survivors to seek justice, no matter how much time has passed.
Kate, I went to school with you briefly in middle school…I’m so sorry you had to go through this, but I am so proud of you for telling your story! From being raped by my brother for several years, then being in an abusive relationship from high school into my early adulthood, I’m so happy you are turning your story and chose to do and work in a field that helps so many ❤ you are so brave and empowering.
Taylor Hardy
