Stacy Ann Galema, a 35-year-old soccer coach and secretary at Marshalltown High School in Iowa, was arrested on November 13, 2025.
Police say she had a sexual relationship with a student that lasted from 2014 to 2019.
The case has people talking, especially about whether female offenders get lighter treatment than men. Many are calling it unfair soccer coach punishment.
The Marshalltown Police Department started investigating on November 7 after a tip. Officers found evidence of an ongoing inappropriate relationship.
Galema now faces three charges: two counts of sexual exploitation by a school employee (one felony and one misdemeanor) and one count of lascivious conduct with a minor.
She is being held in Marshall County Jail on a total bond of just $8,000.
The Marshalltown Community School District acted fast.
They placed Galema on administrative leave the moment they became aware of the allegations. In a public statement, the district said:
“The Marshalltown Community School District has been made aware by the Marshalltown Police Department of an allegation involving a current staff member regarding an inappropriate relationship with a former student. Upon learning of this information, the district immediately placed the employee on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The district is fully cooperating with law enforcement as they continue their work. Because this is an active investigation, and to protect the privacy rights of all individuals involved, the district cannot share additional details at this time. The Marshalltown Community School District takes any allegation of misconduct seriously. The safety and security of our students are our top priorities, and we remain committed to maintaining a learning environment built on trust and respect.”
Via Facebook
Galema was not just a high school coach. She also worked as an assistant women’s soccer coach at Marshalltown Community College in the past. The college has not commented yet.
News Spread Online About Punishing Soccer Coaches For Their Actions
Lisa PearsonCox wrote on social media:
“It’s really sick to me that it seems female offenders don’t get the same punishment as men. Once again the charges will probably be dropped down to an ankle bracelet. We teach our kids to be respectful to people in authority who misuse their authority to groom them. They should pay the ultimate. All because they aren’t getting attention from grown men they prey on children. Just sick.”
Via Facebook
Debbie Davis added:
“A lot of teachers this year are so miss-outlined on their behavior. They should be sick to themselves but they’re not.”
Via Facebook
Patti Ziegler, a former student, shared her shock:
“Holy hell. At MHS or any teacher I ever interacted with on every level were respected by me; that respect went both ways; I think. As an adult, if I see one of those teachers, it is funny, I have a hard time using their first name to acknowledge them. There are those I might even hug, cuz they put up with our shenanigans. Times sure have changed… and not necessarily for the better.”
Via Facebook
Not everyone believes the accusations. Andrew Thelen, who says he worked closely with Galema, defended her:
“Honestly as someone who worked with her and knows her VERY well, I say there is NO way I believe she did something like this, but anyone is possible of anything. I have always thought of her as a person that is kind, compassionate and understanding. She is as professional as they come. I am starting to think this is more of an issue with the kids accusing teachers/admins because retaliation.”
Via Facebook
The $8,000 bond is what upset many people the most. In similar cases involving male coaches, bonds are often set at much higher amounts, sometimes exceeding $100,000.
Critics argue that this demonstrates a double standard in the punishment of soccer coaches.
Female teachers accused of abusing students often get lower bonds, lighter charges, or plea deals that avoid jail time.
In Galema’s case, the relationship lasted five years. That means the abuse started when the student was likely 13 or 14 years old.
Yet the bond is low enough that she could be out of jail within days if she pays 10%, just $800 in cash.
Parents and advocates are calling for equal punishment of soccer coaches, regardless of gender.
They want mandatory minimum sentences for any school employee who abuses a student.
Some say bonds should be set based on the length of the abuse, not the offender’s gender.
For now, Marshalltown is left shaken. A trusted coach is behind bars.
A former student carries trauma. And the community debates whether justice will truly be served.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Stacy also volunteered with Marshalltown High School’s athletics program for several years.
- Along with her high school studies, she worked as a stenographer and captioner, and volunteered at the Marshalltown Area Soccer Club and with Meals on Wheels.
