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Former Utah Royals goalkeeper Carly Nelson alleged in a social media post on Friday that she endured emotional and psychological abuse during her time with the club in 2024.
“Taking mental health leave back in May wasn’t optional for me,” she wrote in a statement on Instagram. “It was the only way to survive the relentless toxicity I was subjected to.”
Nelson is from Utah and joined the Royals via trade in late 2023. She played in only one game for the Royals – the team’s 2-0 loss to the Chicago Red Stars in the opening match, when starter Mandy McGlynn was suspended due to a red card received in the 2023 final.
Nelson said in Friday’s post that she endured “public retaliation from the coaches responsible” when she sought mental health support. Nelson did not name any coaches, although she said in her statement that some of those allegedly responsible were eventually removed.
The Royals issued the following statement late on Friday:
“Utah Royals FC prides itself in creating a positive and supportive experience for our players and staff. We take any allegations counter to this with the utmost seriousness and urgency. We were saddened to learn of a former player’s experience.
“Everyone deserves safe and supportive environments on and off the field of play. Our goal is to enable our athletes, our staff and employees to enjoy a nurturing, healthy and respectful workplace for all.”
Nelson is no longer with the team after her contract was not renewed this offseason.
Utah underwent major changes only a few months into the season.
The Royals returned to the NWSL in 2024 after a three-year hiatus and hired former player Amy Rodriguez as head coach. Rodriguez was fired in June as the expansion team sat at the bottom of the NWSL table. Royals goalkeeper coach Maryse Bard-Martel was also fired in June.
Club president at the time, Michelle Hyncik, who played high school soccer with Rodriguez and hired Rodriguez for the Royals job, “[transitioned] to a new opportunity” at the time of those firings.
Utah improved on the field in the second half of the year under Jimmy Coenraets, who was elevated from interim coach to full-time head coach in October. The Royals finished 11th in the league, tied on points with San Diego Wave FC.
Nelson said in the caption of her Instagram post that, “This is merely a fraction of it. I eventually will share the full thing. For now this is what I can say.”
She said in her statement that organizations often exploit women to profit off of their talents.
“When they prioritize power over people, abuse thrives unchecked.”
