Former top junior tennis player, Kylie McKenzie, has been awarded an astounding $9 million in damages as a result of her lawsuit against the US Tennis Association (USTA). The lawsuit, filed in Florida, alleged that the governing body failed to protect her from a coach who she claims sexually abused her at one of its training centers.
McKenzie, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 33 in 2016, accused Anibal Aranda, a USTA coach, of sexually assaulting her when she was 19 years old. In her statement on Tuesday, McKenzie expressed her satisfaction with the outcome of the case, stating, “I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. I feel validated. It was very hard, but I feel now that it was all worth it. I hope I can be an example for other girls to speak out even when it’s difficult.”
The lawsuit also claimed that the USTA negligently failed to protect McKenzie from sexual assaults and was negligent in retaining Aranda as a coach, despite knowing about his misconduct. The jury awarded McKenzie £3 million in compensation and an additional £6 million in punitive damages on Monday.
Amy Judkins, McKenzie’s lawyer, expressed satisfaction with the jury’s decision, emphasizing that punitive damages send the correct message to sports organizations to take necessary steps to protect the athletes under their banner.
In response to the verdict, USTA spokesperson Chris Widmaier stated that the organization intends to appeal the decision. While expressing sympathy for McKenzie and acknowledging the coach’s misconduct, Widmaier expressed the USTA’s deep concern about the court’s ruling. He highlighted that the court’s decision to hold the USTA liable for its employee’s failure to report her experience with the coach sets an unreasonable expectation for victims and may deter them from coming forward in the future.
Widmaier further announced that the USTA is undergoing a review of its safeguarding policies and procedures. The organization has enlisted the assistance of two lawyers from a Washington-based firm to investigate how the USTA can ensure the safety of athletes from abuse and improve its response to reports of misconduct.
McKenzie’s case not only highlights the prevalence of abuse in sports but also underscores the importance of organizations proactively safeguarding the well-being of their athletes. The outcome of this lawsuit sends a strong message to sports organizations about the need to prioritize the safety and protection of the individuals under their care. Despite the USTA’s intention to appeal the verdict, the case serves as a pivotal moment for addressing the issue of sexual abuse in sports and advocating for the protection of athletes.
In conclusion, the outcome of Kylie McKenzie’s case against the USTA is a significant victory for athlete protection and highlights the responsibility that sports organizations have in ensuring the safety and well-being of their athletes. The case also underscores the need for continued efforts to address and prevent sexual abuse in sports, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for athletes.