A tennis player was awarded $9 million in damages by a jury in federal court in Florida after accusing the U.S. Tennis Association of failing to protect her from a coach she said sexually abused her at one of its training centers when she was a teenager. The lawsuit, filed by Kylie McKenzie in March 2022, alleged that Anibal Aranda, a former USTA coach, used his position to gain access to vulnerable female athletes and commit sexual battery against them. McKenzie, now 25, achieved a career-high ranking of No. 33 in 2016 as a junior player and had victories over top players like Sofia Kenin and Tamara Zidansek.
The jury awarded McKenzie $3 million in compensation and $6 million in punitive damages on Monday. In response to the verdict, McKenzie expressed happiness and a sense of validation, stating that she hopes her case can serve as an example for other girls to speak out even when it’s difficult. Her lawyer, Amy Judkins, highlighted the significance of the jury’s decision to award punitive damages, sending a strong message to sports organizations about the importance of protecting athletes under their care. The USTA has expressed sympathy for McKenzie’s ordeal but intends to appeal the decision, citing concerns about liability and reporting expectations for victims of abuse.
A spokesman for the USTA, Chris Widmaier, stated that the organization does not dispute McKenzie’s allegations against the coach and acknowledged the need for safeguarding policies to protect athletes from abuse. However, the USTA is troubled by the court ruling that held them liable for failing to act on information from a non-athlete employee about the coach’s misconduct, which was unknown until after he was removed. Widmaier emphasized the importance of balancing support for victims with reasonable reporting expectations to encourage future disclosures. The USTA has enlisted legal resources to review its safeguarding procedures and response to misconduct reports as part of ongoing efforts to improve athlete safety.
McKenzie’s case sheds light on the pervasive issue of sexual abuse and misconduct in sports and underscores the responsibility of organizations like the USTA to prioritize the safety and well-being of athletes under their supervision. The verdict in McKenzie’s favor not only delivers a measure of justice and compensation for her suffering but also serves as a warning to sports organizations about the consequences of negligence in safeguarding athletes. By holding the USTA accountable for its failure to protect McKenzie, the court’s decision sets a precedent for the importance of proactive measures to prevent abuse and support victims who come forward with allegations.
The outcome of McKenzie’s lawsuit also highlights the courage and resilience of survivors of sexual abuse who choose to speak out and seek accountability for their perpetrators, despite the challenges they may face. By sharing her story and pursuing legal action, McKenzie has taken a stand against injustice and raised awareness about the need for systemic changes to prevent future instances of abuse in sports. Her willingness to confront the USTA and seek justice through the legal system sends a powerful message to other survivors that they have a voice and the right to seek redress for the harm inflicted upon them. As the USTA grapples with the aftermath of this case, the tennis community and sports organizations at large are urged to reevaluate their safeguarding practices and commit to creating a culture of safety and accountability for all athletes.
