Former tennis prodigy Kylie McKenzie was awarded $9 million in a federal lawsuit against the United States Tennis Association. In the lawsuit, McKenzie claimed that the organization failed to protect her from being sexually assaulted by her former coach, Anibal Aranda, at a training facility in Florida in 2018. McKenzie alleged that Aranda assaulted her on a back court at the USTA’s Orlando training facility, and that the USTA did not disclose that Aranda had assaulted a former employee in the past. The U.S. Center for SafeSport found that Aranda had touched McKenzie inappropriately during a training session, leading McKenzie to suffer from panic attacks, anxiety, and depression.
After a jury determined that there was a conscious disregard for the rights and safety of others by the USTA, McKenzie was awarded $3 million in compensatory damages and $6 million in punitive damages. McKenzie, who is still pursuing a career in tennis, expressed feeling validated by the outcome of the lawsuit and hopes to be an example for other girls to speak out even when it is difficult. The USTA has stated that they will pursue all avenues of appeal in response to the ruling, citing concerns that the decision may deter victims from coming forward in the future.
McKenzie’s attorney, Robert Allard, believes that the jury’s decision highlights the failure of the USTA to regulate itself and put athletes first. He called for a complete change in the organization to ensure that victims are not silenced but encouraged to come forward. McKenzie had joined the USTA’s full-time training team in California at a young age and went on to win the national U-16 championship at the age of 15 before transferring to the Orlando facility. Aranda, the former coach accused of assaulting McKenzie, denies any inappropriate touching in 2018.
The case involving Kylie McKenzie sheds light on the issue of sexual assault in the world of sports and the responsibility of organizations like the USTA to protect athletes from harm. The outcome of the lawsuit has been seen as a victory for McKenzie and a call for change within the USTA to prioritize the safety and well-being of athletes. The impact of the case may encourage other victims to speak out and seek justice in similar situations.
