Harvard Women’s Ice Hockey Coach Retires Following Abuse Allegations

Photo by Jim Davis, The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Cambridge, Massachusetts (PSF) - Harvard University’s women’s ice hockey Head Coach, Katey Stone, has announced her retirement on Tuesday morning in a Harvard Athletics press release.

After leading the program for 29 years, Stone is facing accusations of mistreat and misconduct. The Boston Globe published a report in January detailing how multiple players on the team alleged Stone with verbal abuse, making disparaging comments to players and other coaches, hazing, downplaying injuries, and showing insensitivity to mental health issues.

After one alleged incident last season, Harvard initiated a review but eventually decided to keep Stone as Head Coach.

In Stone’s retirement announcement, she claimed that “The relationships fostered with my players over the years has been the very best part of my job. Their personal accomplishments both at Harvard and beyond, along with our shared achievements, will always be a point of great pride and inspiration for me. The decision to retire from any profession is never an easy decision; for coaches, stepping down from the bench, leaving the program you have poured your heart and soul into for this many years, is especially hard. I believe a coach knows in their heart when it is time for change and I look forward to supporting the next chapter in Harvard Women’s Hockey."

Photo by Mark Kelsey

Stone took over as head coach in 1994. During her coaching career, she made 12 NCAA regional appearances, six trips to the Frozen Four, four national title game appearances, and a national championship in 1999. She also led the team to nine Ivy League championships and 12 Beanpot titles. She also served as the first coach of the U.S. Olympic women’s hockey team in 2014, leading the U.S. to a silver medal.

Photo by Barry Chin

The investigation is conducted by New-York based law firm Jenner and Block. Although there was no release of public findings, a school spokesperson told The Athletic that the investigation was complete.

Harvard Athletics also announced that they have began the search for a new head coach right after Stone’s retirement announcement.

Harvard’s Athletic Director Erin McDermott expressed gratitude for Stone’s work on the team, and encouraged players to submit recommendations for new head coach candidates.

“Hiring head coaches is one of the most important responsibilities that I hold given the impact on student-athlete experience,” McDermott wrote. “I look forward to the process and am confident that we will hire an excellent coach.”