Former Utah Royals goalkeeper Carly Nelson accused the club of “emotional and psychological abuse” on Friday in a social media post that quickly went viral.
In her statement on X, Nelson said she experienced “relentless toxicity” during her time with the organization.
The goalkeeper missed most of the season with an excused absence, and after her contract expired is now a free agent.
Nelson is from Utah and played in 63 games at the University of Utah. The Royals acquired Nelson in a trade with the Orlando Pride in December 2023. She was in the final year of a two-year contract with the Pride when she was traded.
Carly Nelson’s statement on the Utah Royals
Nelson shared the following statement on X Friday afternoon:
”After deep reflection on my time with the Utah Royals, I can no longer stay silent about the emotional and psychological abuse I endured there. Despite raising concerns internally and seeking support for my mental health, I was met with resistance and public retaliation from the coaches responsible. Taking mental health leave back in May wasn’t optional for me. It was the only way to survive the relentless toxicity I was subjected to. This experience revealed a harsh truth: the culture of any organization is shaped by its leaders. When they prioritize power over people, abuse thrives unchecked.
“The retaliation and discrimination I faced for prioritizing my mental health made it clear that the club cared more about control than accountability. While some responsible were eventually removed, the damage had already been done — not just to me, but to others as well. Toxic environments harm physical health, emotional well-being, and derail careers. The abuse I faced impacted my livelihood and undermined the 22 years of my life it took to get to this level. This problem goes beyond individual experiences — it’s systemic.
“It’s time to hold those in power accountable and foster cultures that prioritize respect, safety, and support. By speaking out, I hope to shed light on these issues and advocate for change, so future athletes won’t have to face the challenges I did. I’m committed to this fight as I continue my own journey of healing. No one should endure this alone.”
The Utah Royals’ response to allegations
The Royals responded to Nelson’s allegations in a statement the team shared with the Deseret News 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,” the club said. “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.”
Last season marked the Royals’ return to the NWSL. The original iteration of the team was sold in 2020 and relocated to Kansas City. The franchise was revived as an expansion club and played its inaugural season in 2024.
The Royals had a rocky start to the season.
After three and a half months and just two wins, the club fired head coach Amy Rodriguez on June 30. Real Salt Lake president John Kimball, who took over the club’s business operation responsibilities for Royals team president Michelle Hyncik, said the move “was not disciplinarian” and was “performance-based” when addressing the media two days after the announcement, as the Deseret News reported.
At the same time, it was announced that Hyncik would transition to a new role with Blitzer Family Office (David Blitzer is part owner of the team). Kimball said the move would allow Hyncik to “really focus on the things that she loves most, which is her children and the law.”
The team also moved on from goalkeeper coach Maryse Bard-Martel.
Following Rodriguez’s firing, assistant coach Jimmy Coenraets was promoted to interim head coach. He coached the team to a 7-4-15 record, moving the Royals up from last place to 11th out of 14.
As a result of the team’s improvement, Coenraets was named head coach in October ahead of the team’s season finale.