SFU athletics department investigating ‘concerns’ of women’s soccer team players

The SFU Red Leafs women’s soccer team will be “under the direction of other members of the athletics staff,” while the school’s athletic department looks into “concerns,” raised by players, according to an email from senior director of athletics Theresa Hanson late Friday.

The three-paragraph email never directly mentioned Annie Hamel, who has been SFU’s coach since 2014. She remains listed on the team’s roster in that position.

“As an institution committed to delivering an exceptional student-athlete experience, we find the allegations very troubling,” Hanson continued in her email. “Student-athlete safety and wellbeing is our priority. SFU Athletics is conducting a thorough investigation, which includes working with our student-athletes to understand the situation and ensure they are receiving the support and services they need.” 

SFU finished 5-7-7 overall and 4-5-5 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play in the season that wrapped up in November, pushing their overall record with Hamel at the helm to 47-75-14 overall and 39-55-8 in conference.