Three Texas Softball Teams Exit Ranked Academy Over Harassment Scandal

Texas youth softball is experiencing a shakeup at one of its top training grounds. Three teams affiliated with the nationally ranked Athletics Mercado academy announced their departure on Oct. 29, following a public dispute over how the organization handled a sexual harassment complaint.

Liana Gonzalez, a former coach for the academy, posted her allegations on Facebook on Oct. 27. She accused head coach Devin Taylor of making inappropriate remarks about her body and telling sexual jokes in front of their 10-and-under team. Gonzalez also said Taylor sent her unsolicited text messages and tried to share a hotel room with her during travel tournaments. According to her post, the organization released her from her coaching role after she reported the conduct.

The departure of the teams follows directly from Gonzalez's post. Athletics Mercado HTX 20333, based in Houston, stated it would part ways to protect young female athletes. In a Facebook announcement, the team said its responsibility extends beyond skill development to ensuring a safe environment for players.

Athletics Mercado Monterro-Mijares, a North Texas team, also announced it would leave and rename its squad. The group cited the future of its players and their love for the game as primary reasons for the split. Athletics Mercado CTX 14U, based in Central Texas, joined the exodus. The team wrote that it could not teach girls to demand respect and tolerate no harassment while remaining silent when those values are challenged within the organization.

Gonzalez detailed the timeline of events in her online statement. She reported the alleged harassment to academy leadership in July. She claimed she was told to keep the situation internal for damage control. Gonzalez stated that leadership later informed her Taylor was removed and the team was disbanded. However, she said the team continued to operate with practices and training sessions. Taylor also remained active on the team's social media, receiving a public birthday message from the account on Oct. 17.

The academy disputed Gonzalez's account of the administrative response. In a Facebook statement, Athletics Mercado said Taylor is no longer with the organization. The leadership group, which includes Jesse Frausto, Jacob Rose, and Brian Tidd, claimed Gonzalez was never removed or prevented from coaching because she voiced concerns. They stated the concerns were elevated to organizational leadership for guidance and action and were not ignored or dismissed.

Gonzalez countered that the team was told to keep the matter in-house. She noted that Taylor received no consequences and was protected by the leadership team. She argued that accountability extends beyond the harasser to those who choose to overlook serious concerns. The academy's Texas branch issued a separate statement supporting the decision to terminate Taylor. It explained that the initial complaints were handled by the Texas Director and then passed up the chain of command.

Gonzalez provided screenshots from her post showing communications from leadership. These documents stated that Taylor was removed and the team was disbanded. She highlighted that the team's group chat remained active and that training continued after these notifications were sent. The available public statements do not independently confirm the exact date Taylor stopped working with the organization or when the team was formally dissolved.

The dispute has drawn support from former players, coaches, and parents who praised Gonzalez for coming forward. The three departing teams have scheduled new leadership meetings to finalize their rebranding and operational plans. The academy has not announced a new head coach or a specific date for the transition of the remaining teams.