Allegations of Abuse Against University of Illinois Springfield Golf Coach Leotta
illi News/10271893

CHICAGO - illiNews -- tudent-athletes from the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) have reported alleged abuse by head coach Michael Leotta to 2aDays staff. Their accounts describe a pattern of discriminatory and abusive behavior.

The athletes, who remain anonymous, report incidents including being singled out for speaking another language, verbal lashings for asking questions, being denied basic necessities during matches, and reckless driving by Leotta. Former athletic director Laura Liesman is also implicated, allegedly supporting Leotta's actions. Liesman resigned in November 2023 without explanation.

In September 2023, Leotta allegedly prohibited two international athletes from speaking their first language during team activities, threatening scholarship loss and team removal. During a match, these athletes were reportedly denied water for over nine hours. When confronted, Leotta allegedly responded with anger and escalated his verbal abuse.

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The players describe a hostile environment, including silent treatment, passive-aggressive comments, and favoritism.

Videos obtained by 2aDays show Leotta watching Netflix and using headphones while driving a van with athletes, raising safety concerns. The athletes also criticized his professionalism, citing inadequate lodging arrangements and a mental health redshirt due to anxiety caused by his behavior.

Leotta's coaching tenure at UIS has been marked by mixed results. Despite some successes, his treatment of players has led to a 0% recommendation rating on the 2aDays website, with reviews highlighting his unfairness, bullying, and emotional immaturity.

Leotta is in his third year coaching the men's and women's golf teams at UIS. Before joining UIS, he coached at Wittenburg University for two years, where he was allegedly fired—a fact not disclosed during his hiring.

For further details and reviews about Coach Michael Leotta, visit 2aDays.com (https://www.2adays.com/).