Katey Stone Retires, Allegations Not Addressed

Harvard women's hockey coach has retired, but the University failed to acknowledge allegations of harm and wrongdoing in their announcement.

Harvard women's hockey head coach Katie Stone has retired amid investigations and allegations of alleged maltreatment, bullying, and hazing of athletes in her program.

While Harvard announced her retirement, the statements focused only on Stone as a positive influence on hockey and the institution, ignoring the harm caused to victims.

"It has been my distinct pleasure to represent Harvard and lead our storied program for nearly three decades. The opportunity to coach and empower the amazingly talented women of Harvard Hockey has been both a personal and professional privilege. 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," Stone's statement read.

Those relationships and Stone's self-proclaimed empowerment however, have been called into question in recent months following allegations from 16 former players of "misconduct, including insensitivity to mental health issues, pressuring players to return from injuries, body shaming," racism and hazing.

Following an investigation which began in April, Harvard stood behind Stone stating in July that she would remain the head coach of the team. 

Harvard's announcement of Stone's departure made no mention of the allegations or terms of Stone's departure, other than calling it a retirement.

"We recognize the decades of service and commitment that Katey has given to this University and Athletic Department. We thank her for all she has done to build the women's hockey program here, and we wish her the best in her future endeavors," wrote Harvard athletic director Erin McDermott.