The Waves of Discontent: Unpacking the Allegations of a Toxic Culture at San Diego Wave
When Brittany Alvarado joined San Diego Wave FC as a videographer, she believed she was stepping into an organization dedicated to equity, mental well-being, and championing women in leadership. However, her recent social media post paints a starkly different picture—one of a workplace where discrimination is perpetuated, and mental health is disregarded.
Alvarado’s post, which quickly gained traction, described her time at the club as “life-altering” and “devastating” to her mental health. She attributed this experience to the club president, Jill Ellis.
San Diego Wave FC Club President, Jill Ellis
In her post, Alvarado alleged that the club does not live up to its “principles of equity and championing women and minorities in leadership.” Instead, she argued, it “perpetuates discrimination and shows a complete disregard for long-term mental health.” She pointed out a troubling statistic: since the team's inception, over 30 employees have either been fired or have quit, 75% of whom were women. The fear of speaking out, she added, is pervasive, with many former employees reluctant to share their experiences publicly.
Alvarado’s plea extended beyond mere acknowledgment of these issues; she called on the NWSL to remove Ellis from San Diego Wave and the league, to protect staff and players who have been, in her words, “neglected and ignored for far too long.”
The response from San Diego Wave FC was swift and unequivocal. The club issued a statement dismissing the allegations, calling them “inaccurate and defamatory.” The statement emphasized that the post contained a fabricated email and that the claims made against the club and Ellis were categorically false.
Adding to the discourse, Jenny Chuang, a freelance photographer for the Wave in 2022, revealed that she was placed on suicide watch and begged the club for help but was instead pressured to resign. Chuang’s account, though noting that her former boss is no longer with the Wave, casts a long shadow over the organization’s current practices and leadership.
Alex Morgan, current Wave striker, captain, expressed her disappointment and emphasised the importance of creating an inclusive and safe environment for both players and staff.
The NWSL, too, has responded, reiterating its “commitment to the safety, health, and well-being of everyone associated with the league.” The league promised thorough investigations into any allegations, utilizing independent investigators and taking corrective action where necessary.
In reflecting on these developments, it’s clear that the allegations against San Diego Wave FC are not just about one club but about the broader challenges of creating genuinely equitable and supportive workplaces in women’s sports. The claims of a toxic culture, if proven true, highlight the discrepancy between public commitments to equity and the realities faced by employees.
The path forward for the NWSL and San Diego Wave FC requires transparency, accountability, and a renewed commitment to the principles they publicly uphold. For Alvarado, Chuang, and others who have spoken out, this moment is a crucial step toward meaningful change.