By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor
PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – Former Louisiana Christian University soccer coach Carla Tejas has been accused by players at her new school, University of Texas Permian Basin, Odessa, Texas, of harsh treatment and inappropriate behavior.
Tejas was arrested for DWI, Sept. 11, and subsequently placed on paid administrative leave by UTPB, Oct. 2.
Meanwhile, an anonymous email, supposedly from players, detailed allegations of intimidation, playing only her favorites on the team and that she kissed a male soccer player, according to YourBasin.com (KMID news in Odessa, Texas). The email also alleged Tejas was placed on administrative leave while coaching at LCU for “accusations she made inappropriate passes to some of the girls.”
During a phone call with the Baptist Message, Oct. 12, LCU President Rick Brewer rejected that allegation, stating that there were no legal, moral or ethical issues raised by players or other students, and not by faculty or staff during her LCU tenure.
Brewer stated that LCU received an anonymous email in Sept. 2021 “claiming Coach Tejas had left Belhaven University under suspicion.” BU is a private Christian school in Jackson, Mississippi, where Tejas served two years as a graduate assistant.
“We did our best to follow Matthew 18:15-17,” Brewer said, adding that the school suspended Tejas until an investigation was conducted. “Our athletic director and compliance officer found nothing,” specifically referencing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which offers physical and emotional protections to students, especially against sexual assault.
He said LCU reached out to BU, whose compliance officer reported back that there was “no evidence of inappropriate behavior.”
“So, we lifted the suspension,” Brewer said.
He added that Tejas left LCU for a better offer after experiencing success at LCU in 2021.
Brewer said he was “anguished” about the UTPB situation.
“If there are victims, I pray for their complete healing,” he offered. He added that if the charges against Tejas are substantiated, that UTPB and law enforcement should “take appropriate action.”
