I want our USF community to know that none of our current soccer players or coaches of the men's soccer team were enrolled or employed when the events described in the Sports Illustrated article took place.  Every member of today's team is committed to supporting a culture of respect and inclusivity on and off the field.  Athletics' new and ongoing work with the university's Title IX office is focused on clear communication, education, and the critical importance of reporting and eliminating sexual and gender-based misconduct in our community.  
 
I agree that we must work to ensure that all of us in Athletics – and across the university – work to build and enhance an environment that is safe for all members of our community and ensures equal access to educational opportunities.  Importantly, I would add that we must acknowledge the suffering that sexual assault survivors experience; suffering continues well after the instance. We are sorry for their pain and that of their family, friends and supporters.  Most of all, we are sorry that one USF soccer player, Manny Padilla, continued to play on the USF soccer team after he was found responsible for a violation of our sexual misconduct policy in 2015.  We must ensure that this is never repeated.
 
We expect USF student-athletes to abide by community standards on and off the playing field.  And we celebrate our student-athletes who display a commitment to our university vision, mission and values every day.  Our student-athletes are scholars, competitors, community partners and activists, volunteers and much more. Their accomplishments are many. Still, we will not ignore violations of conduct or support a culture of disrespect.
 
Clear communication and actions are needed within and beyond the Athletics department to demonstrate our accomplishments and remedy our shortcomings.  
When I became Director of Athletics in 2019, I promised to make a change and together with the athletic administration, staff and coaches, I believe we have worked to eliminate miscommunication and build an environment where every voice is heard. 
 
I assure you that change is taking place.  I assure you that we are listening.
 
Sincerely,

Joan McDermott
Director of Athletics