Banned Texas volleyball coach continues to train teen athletes despite SafeSport ruling
Ryan Richardson, declared permanently ineligible by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, is still coaching teenage girls at his Pharr gym.
The U.S. Center for SafeSport permanently barred volleyball coach Ryan Richardson after substantiating allegations of sexual and physical misconduct with a minor. Despite the ban, Richardson has remained active at his Pharr facility, overseeing daily practices and traveling to tournaments with his Texas Fierce Elite teams. USA Volleyball and the Lone Star Region initially suspended him, yet he continued to appear in public videos and social media posts promoting the club.
Parents and former players have reported ongoing inappropriate behavior, and a club director has kept Richardson listed as the head coach. SafeSport’s public disciplinary list was intended to prevent such access, but enforcement gaps allowed Richardson to maintain his role.
Why it matters
The case shows how gaps in enforcement let a banned coach keep working with minors, risking athlete safety.
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