Banned for Life, Still Coaching Children: Texas Volleyball Coach Exposes Shocking Safeguarding Loophole
A Texas volleyball coach who was indefinitely suspended from coaching youth sports is now allegedly coaching teenage girls at his gym, sparking serious questions about the shortcomings of the systems meant to keep kids safe in youth sports.
ProPublica and The Washington Post reported that Ryan Richardson, founder of Texas Fierce Elite in Pharr, Texas, went on to coach despite being suspended and then “permanently ineligible” by the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
SafeSport allegedly substantiated several allegations against Richardson, such as sexual misconduct with a minor, inappropriate relationship with a minor, physical misconduct and bullying. Richardson has not been charged with a crime and has not commented on repeated requests from the news organisations.
The investigation revealed that Richardson was still attending practices and tournaments and posting videos of him coaching young players on social media despite the restrictions placed on him.
The allegations against him reportedly came to light due to complaints regarding his behaviour and social media presence. Former players and parents then made further allegations, such as grooming and inappropriate physical and emotional conduct.
The case has brought to light the failings of youth sport safeguarding, especially when coaches transfer between organisations with varying membership and disciplinary policies.
National governing bodies, like USA Volleyball, are responsible for implementing SafeSport’s sanctions, SafeSport said. USA Volleyball stated that it had followed SafeSport guidelines, and Lone Star Region Volleyball challenged parts of the investigation and stated it is “taking athlete safety seriously.
The results also show that for children involved in competitive sports, there is a need for good safeguarding systems to ensure that banned adults do not continue to have access to young athletes.
In February 2026, SafeSport declared Richardson permanently ineligible, but the investigation found he resumed training Texas Fierce Elite players the next day and has continued to post content on social media with young athletes.
