Former Akron Coach Sues University Over Firing

Jennifer Simonetti alleges her 2025 termination as women's soccer coach was retaliation for discrimination complaints.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Soccer

Former Akron Coach Sues University Over Firing

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Jennifer Simonetti sued the University of Akron on November 4, 2026, alleging she was fired in May 2025 in retaliation for filing a Title IX discrimination complaint. She seeks a jury trial, back pay and compensatory damages.

Why it matters

The suit raises questions about how university athletic departments handle Title IX complaints and the treatment of women's programs compared with men's programs. It also tests the legal protections available to coaches who report alleged discrimination.

The lawsuit follows discrimination charges filed with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, with right-to-sue notices issued earlier in summer 2026. Whether the university will contest the retaliation claim has not been stated.

The players

Jennifer Simonetti

Former University of Akron women's soccer head coach who filed the lawsuit alleging retaliatory termination after reporting sex-based discrimination.

University of Akron

Public university in Akron, Ohio, whose athletic department employed Simonetti and is the defendant in the lawsuit.

The details

Simonetti alleges the women's soccer program received smaller staff offices and fewer support staff than the men's program, and that her recruiting was restricted. The university received anonymous complaints about her as early as 2023 and placed her on paid administrative leave in February 2025 before firing her in May 2025.

July 2022: Simonetti hired as women's soccer head coach at Akron.
2023: University receives anonymous complaints about Simonetti.
February 2025: Simonetti placed on paid administrative leave.
May 2025: University fires Simonetti.
November 4, 2026: Simonetti files lawsuit against the university.

Legal Context

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 bars sex discrimination in federally funded education programs, including intercollegiate athletics, and courts have recognized retaliation claims against employees who report such discrimination. Simonetti's suit, which pairs Title IX allegations with state and federal agency charges, will test how those protections apply to a university soccer program.

The suit could affect how Akron's athletic department handles coaching staff disputes and assigns resources between men's and women's programs. Fans of the Zips women's soccer team may see the outcome shape future hiring and program support decisions.

The takeaway

Employees who report discrimination are often protected from retaliation under federal law, and universities should document decisions carefully when personnel actions follow such complaints.