MaChelle Joseph responds to Georgia Tech’s allegations
Player’s text messages used to counter accusations that she created a “toxic” environment.
As part of the investigation, the school determined that Joseph created an environment that was described as “toxic,” “suffocating,” “unhealthy” and “hostile”. It also alleged that every player interviewed reported “concerns regarding alleged emotional or mental mistreatment.”
In response, Joseph has released several text messages from her student-athletes that suggest the opposite. Player names have been redacted.
On January 12, 2018, texted me: “I really appreciate the card coach. I’m happy we had a chance to talk yesterday too. I’m also thankful that you have created an atmosphere where I am comfortable enough to come to you. It’s all water under the bridge.. I look forward to the turning the corner. See you in a few.” She was referring to an all-senior meeting where I discussed the fact that they needed to get their act together, as some on the team had been in legal trouble, and thought I was singling her out. I later explained to her that I was addressing everyone in the room and wrote her a card afterward to assure her that I supported her. sent me this text in response to that card and conversation
On February 15, 2019, I texted “I know what you need now and I hope you believe me that I will do anything to help you!!!!” *Redacted* responded, ‘I believe you cause you are already doing it. Thank you,’ adding, ‘And we gotchu too.’”
On February 2, 2018, *Redacted* texted me: “I know you have every right to turn your back on me. You have every right to just give up on me because of all that you have invested. You have every right to feel disrespected and stupid for all of the chance that’s you have given me and yet we still end up back in this position. What I said in that meeting on Thursday I meant. I am forever grateful for you. Like you said before, we are both here for a reason, in this position and with each other for a reason. I know you are disappointed in me. I know you feel like a failure, but I feel like an even bigger failure. I came here to play for you because of your loyalty, because of how much you cared for us as people. We might not always see eye to eye. We may have our ups and our downs, but you know me. You know I have tried and continue to better myself. I may have come up short sometime, but I am only human. I battle everyday with a lot. Feeling like I’m not the person I should be , feeling like I’m not the leader I should be, and feeling like I’m not the player I should be because I know I am capable and have more than the ability to do so. I want to leave a mark on this program but not like this. I don’t want it to be negative, I don’t want it to be the bad example, and I also don’t want to be looked over. I know I have asked for another chance many times before, but this time I’m not asking for you to give me another chance. This time I’m asking for you to let me earn it back. I’m asking you to see me as human and knowing that I am and will make mistakes but am overly willing to get up and fight back. You don’t have to put me in another game, I will be the best teammate and person that I can be for this team. I don’t care about playing I want to play and help the team in that way but that’s not what this is about. I want you to take this last games we have together and continue to make me a better person. I want you to continue to prepare me for the future and life after this, life after basketball, life after college. I’ve prayed about it, I’ve cried about it, and I’ve thought about it. God has put us here for a reason. Let’s make the best and the most of it.”
Parent emails also shared
The investigation also stated that several parents were interviewed, and Joseph responded with several emails from parents sent to her.
On February 28, 2019, *Redacted* stated: I do not know where to begin. Let’s start with saying my heart and prayers are with you. *Redacted* cried over you last night and had a (sic) extremely rough day yesterday which speaks volumes regarding the respect, commitment, and love she formed for you. I have raised her to (sic) mentally tough, to fight and endure any challenges she faces until she gains a victory. The only battles and wars I have raised her not to endure are ones when people are trying to hurt her rather than help her. ~was finally beginning to overcome the challenges of her very difficult transition into college. She could see victory in sight. I applaud the fact that you challenged her, you didn’t baby sit her and you made her earn everything. She always told me that she thought you were a good person but a tough coach. Being a good person is worth more than a mediocre coach. *Redacted* are having a VERY difficult time.
On March 24, 2019, *Redacted* stated: Coach Jo.. .We haven’t officially met but my wife, daughter & I have been to most home games for the past 3 years & we’ve enjoyed your work. I’d like to thank you for the passion and leadership you’ve exhibited. has learned from the example you’ve set.
On March 25, 2019, *Redacted* also stated: I don’t know any details of what is going on with you and GT. I only think of you as Coach and not “The Female Head Coach.” A great coach either knows the game or they don’t. They either motivate their players to be their best or they do not. I believe you to be a great coach because of your knowledge, passion, and desire to make those around you better. I’d may be naïve, but I just see you as Coach Jo. I hope that you and GT can get things straight. I hope all schools can get this right. I know if you had to be restrained like Izzo did the other night at the NCAAs, the reaction would be very different. That is sad. Keep being great.”
Joseph’s full response can be found here.
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