Our Mission
The Dugout Project exists to protect, support, and empower athletes who have experienced abuse, intimidation, or exploitation by coaches and other trusted adults in sports. We are committed to providing advocacy, education, resources, and a safe community where survivors are heard, believed, and equipped to heal. Guided by our belief in “Consolidation Over Isolation,” we bring athletes, families, advocates, and communities together to ensure no survivor has to face their experience alone.
Through awareness, accountability, and prevention, we work to foster a culture in which coaches, parents, organizations, and athletic leaders understand and uphold their responsibility to create safe, respectful, and athlete-centered environments. We believe every athlete deserves the opportunity to compete, grow, and thrive free from abuse, fear, and silence. By uniting voices and resources, The Dugout Project strives to replace isolation with support, silence with advocacy, and inaction with accountability.
What Makes Us Different
Accountability
Holding coaches and parents accountable
The Dugout Project works to hold coaches and parents accountable for the abuse faced by athletes. We strive to educate parents on warning signs and coaches on healthy communication and boundaries between athletes and their families.
Culture
Changing the way we view sports as athletes, parents, and coaches
A big part of sports culture is "no days off" and "Winning is everything". Sayings like this not only fuel abusive coaching they are direct hits to the mental, physical, and emotional health of an athlete. At The Dugout Project we want to change the way we view sports and success. A positive and uplifting culture keeps athletes safe and coaches understanding.
Healing
Helping athletes after abuse
Many Organizations like The Dugout project strive to prevent abusive coaching. However, it still happens and it still hurts. A big part of what makes us different at The Dugout Project is that we don't just try to prevent it we help athletes affected by it through support groups and community events.
Meet the Team
The Dugout Project was started and is run by teenagers whose names are not public
Founder, Director, and Softball Player
Age: 14
An athlete who experienced abuse from a coach she trusted and never wants another athlete to go through what she did.
Graphic Designer and Volleyball Player
Age: 14
A talented artist who designed our logo, curated our color scheme, and designs social media content.
Outreach Coordinator and Soccer Player
Age: 14
A kind and hardworking teen who helps to plan community events and coordinate with athlete ambassadors.
The Dugout Project
@the_dugoutproject