GEORGIA SOFTBALL COACH ACCUSED OF GROOMING 15-YEAR-OLD PLAYER — EVEN AFTER HER MOTHER TRIED TO INTERVENE

A Georgia teacher and softball coach is facing a felony charge after authorities accused her of grooming a 15-year-old player, with alleged inappropriate behavior continuing even after the teenager’s mother reportedly tried to step in.

Katie Elizabeth McDevitt, 28, allegedly engaged in inappropriate conduct with the teenage athlete between February and September, according to police affidavits cited by the New York Post. Investigators allege that the behavior included romantic messages and physical contact that made the teen uncomfortable.

Authorities also allege that McDevitt arranged private encounters with the minor in areas not covered by surveillance cameras. The reported conduct allegedly continued despite the mother’s intervention, raising serious concerns about the teenager’s safety and the boundaries expected of adults entrusted with young athletes.

McDevitt was arrested by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and charged with felony grooming of a minor. She was subsequently released on a $7,500 bond.

Following the allegations, Loganville Christian Academy placed McDevitt on administrative leave. The school stated that the teenager was not one of its students and that it had not received related allegations. Georgia Strike Softball also dismissed McDevitt after learning of the investigation and reaffirmed its commitment to player safety.

The case highlights the importance of taking concerns about adult-minor relationships seriously, particularly in sports settings where young players depend on coaches for guidance and supervision.

The allegations have not been proven in court, and McDevitt has not publicly commented, according to the report.

Sources: New York Post