Youth Sports Must Stop Bullying and Harassment, as One Mother Shares Her Daughter’s Story
Community support grows as parents speak out against harassment and discrimination in sports.
September 28, 2026
This article was last updated by aditibhatta on September 28, 2026
Audrey Owen recently shared her heart-wrenching experience after her three-year-old daughter, Stormie, faced exclusion at her first soccer season with the De Graff/Quincy Soccer Association.
Stormie, a child with severe social anxiety and autism, bravely joined a local soccer program for the first time.
For her, simply showing up, wearing her jersey, and participating in practices was a tremendous achievement.
Yet, during the end-of-season medal ceremony, Stormie’s excitement quickly turned to confusion and sadness.
Despite holding out her hands like the other children, she was repeatedly passed over.
Onlookers noted that another Black child on the team also received his medal last, suggesting troubling patterns of exclusion.
Audrey Owen expressed the deeper implications of the incident:
“This isn’t just about a medal. It’s about what we teach our children about belonging, equity, and dignity, especially at three years old.”
When Audrey approached the coach for her daughter’s medal, she received the response that Stormie “didn’t play in any games,” despite no rules requiring playtime for medal eligibility.
Attempts to address the situation were met with rudeness, leaving a young child feeling excluded and demeaned.
Sometimes you wake up and are dealt unfair cards. At times we learn lessons in the harshest forms. In trusting others or…
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The online community responded with overwhelming support.
Many parents and coaches highlighted that exclusion at such a young age can deeply affect children’s sense of worth.
Comments poured in, emphasizing that youth sports should prioritize inclusion, encouragement, and social development over rigid rules or adult ego.
Several offered to provide Stormie with a medal, while others condemned the behavior as unacceptable and inappropriate for anyone working with children.
The incident underscores a critical lesson: bullying and harassment are not limited to overt aggression or physical acts.
They also occur when children are excluded, dismissed, or “othered,” particularly those with developmental or social challenges.
These experiences can leave lasting emotional scars if not addressed properly.
As Audrey Owen continues to seek a resolution, her story serves as a call to action for leagues, coaches, and parents.
Every child deserves recognition, encouragement, and a safe space to grow, regardless of their ability, participation level, or background.
Sports should celebrate courage, effort, and community—not create unnecessary barriers through exclusion.
No child should feel left out at three years old—or at any age.
By confronting bullying and harassment where it appears and promoting empathy and inclusion, we teach our children the values of fairness, respect, and humanity.
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