We're All Insane - Groomed by High School Softball Coach

Episode Date: December 8, 2025

Official Merch - NOW AVAILABLE!  Get 15% off OneSkin with the code DEVORAH at https://www.oneskin.co/DEVORAH  #oneskinpod  Kate opens up about a relationship that began when she was just 16 years old—with her 32-year-old high school softball coach. What started in secrecy eventually grew into years of manipulation, abuse, and silence from the adults who were supposed to protect her. She walks us through how the relationship began, how it continued even after the school was alerted, and how she carried the weight of it into adulthood. Despite everything, she went on to graduate college, finish law school, and become a prosecutor. And after years of therapy and rebuilding her life, she finally reported the truth to police in 2024. Her former coach has since pled guilty and is now awaiting sentencing. Kate's Links: https://www.nsvrc.org/ https://rainn.org/learn-about-rainn/what-we-do/support-and-services/ https://oaesv.org/ https://www.dvpi.org/ Topics: Manipulation, Coercion, Abuse, Legal Justice, Child Exploitation  If you have a unique story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/ZiHgdoK4PLRAddiB9 or send an email to [e-mail] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey guys, it's me Devorah. I just dropped an all new bonus episode inside my new subscription channel, We're All Insane Plus. This week's bonus episode is called My Brain was slipping into my spine. Listen now by subscribing to We're All Insane Plus inside your Spotify or Apple Podcasts app or go to we're all insane.com. My name is Kate Lucasavich and I was 16 years old and in a relationship with, my high school softball coach. So to kind of start, I am from a town in the Akron Canton area. It's called Kyga Falls. Childhood-wise, I am an only child. So that comes with its own interesting things. You know, it's just you dealing with your life and your parents and your family and whatever. I had a pretty normal childhood. I mean, my

Parents are both middle class. They worked factory jobs. My mom typically worked like second shift my whole life. So she worked from like 2 p.m. to like 11 at night. And then my dad worked like a 12 hour schedule. So he worked from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Like half the week. So my mom was gone a lot of the times working when I was growing up.

So it was mainly my dad that took care of me. and then my grandma. Obviously, my mom was still around. They were still married my whole life. Like, I saw her on the weekends and, like, before I went to school, but it was mainly my dad. And, you know, my parents both did, obviously, like, I have done very well for myself.

Like, I'm a lawyer now of my own house. I'm my own life. Like, they did a good job raising me, but with, I'd say, any person or child, there's always some difficulties growing up. up. So, you know, my dad, I think he did the best that he could. He was kind of a little bit harder on me, especially with athletics and stuff. I did play soccer and then obviously softball my whole life. So he was very hard on me and kind of made those what should be fun experiences as a kid, kind of very stressful and intense. And he did.

the same thing was school as well. However, that kind of control and intensity and like, it was basically just like very like over my shoulder, like up in my business. Like if I, like, for example, like if I had a softball game where I like struck out, like he would go over and over like what I did wrong, like stuff like that. So he was like that with sports my whole life until I stopped playing after high school. And then he was like that was school up until a certain point. But then I have been smart my whole life. So I kind of like just took it took that on my own.

So he didn't really need to like worry about that. So everything was good and like normal besides that up until about like late elementary school, early middle school, this is when my mom started to talk about, like, men she had met at work. Like, she would talk to, and like, you know, I'm like a kid. So, like, I kind of like, she's, like, bringing them up. I'm, like, thinking they're friends, like, obviously because she's married, like, whatever. So she's, like, talking to me about these guys. Like, I remember, like, one would, like, make her mixtapes and stuff.

And I'm like, oh, that's not, like, whatever. And then she started to really talk about this guy. And I noticed, like, texting and whatever, this guy that she met at work. And then she also, like, included details that they, like, went grocery shopping together, like, when my dad was working, like, and I was at school, like, stuff like that. It's surprising that she would tell you that, too. Because, you know, like with kids, you never know what they're going to say. Right. And so I'll kind of, I'll kind of get more into that.

And also to preface us too, we can take this out. Like I have, obviously my parents are still around and like they're still in my life. But like, I've ultimately decided that like this is my story. So the faults that they've made as parents that like, in my opinion, like contributed to this happening, I'm not going to have them save face to not be able to tell my whole story. Absolutely. Absolutely. And I tell people all the time, you know, you have the full right to tell your story. Right. And it's, you're not, I don't think anybody comes on here to bash anyone. You know what I mean?

Whether it's their family, friends involved, whoever it may be. It's more so, you know, and when you're in, when you live here, you're a human, there's other people involved in your life. Right. And if they're close to you, then they're going to be within your story. And it's not to be like, oh, it's all your fault. But like, you are a factor. Yeah, like whether it, clearly it wasn't intentional or anything they did, but it's at the end of the day. This is my story now. And I like have, I like hid this whole thing for like so many years of my life. I'm just to the point now where like I'm going to talk about it. I'm not going to. I'm not going to protect people that.

So. Absolutely. Anyways. So my mom's telling me about. this strange relationship she has with this guy, whatever. I kind of just brush it off. You know, I'm a kid. I'm doing my own thing.

And so then there's one day I get, I don't know if I was doing something with my friend or if I just got him from school or what, but I know that my dad got off and got home from work around 6.30 p.m. And so I'm home and I see this like car out. outside of our house and I'm like, that's fucking weird. And I was always taught like not to open the door for anybody. Like a telemarketer knocks on the door, like literally hide behind, like, I had always done that.

So I'm like, I'm certainly not opening the door. And this lady comes out and is like knocking on our door and like knocking on both doors and like not going away. And I'm like, okay, this is really weird. And like take it into consideration. and I'm, I think this all happened like seventh grade going into eighth grade. So I'm what, like 13, 14 years old. And so eventually she literally waits outside for like hours, like for my dad to get home.

And so I like am waiting obviously like what the hell is going on. And my dad gets out of the car and he goes over and like talks to her for a while. and whatever, and then she leaves. And he comes in and, you know, he doesn't really say anything, like, whatever. I'm, like, still like, okay, whatever. And then later, I'm not sure, like, how soon later, I remember we, like, get home from one of my softball games. It was a championship we won.

Like, it was a good day. And my dad was a coach on that team. and we get home, it's like 9, 10 o'clock at night, and he's like, what's going on with your mom and, like, this guy? Like, his wife, like, came to our house and, like, said that they're in this, like, relationship and yada, yada and whatever. And so he, like, he really puts me on the spot because I'm, like, shit. Like, and so then I, like, tell him the truth.

Like, I'm like, yeah, like, I, like, I. have heard about this guy, whatever. Um, so he's obviously upset. And then my mom comes home from work at like 11 o'clock. And they get into this big fight and she packs up her shit and leaves. And so then the next day, I mean, and she comes back, like, thinking that I'm going to go, like, with her. And because she just, like, went to stay at her mom's house. And I'm like, no, you know, this is my home.

Like, I'm not, I can't. I'm not just going to upro. root, whatever. So they're in this weird limbo with their marriage for like three months. Like my dad's wanting to work things out. She's like not really interested. I don't know. She's still seeing this guy this time.

Whatever. And then they're both like talking about each other like to me. So like I like I just like I know too much about them and their marriage like already. Yeah. And it puts you in such a weird position. You're like a middleman. Right. Which isn't fair.

Right. And, I mean, it's, it's been like that probably my entire life. Like, I've been the middleman between the both of them. And it, until very recently, like, I thought that that's, like, how it was supposed to be. Like, that I thought that, you know. Right. So, eventually in the, I think she moved out for, like, three months. And in that time, I remember it was, like, fall time.

was October, November. And I was home alone, obviously, because she had moved out. And my dad was, like, out working in the garage on, like, a snowblower or a leafblower or something. And something happened where he, like, fell into the blade and it, like, fucked his hand up. Like, so he ended up having to lose a finger or whatever. And so I'm the only one home. So he's, like, yelling, calling for help.

You know, I come out there. there's blood everywhere. I have to have the neighbors called the ambulance. He goes to the hospital. He gets to have surgery, stuff like that. And then that's when my mom, like, moves back in. And so she kind of, again, like, knowing too much about them, she's like, you know, I only moved back in because I had to take care of your dad and

like what else was I to do and yada, yada, yada, and all this other stuff. So she moves back in and just, they just deal with each other. They actually have a pretty good barrage now, shockingly. But like they, again, like the rest of my life, like in a middle school and a high school, they just kind of like tolerate each other. And, you know, I don't know what she was doing like outside of their, I she finally stopped telling me about that, which was good. but so they are together and like life kind of resumes as normal but again like you know she's not

around she's working second shift like he's the only one around um and so yeah so i that happens and that was in the grand scheme of things like i remember back then like that was all like a lot for me as a kid just because nothing had really like happened to me at that point. So I like dealt with that and then I got into high school and for the most part by early parts of high school were fine. I played soccer. I was on varsity soccer as a freshman. I made a lot of friends through that. Like I became friends with some of the upper classmen that I really liked that kind of like took me under their wing and I'm still friends with some of them today. And like I just did like normal fucking high school or shit.

I played sports. I hung out with my friends. Like I did well at school, whatever. And then I also played like, I played like travel softball and stuff growing up. And so I a lot of friends that played softball too. So we had our softball tryouts freshman year and and um, Corey, my abuser was a coach at this time. So we had tryout and all of my friends had made varsity and I, I didn't.

I made JV. And so obviously like I was upset about that because like I had been like playing softball with them my whole life, whatever. And so kind of at this point like, you know, you're put in a situation or like a disadvantage edge almost where you're like trying to impress this coach and perform well and show you work hard to try to get to be on varsity so that was kind of my perspective on things when I was playing jv whatever and um you know I played jv that whole year and I remember I was like taking softball and and playing and whatever really seriously and like working really hard to try to make varsity

like the next year and that would have been 10th grade Yeah, so now we're into 10th grade. And most of my, like, sophomore year in 10th grade, like, was very normal. Like, I was, you know, I played soccer again. I was a varsity soccer player. Like, I had a lot of friends through that. Like, we would party, like, typical high school stuff. Um, this is kind of when I started, like, talking to guys, like,

kind of like my first, um, sexual experiences with guys, whatever. but I had never had sex or anything like that, just kind of like dabbling. And so the false time is normal, whatever, and then that whole year really is normal until we get into like softball season. And so I remember like I was still working really hard to try to get in a varsity. We had tryouts. Like she like classified me as like a, swing position where I was supposed to play on varsity and JV.

What the fuck ever. And so I eventually, like I sat for a little bit and then I like, she put me in a game and I like started to play. And, um, you know, I ended up doing pretty well. So she started to play me more and eventually I got to the point where like I was starting. I was playing well. I was hitting well, whatever. I was, I got what I wanted finally. And so then at this point, like, and I had heard from other girls on the softball team

that like she was very like friendly, but like I never took it as like an inappropriate friendly. Like she was just like the cool, the cool coach. She like hung out with them. Like people could go talk to her if they needed somebody like stuff like that. And so she kind of started, it started by she had a Twitter account. It was for our high school softball team. It was called HS softball. And so as a 10th grade 16 year old girl, like I use Twitter all the time.

I would like tweet whatever the fuck song lyrics, whatever. And so she like starts to like like my tweets on Twitter and stuff. I'm like, and I'm like, and it just like, like, comes up weird because it's like a high school sports account. And so then she starts doing that. And then from what I remember, she starts texting me. And we start texting like very frequently just about like softball, about life, whatever. And then it kind of starts to get to the frequency where we're like always in contact

with each other, whatever. Like I still at this point am like not looking at it as anything because that's my coach. You know, I like guys like whatever. And so I'm not really like thinking anything of it. And then she, I'm just like thinking we're friends. And so then she starts to, you know, hang out with me outside of softball. Like she would have me come visit her at her office at school because she, was a high school softball coach,

but then she was also a gym teacher at an elementary school in our district, which is quite horrifying at the end of this, but whatever. But so I would like, there are times where I would like leave school and like skip school to go like hang out with her in her office at work.

And she like obviously had no problem with it, whatever. Like she would buy me food there sometimes when I went there. we'd hang out, talk about whatever. And then she started taking me to dinner, like, after softball games. And then we... Just you too. Yes, just us. And then we started to, like, do stuff on the weekends.

Like, we would go watch, like, other high school teams games sometime, like, when our season ended. Or, like, watch other teams in our conference. Like, if we were about to play them next, whatever, kind of like a scouting thing. Now, would you tell your parents that you were hanging out with her or did you keep it to yourself? At this point of time, I'm not really, I can't really remember what I told them. I don't know if they were fully aware that I was hanging out with her or like what we were doing. But there, and I'll get into it, there does become a pointed time where they know that I'm with her this often. So we're going to dinners and then there eventually becomes a point of.

time where I was going to her house frequently and like we'd go hang out of her house or like we get food and like take it back and eat at her house. And so she at the time was living in Talmud, which is like the town, the next town over from ours. And it was really, it was like, it's probably like 10 minutes away from my house, like in the schools and whatever. So I'd be going there. And then I do remember one time, I don't know if I was just over there really late or what. but I ended up staying the night there in like her spare room. And again, it's just us there. And so nothing happens that time.

I sleep in her spare room. I go home the next day. I know that time my parents knew. I think I told them I was at a friend's house or something like that. So then eventually I, this is the day that like I really remember it's May. it's a Friday, I believe it's May 22nd or 23rd. And she, like, invites me over to, like, it was decided that I was, like, going to say the night again.

And she's, like, you know, I'll, like, get used to some alcohol, whatever. Because at the time, like, I did, like, drink. Like, I was in high school. I drank a party. Like, I drank when I hung out with my friends sometimes. Whatever. So I was, like, 32. Okay.

And you were, what, 15, 16? 16. 16. I had turned 16 in October, and so this is May now. I mean, it's just surprising. Like, she was, that's some serious risks. Like, oh, yeah. Alcohol, having you sleep there.

Like, even just besides, you know, anything of what you're about to get to, that's, like, Right. Bad. Right. It's bad. And did you have any, like, inkling in yourself of, like, this feels like she's kind of, like, coming on to me at all? Or at this point still, you weren't sure.

I like, and it's so funny because, like, I, like, sit back now and I'm like, what the fuck was I thinking was going to happen? Like, but I just like, did. I don't think anybody thinks that. No. Like, I just, like, still thought that we were just, like, friends or like, whatever. You know, I just thought she was cool. Like, all my teammates had said she was cool and, like, just cool to hang out with, like, whatever. And I'm sorry, but, like, it is different when it's a woman. Right. Yeah. Like, you know, you're not going to view it as. weird right off the bat and at this point of time like I was I had never I had like not had any like attraction towards girls like I have no sexual experiences with girls like that like has never even crossed my mind so I am just kind of like okay like whatever like yeah let's drink and yeah and then she's also like I like have these like gummy like these THC or marijuana gummies like that and we'll do like those too. So I remember we're sitting on her couch and she like makes me this mixed drink with something. It's vodka and something. And she makes it for me. So I, I don't know like what all exactly she puts in it. And so she gives me this drink and I'm drinking that. And then

she gives me a gummy. And then I kind of like start to like slip into, you know, I don't know if she drugged me with something. I don't know if I was just fucked up because I'm 16 years old. Yeah. And so I kind of like slip into the haze of being under the influence, you know. And so I remember she like gets closer to me on the couch. And she like starts like nibbling on my ear and like kissing my ear. And then she starts kissing my neck.

and then like we like start like kissing and making out and whatever and then like the rest of the night from there kind of goes dark for me. I don't know if it is the passage of time or like the trauma like blocked it out but I remember I the next morning I like wake up in her bed with her next to me and I don't have any like. pants on or anything like that. And I'm kind of like, what happened? Like, whatever. And then at this point, I believe this is when we, like, engage.

We, like, have sex for the first time. That morning? That morning, from what I remember. Okay. So then, you know, that happens. I eventually go home and she's, like, still, like, blowing me up, like, texting, saying, like, like what was that like I think she like told me she loved me and like that she wanted to be together

with me blah blah blah and like you know at this time like she had became like the person that I could rely on and that I could count on and that I could run to and that would like if I was upset she would comfort me like stuff like that so I was kind of like I don't know like I don't know what we're doing Did she ever say anything to you? Like, you know, you can't tell anybody or anything like that. Yes, so she did. So we like eventually established that were like together, like in a relationship or whatever. And, and then this is when she's like, you know, like, you know you can't tell anyone.

Like I could get in a lot of trouble. Yada, yada, yada. And at this point, like, I knew that. Like, I wasn't dumb. Like, I knew that like teachers could get in trouble for that. So I knew like no one could know about it. But then like and this is what like she was just like so bold at the beginning too because you know obviously there's all this trouble she can get in.

But she's still like blowing my phone up, text me all the time at school like from her actual number. Like at this point of time we're going out to dinner and like doing stuff in the community. Right. So it's like anyone could have saw us out doing that. But there was not a concern of hers at that time. And so then, you know, we are in this. And I call it a relationship because that's, it was really abuse, but we're in this relationship for the rest of that summer.

So at that point, I mean, I was still in constant communication with her. Like we would talk on the phone. We would text 24-7. And, you know, I think at one point, like, she had me change her name and my phone to, like, love, but, like, stuff like this. Fucking gross, stuff like that. And so we are hanging out every day. I mean, we're obviously, like, we're having sex, like, every day. Like, it wasn't just, oh, like, we're fucked up.

This is an accident thing. Like, after that, like, the abuse was every day. Um, and so that. summer, like, we just kept doing what we were doing. Like, we, she would, like, take me shopping and buy me stuff. And then she also, like, she was friends with this mom who was a parent of a girl that eventually was on our softball team. And then she had also taught her other daughter in school.

And so this woman knew that, like, we were hanging out. but she didn't know what the extent of our relationship was. So I think as kind of like a mask or like a guise of like what was actually going on, she like started having this family, this mom and her kids and whatever come like do stuff with us. Hey guys. I'm Anna Garcia, host of True Crime News, the podcast. Every week we bring you in-depth coverage on cases making headlines as well as those that go under the radar. Tune in for murders that defy explanation, mystery seeking exploration, and shocking secrets that will leave you breathless.

Each week, we honor the victims by going beyond the salacious in our search for justice. Crime never stops, and neither do we. Listen to true crime news available now wherever you get your podcast. Guys, today's episode is sponsored by One Skin. All right, if you are anything like me, then your skin needs some extra loving this time of year. my skin is so dry and so flaky, I swear it is just completely flaking off, and it makes my skin itchy and just overall uncomfortable. That being said, that's why I have continued to rely on one skin, and my absolute favorite product by them is the OS1 body topical supplement. It is so

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using code devora at oncekin.co slash devora. After you purchase, they'll ask you where you heard about them. So please support our show and tell them we sent you. Again, for a limited time, try oncekin for 15% off using code devora at oncekin. Dot co slash devora. And when they ask where you heard about them, make sure to tell them you heard it here. And now back to the episode. Like I remember one time, like we went to Columbus for like a day trip to go shopping and

stuff and this family went and I don't understand how this mom was like watching this like seeing this relationship in person and being like this is normal this yeah this is fucking I because I would be like this is fucking weird like and like on this Columbus trip too I mean she was paying for everything for me like I didn't work like I was playing sports and stuff still and all that but like I didn't work like i i i didn't have my first job really till i had graduated and whatever so she would like pay for everything for me and so like they knew like they had to have seen that she was paying for all the stuff for me like she bought me clothes and like a new pair of soccer shoes and like that's just like not shit that your coach or an adult of that age should be buying for a

16 year old that's not related to them And so all that kind of stuff was happening. And, you know, my parents at this point knew that I was like seeing her and hang out with her occasionally, but not the full, like, extent of it. So also during the summer, like, this is kind of, and I was talking to Matt about it actually yesterday. Like, I think what's so, like, haunting about these experiences, even now and even after you talk about them is that, like, like my first sexual experiences, like my first time, like using a vibrator, my first time orgasming, my first time having sex, like, is with her. So anytime you, like, think about the first time you did any of those things, like, that's,

that's what I remember. And so, like, you know, she's like, and she almost, like, she, like, fully exploits the facts that I've like never had an orgasm, like never used a vibrator. Like I remember one time she made me like let her eat me out until I like had an orgasm. Like she wouldn't let me like stop her. Or then like she would make me like because I really didn't want to use like a vibrator or anything like that. And she like made me use it until I like came.

Like and I'm like. There's obviously, you know, obviously besides her being. a fucking pedophile. Right. You know, like there's obviously something within her that's like, is I think, in my opinion, is attracted to younger people so that she can have that power of, like, let me be your first or everything. Right.

Yes. And I think that's exactly like what it is because it wasn't like I was like fucking a bunch of dudes before I, like, I was 16 years old. Like, even if I would, but like, I had very limited experience. It was almost like it was almost like a she saw an easy target. Right. To take advantage of. Right.

And then like it was also like the same thing with like porn. Like she would like start to introduce me with porn and make me watch like stuff like that. And so. Yeah. She's just fucking weird. Yeah. Especially. It's just like so it's odd to me too.

It's like one thing to explore sexuality with like, you know, in your relationship where you're comfortable with two consenting adults. Right. But then it's just like to me there's just this. really twisted aspect to like wanting to introduce you to this more like right and I won't say I guess like I mean at that age it is dark right I don't think that like those things are really thought about or experimented with until you're older like right even if you are having sex when you're 16 years old it's like right the very like basic you think you're doing crazy stuff you're not right you know that's crazy and I think even that I feel like I know I've had some people in the show talk about this but

you know, having those kind of experiences so young and in such a way like that you did that was, you know, this kind of grooming situation, it does lead you to having sexual trauma. It's like it almost like has you viewing sex and not as like pure of a way. Like it's like it makes it different. Right. It does. Yeah. And then so I guess like some more like backstory on her too that I'm like figuring out

while this relationship's going on in its early stages, I find out at first she lies to me and says that she has had sex with men. And then I don't know why she lies to me about this because I, like, you know, she knew that I hadn't had sex with any men. Like, I had no reason to lie, like, whatever. And so she, like, told me that she had. and then, you know, I had made some kind of comment about, like, having sex with men, whatever to her. And she, like, had this, like, almost, like, broke down and was, like, I haven't had sex with a man before, like, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.

And I'm like, you know, at this point, too, she's told me that she's been in relationship with men. I think she told me there was at one point where she was engaged, like, almost married. Like she had told me that she was in serious relationship with men for like years. And I'm like, you were in relationship with these men for that long and you didn't have sex. And it's just like was very like weird to me like knowing how sexual she was at that point. And then another thing that I learned is that she did have a relationship with another girl that played softball. At the same school? Yep. And that relationship started like four or five years before ours did, I believe.

Was the girl the same age as you? So she alleges that it started after the girl graduated and that like the girl initiated it and all this other stuff. But like... Okay, even so. Obviously, obviously knowing like what I know now and like there was like a nine year age difference between them too, which is. like, fine, like, we have an age gap between each other, but it's like, you know, I mean, this girl's 18 and what she's in her late 20s, like, that's like such a totally different, like, times of lot, like, you know what I mean? So, I, you know, I don't know, like, and I'm not going to

speak for her. Like, I don't know what happened when she was in high school. I don't know what she did, but, like, clearly to me, like, this grooming behavior and whatever the fuck is there. Like there's no coincidence that you, like, dated this girl. And they dated for a long time. They, like, dated for years. They dated from when she graduated up until, like, me. So she says she broke up with her, like, right before things started with me. And so that was, like, an out of the layer to things where I'm like, that's fucking weird.

And, you know, I think back about it now. And I, part of the reason I think that their relationship eventually ended was that obviously like when you get to a certain point of our relationship you want to take you to the next step you want to be like you want to meet families like be open about like your relationship and I just don't think that she was like Corey was ever comfortable with doing that like with anybody and so I kind of think that she thought maybe with me like oh I'm underage I can't tell anybody about this so there's never going to be the want or desire to be open and talk and whatever and like yeah so there's that too so you know

this like the relationships like progressing like we get into my junior year and at this point like I'm like I'm like fully engulfed in this and she has me convinced that she's the love of my life like no one's ever going to like love me or be there for me as much as she is yada yada yada um and so she would every like free second i had like she wanted it to be with her or then like if i try to hang out with my friends or whatever like she would make me feel bad so it was almost like you know i would go to school i'd go to soccer practice or whatever and then like i'd have to go see her like and then i'd come home at like 10 11 o'clock at night and like a bitch is fucking tight like jesus christ like you know you're like i'm like trying to like be a normal kid and like go to

school and and do sports and whatever and then like still like put all of my time and energy like towards her too and so you know this is going on like i'm like starting to get more isolated from everybody else. I would say more like withdrawn, like secret. Like obviously like I don't want people. Like people can't know about my life because it's with her all the time. Yeah. And you never told any friends or anything?

No. Not until I was an adult. Damn. And so then at this point too, like people like kind of started to like suspect something was going on and it never escalated to the point of like telling anyone or anything like that. I was just like kind of like rumors like floating around the school. And so obviously we had caught wind of that and heard that. And so then at this point, like she kind of started to get like a little bit paranoid about things. Like I believe this is

around the time where we started to like if we were going to go out to eat or do whatever, like we would go like, like we lived in Summit County. We'd like go to like the next county over to do whatever. Um, and then she also started kind of like trying to like befriend my parents too. And she ended up getting like she ended up did eventually like becoming like kind of friends with my dad like kind of so that like it was okay. Like yeah. So that's happening. And then I, one of the biggest members because like the abuse all after a certain point all runs together. Right. Like when it's that frequent, I was telling Matt the other day, it's like a big block of like

abuse. Yes. It's just like the time that it was happening. Like other than the beginning, I feel like, yeah, it's just like, you know, you know the timeframe. Hello. She said, let me make you feel better. And so there was one time that I do remember it was really like, it was very like strange and like risky for her to do. Like she, like, facilitated this whole, like, Myrtle Beach trip for our softball team to take, like, through the school over spring break.

And I remember we were, like, about to go leave for a practice or our game. And everyone else was, like, going down, like, from the hotel to get on the bus. And she, like, took me in her hotel room and, like, made out with me before we went and, like, did whatever this was. Like, and so I don't really know what the fuck that was about. but whatever. So that happens, like, people are kind of starting to get, like, suspect something's going on, like the rumors are floating around, like, this becomes a normal. So the normal persists, like, through, like, the end of my junior year, that summer of junior year,

like, we're in our relationship, like, we think we just celebrated, like, our year anniversary of whatever. And so that is what it is. And then it continues into my senior year. And this is kind of when things start to blow up. So at this point, she is like wanting me to go and play college softball. And I kind of like just went along with like whatever she wanted me to do. And so I was like, yeah, okay.

I could do that. So she, like, started helping me, like, get recruited by, like, college, like, colleges, stuff like that. And, like, I also don't know at this point if this was another, like, manipulation or control tactic to be, like, if you, like, leave or do whatever, like, I'm not going to help you with this. Because there were times where, like, we would fight, obviously in the relationship. and like I would try to get like away from her or like get space from her and like she would just like blow my phone out like wouldn't stop calling my phone and then I remember one time she like followed me home like I'm like trying to get away from her to fucking go home to my parents house and she's like following me home like she just did like crazy shit like that and so I think the hard thing too is

you know like you mentioned I feel like your first relationships they're very like you know they have a big impact on you, you are kind of navigating things. And I think a lot of times, especially if there is, you know, a sense of manipulation and things like that, you don't really have the tools and understanding to point out those red flags and get away from them. Right. You know, I just feel like a lot, like, especially if it's your first type of thing, you just don't, you don't know. It's not as easy as to just be like, this is bad. I'm out. Yeah, right. And especially now, like, there's this whole other layer to it. Yeah.

She's still my coach. Like, um, so it's that and then she's also my coach. So it's not like I'm ever getting away with her. Yeah. Even if their relationship ends. Yeah, it makes sense to me for you to have the mindset of like, come college time, I'll just go away to like escape the whole, you know, it's just that seems like the easiest walkout of the situation.

Right. Right. Yeah. So. And, you know, at this point, like, I don't know, like, even if like that's fully what I wanted to do like if I wanted to end the relationship and like right you still have like feelings yeah like and and and so I'm just like it's a very confusing time and so she like is having me go visit these colleges and is like basically like you you know she gets it in my mind that I like have

to play college softball but then like you know I I still don't know at the end of the day like at this time if that's even what I wanted to do because I had like like. I had like like like adapted so much of her personality and her wants and, and like what she wanted in her life and like everything like that. Like I didn't even know who I think I feel like I lost the sense of like identity. Absolutely. So she's like taking me on these college visits. Like I think I missed school one day to go on a college visit with her.

My parents did know about that. And like, you know, eventually I end. up deciding to play college softball somewhere that it's like it was like a smaller school and it was like 45 minutes away from home so like I could still see her like and like they didn't even have like it's just like the way how distorted she was about like this college softball thing is like there was no like concern about the school part of things and at that point time like I was always very smart like I I think I graduated with like close to almost a 4.0 in high school so obviously the education part was something I was good at too and also important to me

and so she had me like committed to the school that like didn't even have the major I wanted to go into and stuff like that or anything even related to it so that's happening and then eventually I like, again, like, I'm kind of like, I'm kind of like over her a little bit, like, but I feel like I'm trapped, obviously, like, because I can't get away from her. And then also another thing is too, is that I don't know if I, like girls are not really either.

Like, I don't know because the only experience I'd ever had was with her. And then I had experience with, like, guys before her. And so I started to have this like identity, crisis where I'm like, am I, like, a lesbian? Like, what, what am I? Like, is it just her? Like, so I, like, kind of started, like, a thing with this girl on my soccer team. And, like, I guess for, like, blame interns, like, it was, like, I did, like, cheat on Corey. Like, this girl and I, like, had feelings for each other. We were texting all the time. Like,

I think there are times where we, like, floor on a little bit. Like, I definitely know we, like, made out and did whatever. And so she, like, obviously picked up on this because she was fucking creepy and, like, was onto you. On to me. Yeah. And so she picked up, like, about this. Like, I would deny it, deny it. But, like, she totally fucking knew that something was going on.

And so eventually, like, she writes me this big, long, like, note thing in my notes, like, basically, like, I love you. Like, you're my person. like I'll be there for you at any capacity you want me to be like yada, like this big long, like nice thing that made me like feel bad for being unfaithful to her. And so at this one time too, like, and to kind of give a little bit more background, like that summer prior, like she had a very close relationship with her grandmother and her grandma died. I mean, her grandma was like 96 years old, but like her grandma died and she was very like, she was very,

very upset and like grieving over that as well. So all these things are happening and like she'd also like, you know, that was like a big person in my life too where I'm like, what does my life like look like without her? Like because I like she was my life. And so I eventually decide to like end this fling or whatever with this other girl. I like feel really fucking guilty for like cheating. on her and like, you know, I was lying about it and like she doesn't know exactly what I did, whatever. And so I have all these feelings of like guilt. Like I feel bad for her.

Whatever. And so at this point too, like I'd also, I think after like things ended with this girl, like, or like even like maybe while I was still seeing her, like I would also still go and like, she would really like be obsessed with me like staying the night at her house because she said she wanted me to sleep with her and I'm like okay whatever so there were times where I like went and stayed that I at her house and did whatever like I know one time like she did not let me go to like any school functions really or school dances except for my senior year homecoming I don't know if I was just like fuck it I'm going anyways or what I went and then she made me like come stay the night at her house after.

And so I don't know if my parents knew exactly how much I was staying the night over there. I don't think they did. But yeah. So all this is happening. Like things kind of like level out. It's like October, November of my senior year. And at this point, like I had turned 18. So this has been going on from 16 to 18, like almost all.

of high school it feels like and I was on this field trip for National Honor Society because we would go out in the community and do volunteer work or whatever so I remember we go to this nursing home and we like play games with the older people and it was like really I remember it was really nice and like I had a really good time like and it felt really good to like go and do that And so I, like, I'm on the bus on the way home from that. And we, I'm, like, texting Corey on the school bus. And she's, like, not answering. And, like, oh, whatever.

Like, she's probably busy at work, whatever. And so we get back to the school and the superintendent and the principal, like, come out of the office. Because the office is, like, right by where the school bus comes up. And they're like, you need to come in here. Like, we need to talk. to you and I'm like okay like am I in trouble like whatever like not even thinking like this is and so they bring me into this office and they like start asking me all these questions about her like because at a few weeks ago these students from my high school had saw us out in public

at this ice cream place that was very far away from where I lived it was in like Cleveland area And so it was like 40, 45 minutes away. And it was just the two of us and like four girls from my high school like saw us out there. And I don't know why like it took so long for someone to say something or like what was going on at that time. But like eventually one of them told a teacher and then the teacher told the administration, whatever, that they saw that and like something was going on like and their rumors going around, whatever. And so they, superintendent and the principal, like, pull me into their office and they're, like, asked me all these questions about Corey. And I'm, like, saying, like, no, no, no, it's not true. And they're, like, talking to me without my parents there.

Like, they said they tried to call my parents, but, like, they didn't answer because they were both working. And so this whole time, they're asking me all these questions. And then eventually, I believe in this interview, like, I say that we hang out, like, and I say that. I spent the night at her house, like stuff like, like I make some admissions to them. And so eventually they let me go and my parents never fucking answer or respond to them, whatever. So I go home and eventually like my parents do get a hold of the school.

And, you know, of course I tell them like, you know, it's not true. It's not true. Whatever. Now, does she answer any of your texts? No. So at this point, when the school finds out, like she cut off all, like, really?

Contact with me, yeah. Um, so she cut off contact with me from beginning of November through, I want to say like mid to late December, but so. Did you see her at all? No. Where are you, how did you feel about that? Were you upset? Oh, yeah, because that was the only person I like talked to.

It was like, it would be like if he just like, he just like, yeah, I'd be like if he just stopped fucking. Yeah. Yeah. and just was unreachable. And like there's no clothes, like there's no anything. And so I'm very upset. And then like, you know, this is, because they put her on administrative leave,

like pending this investigation or whatever. And so eventually there's like a newspaper article about it, about how she's on admin leave involving like an inappropriate relationship with a student. And so that's going on. And then all of this, obviously everybody knows about it because it's in the paper. And so then, like, you know, you know how high school is. Like, everyone's talking about it. And then everyone's like, the other component of it is like everyone's like, oh my God,

like are you a lesbian? Like, yada, yada, yada, which is like that, like, if I was like, that's not something that you announce in the fucking paper when you're in high school, you know. And also like you didn't even have time to digest. and no. Right. And so like there's just all this, all this is going around. So like school is hell too.

And like everyone's like, oh my God, is this true? Whatever. And so I'm like adamantly denying it because like obviously we had talked about it in our relationship what I would do if the school, like anybody found out or asked me. And like it was decided like obviously I would deny it like or all she would get in trouble. So I denied it, whatever. The school ended up having this lawyer from the district come in and like investigate this. And so she like interviews my parents, interviews a bunch of other students, yada, yada, yada.

And then eventually after she closes her investigation, Corey was reinstated as the gym teacher. but like not as our coach. So we got a new softball coach my senior year. But during this time, like, and I found this all out and confirmed it recently, like, the school never called the police and told them, hey, we have an inappropriate relationship. And let her still work there. Yeah, right. You know, because they never called TPS.

Right. They never called the Ohio Board of Education. The Ohio Board of Education found out that she was under whatever for this by the newspaper articles. And so, you know, because forever I'm like, you know, I had thought like the police, like, they told the police and like nothing ever happened because I wasn't cooperative and my parents weren't cooperative. Like my parents, like thought that like this, my parents like were convinced like the school. district was like out to get her basically and that nothing was going on between us and like they just wanted to get rid of her as a softball coach did they ever question you your parents i think they literally

asked me like one time if it was true and i said no and then like that was just like it okay which it's like i don't know like i feel like i don't have any kids but i feel like i would ask a few more questions in that but whatever i think too because you know obviously in a situation like that you're still a child like you were going to be scared. Right. And so I'm just thinking like that they told the police and they just didn't do anything because I wasn't cooperative and there was nothing criminal. But like clearly, so I'm a prosecutor now.

I know now that like if there's any kind of inappropriate relationship allegation with a teacher and a student, you are absolutely calling the police and it is unheard of that a report. reports not taken and it's not investigated because of course like a child in that position that's in fucking high school with all the shit's going on. Yeah. Isn't going to fucking admit it to some old-ass fucking lawyer that the school district brings in to talk to you? Like there are people trained in that shit to interview kids like that.

Yeah. So none of that fucking happened, which clearly is a problem. Like you can't just fucking do that. And then so she gets reinstated as a gym teacher and let go as a softball coach. And then at this point, I mean, we eventually, like she eventually message. She eventually like text me about something like from her actual phone. And we end up starting to communicate. She gets like a burner phone.

So I communicate with her on her burner phone. and then she gets like a fake Snapchat account. And then she made me make a fake Snapchat account to communicate with her on there. And we did start hanging out again and like the abuse resumed probably mid to late December of my senior year. And I mean, it was basically the same shit,

but it was even more isolating now because we couldn't go anywhere. Yeah. And then she would also make me like, park streets over from her neighborhood or her house or whatever and then come pick me up from there so like my car wasn't seen in her house or like crazy shit like and so you know this is happening she is like she's like upset because she loses her softball job like she is still like under the us like the idea that like the school district's out to get her and that that

this all just happened because they like want to get rid of her. Like there was no like, oh fuck, like I was, I was actually doing this. Yeah. Like no responsibility. Right. So that happens. Like she continues to teach and stuff. Like at this point, like obviously like her coworkers and shit are like, you're a fucking weird ass bitch.

Like I don't want to be like associated with you at all. So she starts having issues at work. and she was kind of like saying that she was going to like totally switch careers, like whatever. And so she is back at work. The Ohio Board of Education is opened their own investigation finally because they found out about this through the newspaper or whatever. So she has this pending with them. And, you know, the rest of my senior year was just miserable because she was miserable.

So obviously she was going to be miserable. like she's going to project that onto me. And I did like, was still like going to play college softball. And this was really fucked up too. Like, and I wanted to sign like a national letter of intent or like whatever the fuck, you know, that you do. And she was like, no, like you can't do that because like I can't be there. Like what you're going to have like your new coach, like be there and like take the credit

for it. So she wouldn't let me do that. she didn't let me go to prom, all this other shit. She still went to all of our softball games that year, which was fucking weird and, like, stood out, like, with my parents, like, and watched the games and shit, which was just, like, and, like, totally acted like, she wasn't doing anything to me and, like, nothing happened.

So, you know, I graduate, like, that summer. like I'm like getting ready to go to school like things kind of resume as normal like we kind of get more like lax about things again because you know I've graduated so we kind of go back to doing the same stuff whatever like she's still like

seemed very miserable at this point and like bitter almost thinking like it's my like almost like blaming me that like this happened to her and so I'm just like kind of like whatever like I just like deal with it and then you know I was very at this point of time like I was like very scared to go to college like because I had never been like away from her either I'd never been away from home I'd

never been away from her I wasn't going to have my car at school either so I couldn't see her and so then you know she like was she became upset that I was leaving and like like he was like you need to like come see me on the weekends like blah blah blah blah blah blah blah whatever so I go and I try to go to this college and play softball and you know I still have to go and see her like on the weekends like I'd have my parents pick me up and like they take me home and then I go home and like drive to go see her or whatever and eventually at the beginning of the school year like I get injured so I can't even play and so I'm like doing this and then I'm like dealing with her and then there's she comes up and sees me one day like in September and it's

like I they like took my teaching license the the board did because they like pulled our phone records and they saw like how much I called and texted you so they're taking my license like I resigned from my job like today and so I I She made me feel bad about that, obviously. And so at some point of this time, like, I just, like, have, I, like, have a mental fucking breakdown. Like, I am, like, I don't want to be here. Like, I don't want to be playing softball. Like, I don't want to be living here.

I, like, wasn't really getting along or making any friends because I was going home on the weekend so much, like, when would I have the time? Yeah. And I was like, I just like want to focus on school and the school doesn't even have like what I want to do. Because I wanted to do like criminal justice, something criminal justice related. And they didn't have that. And so I was finally like, I like need to get the fuck out of here. And so I dropped out after a semester.

I moved home. It felt like like my parents made me feel really embarrassed about it. she made me feel really embarrassed about it like I was a failure like which made no sense because I'm like you're fucking setting me up for failure and I just like I somehow like for the grace of God I'm able to like quickly transfer to Kent State which is I was able to commute and whatever and I got into the major I wanted to do so that all worked out and then at this point a time, like, I kind of started to reconnect with my friend Savannah and some of my other friends that I had known in high school, like, that were older than me that I knew and graduated,

like, my sophomore year, like, before, like, any of this with Corey happened. So then I finally move home, and I, like, told her, I'm, like, I'm, like, done. Like, I don't want to be, like, in a relationship with you. Like, I don't know. I think I told her I, wanted to take a break like but I was like I'm I'm done like yeah with this with you and so um it obviously like wasn't just like a clean break like we still like we're in contact with each other I think we still saw each other but like she like at this point in time like it seemed like she had really like lost interest in me like and I don't know if it was because I was an adult or if it was because I was not like living the life that she wanted me to live or she thought I was a failure

because I came home and like transferred schools and was commuting because she had always sold me like in high school like oh like people that commute are like such failures like you don't experience life like commuting like all this other stuff and so she like almost even if that was something I wanted to do she almost like made me take that out of the picture completely And so she just like basically seemed done and over it and whatever. And so at this point, like, I'm like trying to fucking pick of the pieces of my life. Like I'm fucking living at home. I didn't think I'd be living at home anytime soon.

I don't have, I feel like I don't have any friends because she was my only friend for two, almost three years now. and, you know, at this point, I don't have a job. Like, I just feel like I had, like, fucking nothing. Like, and I was just lost. And so finally, like, I was going to school. I was like, I'm going to get a job and, like, just start, like, doing fucking something that, because to fill this void. And so I, like, go to school.

I, like, I'm working. I finish that, like, semester that school year out my first year of college um we still have like a i i guess like a relationship like a friendship like it's it's not really like sexual or anything like that anymore just like staying in touch yeah um and so then and she's she's very weird at this point of time too so in like 2017 like it was like the fall after it was a fall of my sophomore year of high school. She, not high school, college, sorry. She is like, you should come play on like my slow pitch top ball team. I'm like, okay, like, that would probably be good for me to like play again,

whatever. And so I go and I like start playing on this team and it's whatever. And then she starts to get like really fucking weird and jealous because I at this point of time was like talking to guy like I was starting to like open up right yeah find yourself yeah right and so I'm like talking to guys on this team and she like starts to get shitty about that and like jealous and like whatever and she kind of starts to like notice like oh fuck like she's starting to have her own life um so she starts to like really like start communicating with me a lot again like she would like ask like to go on drive like pick me up at my house like and like go on drives and like do stuff or and like whatever and at this point of time i'm like

kind of like no like i i don't like want this with you like i want to be i want to be fucking normal and like explore other things and like live my life like i don't i don't want anything to do with you and so actually people on my slopeage team kind of started to put stuff together and they're like hey like I remember like reading about this in the paper like did this happen like were you in a relationship with her like this is when people like actually started like ask me about it and these people were friendly the people that were like this that was like not okay that that like happened to you like these are fucking grown men like telling me this and so then finally like, you know, people are telling me this and I'm like, okay, maybe I should really fucking

look back at like what she's done to me and like done to my life, you know? So I really started to think about it. Like, you know, I'm taking like criminal justice classes, whatever. Like, and at this point in time, this is when like things like start to click, like, about like what she did and like what happened to me. And at this point of time, I'm like, I'm like done with you. you like we're not like I sent her this text that says like do not fucking text me anymore do not text my family like I'm fucking done with you you like ruin my life like because I believe one time too I had told her that she ruined my life and she like went on this big name saying like really like I ruined your life like I lost my teaching license because of you

like all this other stuff like that and so I was finally just like I'm fucking done with you don't ever fucking contact me again whatever And so I go throughout college. Like I, you know, I'm working. I like fast track my degree to get done in three years. And I decide that I'm going to go to law school, whatever. So I apply to law school and I, you know, post online that I got in a law school or whatever. And so she sends me a test and I was like, hey, like I saw online that you got into law school.

And I think at this point of time, we're still. like friends on social media maybe or whatever. And so she sends me this text like congratulating me and I tell her, I'm like, yeah, thank you. Like, just so you know, like I wrote my law school admissions essay about like you and what you did to me. And she was kind of like played it off like, oh, like, really? Like she was surprised to hear it.

But like didn't say anything like. like didn't apologize, didn't ever apologize and say anything like that. And then I remember too, like, I think a little while after she, like... I'm surprised she wasn't, like, shitting her pants. Well, I think this is when she starts to be like, oh, fuck. Yeah. So I think also after that time, like, I remember the last time I met up with her, like, and this had been years since we saw her.

all each other. I like met up with her because I'm like, I want to fucking ask this bitch in person. Like all, because all I want to know was like why the fuck you like had to do this to me. Like why did you pick me? Like you had all these other people and all these whatever. Like why did it have to be me? And, you know, she still like never acknowledged the even relationship really, never took accountability.

Never did fucking like just, it was like a pointless fucking conversation. conversation. So that's the last time I see her. That's the last time I talk to her. It's like my last year of college right before I go into law school. And then once I go into law school, I mean, we don't have any communication with each other at all. I believe she, we like became like unfriended with each other on social media, like whatever. And I don't hear from her. And then at this point of time, I kind of get into my first real relationship, like, that, like, that wasn't like abuse, you know what I mean? So I get into my first relationship and, like, my relationship with him, like, we, we both just, like, had our own issues, but, like, you know, it was so hard to

try to be and try to make a normal, healthy relationship after, like, that's what my, template of a relationship was. That's all I have to go off of. Yeah. So obviously, like, I realized a lot of things, like, during that, just, like, I had just a lot of trush issues, like, stuff like that, like, that I just could not, like, get over or whatever. And so I'm, like, starting to realize that I am, like, affected by this, like, event

that's happened to me. And so I'm just like, you know what? Like, I'm just going to, like, I wanted to like, I ended up wanting to go to law school because of this. Because I'm like, I want to be a prosecutor because I want to prosecute people like this that did this to me. And so I go to law school and I'm like, I am so busy. Like, I can't fucking deal with this right now because I'm like working and going to law school. and I'm like, I'm just going to, like, deal with this trauma or whatever later. So it's like dealing with this shit's, like, always on the back burner for me.

So I graduate from law school. I passed a bar. Like, I meet Matt. Like, I'm finally in my, like, first, like, healthy relationship, like, I've ever, like, been in my life. Right. And we, like, buy a house. Like, we get three dogs. Like, we're having.

having like, like life should be fucking good, right? Like I have a full-time job, like working as a prosecutor, like, everything that I, like, had wanted to achieve in my life, like, I had got. But then I'm like, like, I'm like still like so, like, fucking depressed. Like, I'm depressed. And then I'm like, you know, I would have a lot of like anxiety when like he would leave me alone and go to work. Like it was just like this stuff just like kind of.

started to like creep up. And so he's finally like, you know, why don't you like go to therapy? Like you probably need to go to therapy like after this happened to you. You know what I mean? And so I go to therapy and I'm, this is the first time that I'm like fully like talking about her and this and like how it's affected my life and just how I'm feeling about. it and then you know my therapist was really great she really like helped me through a lot of stuff because I forever was under the idea that like it was my fault to like and that I it was okay that

it happened because I consented to it and then I didn't tell anybody about it when I when I could have um and so for years that was kind of like eating me alive almost because I'm like, oh my God, like, I know that she's like not a teacher anymore, but she actually ended up moving to like a few counties over. She still lived in the state, but she moved a few counties over. Like, she didn't live nearby anymore. And like, from what I understood, she like totally switched careers. And I'm like, you know, I don't know anything about her now.

Like, you know, I don't know if she like has done this since me. I don't know if she's going to, like, I felt, I started to feel like guilt. of like, oh my God, like, what if she does this to somebody else? Yeah. Because she did it before me. So she helped me through, like, a lot of that, basically saying, like, you know, it's not your fault. Like, obviously people in your school district didn't do their job either.

So I'm still working. I'm, like, working through that. I work through that for almost a year. And at this point, it's, like, summertime of 2024. And I'm also, I also have, like, some subsubstableness. since abuse issues as well at this time. Like I, you know, I would go to therapy

and like get all this stuff out. And then it would really like, trigger a lot of memories that I had with her. That I either hadn't thought about her in the years or like totally repressed, like whatever. And so I would like go home and I would, I would just drink and drink a drink.

So I didn't. I didn't. think about that kind of stuff. And so finally, I'm like, you know, I'm going to therapy. Like, I'm not really, I still feel like guilty about this. You know, eventually, like, start to kind of like apply what I'm doing to like my own fucking life, you know, because I like separated them so much for so long. And I'm like, you know, this, the abuse started in 2014 and ended in.

2016 when I graduated for like legal purposes, but I had like 12 years since I turned 18 to report it and that criminal charges and stuff could be filed. So I am like thinking about it. Like I'm talking about it. I am I like am looking through like what I had still saved from that time of my life like in my phone like if I had any messages. just save, like, pictures, whatever. I had some, like, a lot of stuff I really would have to have, like, text messages between us, shit like that I didn't have anymore.

Yeah. So I eventually am like, fuck it, like, I'm gonna go report it. Even if nothing happens, I reported it. You tried, yeah. I tried. So. And I'm sure to some degree that probably felt empowering for you. It did.

So I finally go and report. it. I try to go report it to Kyga Falls first and they're like actually needs to be reported in town much because that's where the abuse happened. And I'm like, oh my God. Like this was after I fucking sat there and like wrote out this full fucking statement with Kyga Falls where they're like actually like this is the wrong place. And I'm like, well, can you like send my statement there? And they're like, it might just be better for you to just go there. I'm like awesome. Like perfect. Let's write it again. Yeah, right. So I go to Talmadge like a immediately after because I'm like, I need to just fucking do this.

Like I just need to get this over with. Like, I'm like very upset. Like, so I go into Talmadge, like, very upset. The officer that I talked to was very nice. Like, you get me water, tissues, whatever, and, like, put me in a room and just, like, let me, like, fucking write out, right out everything that happened. And I was able to do, like, specific incidents and stuff based on, like, pictures I had, not of her or anything, but like of other stuff from that time that, like, had me remember,

like, oh, like, after this, we, her and I did this. You know what I mean? Yeah. So I go and I do that and I'm like, okay, like, he's like, okay, like a detective will file up with you because he was like, you know, do you want charges? And I'm like, if possible, like, yes. Yeah. So a detective gets assigned.

and thankfully it's like the best fucking detective in the department, my opinion. He was a sergeant of the detective bureau and he brought me in and did like a formal interview like with him and goes over everything and this dude like worked his fucking ass off. He like sent out all these search warrants to try to get like any records that were left. Like he like fought with the fucking school district to get the records from their investigation. because they like bought like tooth and nail not to give that shit to him. I think because they knew they fucked up. Yeah, they didn't want a bad rep.

Right. So, and then he like had to get records from the Ohio Board of Education. And then he probably interviewed like every fucking person that I, I knew that I was friends with at the time that I was around like when this relationship was happening. Like, because obviously like people, my friends were. around me and like saw I was different and that like I was hanging out with her and like yeah something wasn't normal but like didn't know the full extent of it until after I was an

adult so he talks to all these people any people that they mentioned he talks to like he he talks in interviews like so many people like and does like such a thorough investigation into this finally like this and this is 10 years later after after it started. And so finally, like, he gets, you know, records from the school and the Ohio Board of Education. And thank God the Ohio Board of Education got involved because they actually did, like, a full investigation back then, too.

Like, they got her phone records. They, like, got a statement from her that they could, like, that we could use in court, like, all this other stuff. And so it ended up getting indicted. So she got indicted on one count of sexual battery in, I think it was January of this year. And so she obviously, like she lawyered up immediately. Like even when he tried to talk to her,

like she wouldn't talk to the detective at all. So she goes in like, she doesn't have to like, sit in jail or anything like that. Like she like gets pay like pays bond like is out all this case is pending. You know, this is obviously like very stressful for me because I'm, you know, working as a prosecutor and doing my own stuff. And at this point of time, I am in like our office's domestic violence prosecutor role. So I'm like, you've seen these cases every day of like domestic violence like crimes

against kids, like stuff like that. And so I'm dealing with that. And then I'm also dealing with my own case. And I, like, made a point to go to every fucking court date of hers because I'm like, this is not going away from you, like, for you this time. Like, you may have got away with it, like, 10 years ago, but, like, I'm fucking here now. Like, I'm coming to everything. So I would, like, at least go on Zoom, like, even if it was just a pretrial or whatever.

but like it's all the proceedings and stuff i mean it's still very like taxing on you to like sit there like in anticipation like i think too it's like every time you're hearing it and dealing with it it's like reliving it yeah it's bringing it back up and opening the wound again basically and then like you know i would really want to go to these pretrial to like get some power back i think i i really wanted to go to all the hearings to get some power back and like no it was going on and whatever and um you know i would even on zoom like i'd go on these hearings and i'd have to see her yeah and that's hard too to see her and then it's like it's so strange because you you know you do all this work and like this person has caused so much trauma in your life but there's still a part of you that's like did i do did i do the right thing like

like there's a part of me still that like felt bad for her even after all this time. I think the way to look at it in my opinion is like you're doing it for your 16 year old self. Yes, absolutely. And like obviously you're doing it for yourself now as well, like working through it and healing and whatever. But you know like even when you mentioned before like that you wanted the closure from her of like why you. But I don't even think it has to be from her. I think for yourself, it's nice to know, like, oh, it happened to me because I'm doing something about it.

Right. There could be a handful of people that would just blow it off and be like, and maybe fully blame themselves and be like, I was just, like, even though yes, I was young, like, I wanted it, you know, and just keep it pushing. But like, I think, you know, there needs to be more people that speak up about things like this. Right. Because it does take a major toll on your life.

Oh, yeah. It does, you know, it messes with so many different aspects of who you. you are that you're not even able to fully, I think, understand and grasp until you get older. And then you start kind of going backwards and like dissecting, oh, I feel this way because of this, this and this that happened to me. Right.

Yes, absolutely. And it's like, yeah, and I just got to the point where I'm like, I don't want this to be something that fucking happened to me anymore that I didn't do anything about. Yeah. And obviously like, you know, I hear, I've obviously you hear stories of people that you're like, my god like this happened to me with a kid like nothing happened to them and it just it makes me

feel bad for those people that like either like don't feel strong enough or supported enough to go and like hold their abuser accountable or just like can't because too much time has passed you know so where does it stand now so the court proceedings go on and like my the only person that like really was like fully supportive was my work because my work knew what was going on so they're very very supportive they like you know like if i was having a hard day like because there are sometimes like stuff at work would like bring back memory like and like i would go to in like a trauma reaction at work sometimes and um a prosecutor's office is a very awkward place to have a reaction like that too because you're just like there's just so many people up there and like cops and like whatever and then um obviously

matt like has been a big support he's like gone to all the meetings with the detectives like all the court things like whatever but like you know this whole thing's going on and my parents are like i just don't understand like why you did this like now and like eventually my mom like kind of like my mom came around And it was like, you know what, fuck her. Like, she did this to you. Like, I hate that bitch. Like, she should go to prison. Like, so my mom finally came around and, like, my mom did, like, apologize for, like,

anything, like, that she did that, like, led to this to happen. Like, and so, like, I, my mom, like, ended up being, like, supportive through it. Like, I still don't think she, like, fully, really understood, like, the gravity of it. Yeah. And like how it like has a how it affects your life like as an adult. I think that might too be like a generational thing. Yes. It's like that disconnect of how things that happen to us do affect.

Yeah. Right. Yeah. Yep. But then like my dad like and I don't know what I was expecting for my dad because like like I had said earlier like she like kind of befriended him. So I don't know if he like was manipulated. by her too to an extent.

Just once again, it kind of just gives me the thought that like if it was a man, yes. Like he viewed differently. Right. It shouldn't be viewed any differently. I think if it was a man from the fucking get-go, it would have been viewed by everybody differently. Right.

It's crazy. Yeah. And it just, and that's another thing too that I like have really wanted to bring awareness of like by telling my story is that women, are just as fucked up as men are. And they do horrible things the kids too. It's not any less damaging or any less serious. And like I've just seen so many like disgusting comments and stories online like of like male victims that come forward because they're abused by a female and just how like people downplay that.

Right. They're very dismissive about it. Yeah. And I'm like that is just as damaging as. a man doing that to a girl or a woman doing that to a woman or a man doing that to a boy. Like what what is it fucking matter? Like at the end of the day, like that person is a predator and they should be held accountable for that and that story should be taken seriously.

Yeah. But anyway, so I like, I did not get a lot of support for my dad. Like he was very much like, oh, like, because like Corey did come from like money. She had a family with money, like, whatever. He was like, oh, like, you're going to get sued, like, for doing this, like, yada, yada, yada. I don't know why you would do this now. Like, just, like, very, like, not supportive of it. And, like.

Well, I think, too, your story goes to show people that there's no wrong or right time. Right. I think it's, you know, you weren't, somebody cannot be ready at a certain time or they haven't gone through enough, you know, understanding of what happened to them to really be ready to press charges and bring it to the surface. You know, I think that like obviously there is kind of that shitty part with like the time frame of things. But besides that, within your own emotional and mental health, it's kind of like you might

not even have known the full extent of it until this year, which is totally fine. That doesn't really shut up about it because you figured it out too late. Right. exactly and it's like I and I do feel bad for like the people that like do report late and like eventually like charges like can't be filed because there's not enough like that fucking sucks and like I was like thankfully one of the cases where I had enough evidence saved and enough people that saw things that were strange and like the school invest whatever um right there was like some sort of prior proof there.

Right. Yeah. So I mean, I'm one of the lucky ones, but like not everyone is that lucky with things. But so, you know, I'm going through these court processes and like the hearings and I'm not really getting a lot of like it. I'm still feeling like very like shameful about everything like because really because of how my dad like treated it. Like I know it's one person, but it's like when that person is a parent, It just, it feels like it's like a million people. I think too, like even if it was just one random person, it does. It's very easy to let these things make you question yourself.

Right. So eventually I, you know, I'm going through this and I kind of get to the point where I'm like, I'm like talking to the prosecutor and she's like, you know, her attorney said that she would plea to like a non-sex offender offense. And I'm like, at first I'm like, absolutely fucking not. Like, she's a predator, yada, yada. And then like, you know, I kind of step back and I like saw and thought about how long this has affected me. And like what I needed at this time out of this situation in this case and like what I needed to finally like close this chapter of my life. So I tell the prosecutor, I'm like, hey, like, I would be fine if she pled to, like, a felony, like, endangering children charge.

So it was still, like, the same degree of felony that she was charged with. It ended up not being, like, a sex offender registry offense, but she's obviously, with that kind of charge, like, you'd have a very hard time, like, working around children again. So, you know, it, there's a plea deal range. where she pleases that charge. And so, um, sentencing gets set out to August 19th of this year.

So a few weeks ago. And I, this, I think the sentencing is like the craziest fucking part of the story. But I like, have family, well, it's my mom,

my grandma, like, wrote letters to the judge. And then like, I had some friends, like, that I knew back then. And then,

um, like some friends that I've known now my adult life that have seen how this has affected me. They all write letters. And, you know, I, like, write my statement. I, like, at first, like, I kind of didn't really know what I wanted to happen to her. The prosecutor set, like, set the plea out,

set the sentencing out for a while so they could do, like, a pre-sentence investigation, kind of, like, to get her some evaluations to see, like, kind of what her life is like now because I had no idea like it had been so long like I didn't know what she was doing like I just didn't know what she was like now and so they I have family and friends write these letters and then she um does her evaluation she does like a sex eval whatever and um so the day before the sentencing I like to the prosecutor I'm like hey

I would really like to like at least like meet with you and hear like what her PSI says because I think that that is really going to change like how I feel about her going to prison and how long and whatever. And so I met with a prosecutor the day before sentencing and Corey took so and take it for granted. Like this is after she pled guilty to a felony offense. involving, like, causing harm to children. She, um, took no responsibility for anything she did again. Um, in her pre-sentence evaluation, she called it a friendship. Um, she said that she denied, like, having any kind of sexual attraction to girls.

She said her type is, um, what was it, tall, tall men with dark hair and a good personality. Um. So like totally downplayed everything, like told the evaluator, like, I don't even know why I'm, like, here for this. And then her defense attorneys, which I think is hilarious, she paid like $10,000 for, like, had her, like, get these, like, go to a counselor for herself and, like, see what the fuck's wrong with her. And, like, basically, like, she tried to say that she's still grieving from the death of her grandma that happened 10 years ago, even though her, her. grandma died, like after she started abusing me. Right. And that, like, oh, she said that she gets a lot of stress and anxiety having to come

to the Akron area for these court proceedings. So, like, it was just, like, still, like, all fucking about her. She took no responsibility for anything or whatever. So I, like, read these fucking documents. And I'm like, fuck this bitch. Like, any kind of remorse I had for her that, where I, I felt bad about like doing this now to her, like thinking, I don't know, maybe she would have been like a better person or like learned that she fucked up, like something.

That's like totally gone now. So I'm like, fuck that. And so this, reading all this stuff makes me decide that I'm going to like read my impact statement out loud in court. Because I think I was like, she needs to fucking hear this shit because fuck, fuck her. you know, you're not even going to acknowledge that you were in a fucking relationship with me. Yeah. So I go and she, like, has, like, her whole, like, this whole fucking entourage of people there. Like, and it's her parents and her brother, obviously.

And then it's, like, that, you know, that mom that I said would, like, hang out with us with her kids all the time? She was there with two of her kids who are, like, adults now. and like all these other people like we're all they she'd like 10 people there for and then I'm like I had like Matt there and then the detective that worked in my case like that was all I wanted there like I just didn't need like I didn't need all that like I wanted to read my fucking statement and get the fuck out of there and so she like brings in this whole entourage of people and I don't know part of me is like is it to support her is it to intimidate me me, like, what is this?

Because, like, she's not taking any responsibility for it. So I'm sure she's not even taking responsibility in these court documents, like, in these court evaluations to try to make her not go to prison. Like, I'm sure she's not telling any of these people who are in the courtroom with her the truth of what happened. So they, she's all these fucking people there. And I, you know, the judge, like, looks at her evaluation. and she told her attorney like, hey, like, have her be ready to, like, go into custody today.

Like, this is even before sentencing. So, um, I obviously go into this knowing she's going to prison for some amount of time. And I go and read my statement. And it was very empowering to, like, read my statement in front of her and from all these fucking people there. And I guess, like, the whole time the people that were there for her were like cuffing and puffing. and rolling their eyes and shit. And so I read my statement, the judge was like very nice.

She was like, you know, this isn't your fault. Like, basically this is just as serious as now as it was 10 years ago. It made me feel like very evaluated. And that like, and she said like, you know, someone that was in a position of power that you should have trusted, like took advantage of you. And she wasn't just in a position as, an adult child. It was an adult child, a teacher, student, and then a coach athlete. So she was

very nice. And then Corey got up and her brought a statement. And I'm like, I don't even know, like, after what I read on your evaluation and stuff, like, I don't even know what, like, you could have to say. And she basically, like, went on this big spiel about how, like, her life was turned upside down 10 years ago when she lost her teaching license. And, And she totally did like another career change. And when she was a coach, she was like a really good coach and like went to all these conferences and trainings or whatever to be a good coach. I'm like sitting there like first of fucking all, you weren't a good coach because a good coach doesn't fuck their athletes. That's for sure.

And she like went on to say about how like since these court proceedings have been filed like her life has been on hold. and then she like did some half-ass like apology to me where she's basically like I'm sorry like if I overstep my boundaries whether that be like excessive communication outside of softball or like whatever else like taking no acknowledgement that she abused me for so many years It was like, it was, it was like the worst fucking, like, statement, like, that she probably could have read, like, out loud. Like, I can't believe that her attorneys, like, looked at that and was like, yeah, okay, like, go ahead. I would have been like, we're not fucking reading that. Like, let me fucking come up with something.

Like, you're not reading that. And so, um, she reads a statement. She feels like she obviously displays no remorse at all. And so, um, the judge sentenced her to the max. of three years in prison. So she is currently in the summit county jail now, awaiting to be transported to prison. Wow.

And that's kind of where it ends now. I mean, it's kind of been a whirlwind, like, that day was just, like, so, like, crazy. Like, they, like, took her into custody there. She didn't cry at all. And you think someone with no criminal history like that would be like, oh my God, I'm going to prison. Yeah. Show some sort of emotion.

Just like took three years in prison like on the fucking chin. And like another thing she did in her statement to me, she, so my real name is Katie. Like it's not Kathleen. It's not Catherine. It's not anything like that. but I have gone by Kate since I was in like middle school. So my parents call me Katie, like any friends that I have like before middle school call me Katie.

Anyone that knew me after like sixth grade calls me Kate obviously. And so she like found out my name was Katie like back when we were together and like called me Katie as like a pet name almost. and then in her statement, she called me Katie, like, and made it a point to call me Katie, like, multiple times. Yeah. And I, like, like, that, like, that, like, really, really pissed me off because I'm like, it's like, is this a fucking joke to you?

Like, or are you trying to act like you, like, so, like, weren't close to me at all that you're, like, calling me by my, like, official, like, It was just like, just shit like that. But I, you know, at the end of the day, she got, she got what she deserved. I, yeah, I think, you know, there's no right amount of time for somebody that does something like that. Right. But I think that it does go to show that, you know, at least some consequences were handed to her. Right.

You know. Yeah, absolutely. Now, will she have a record after this and she was, yep. Okay. So she'll have a felony record of. endangering children. But not as a sex offender. Not as a sex offender.

And that's kind of why I have wanted to speak about this too, where it's like, I understand that like she, you know, she won't be on the registry. But like if somebody fucking searches her name, like, I want them to know what the fuck she is and what she did and that she shouldn't be around kids. But yeah, I just, it's been a relief to have it all over. like knowing that she is finally like doing a prison sentence because in like I was happy with the amount of time she had to obviously because it was the most she could get but I was you know abused and manipulated by her for almost three years yeah so that's the least she could

fucking do right but and I think too like you said you know not only are you potentially helping other younger girls, you know, from her. But in general, I think that you are serving as kind of this example of why it is okay to speak up, even if it is years down the road, and to not carry the shame and guilt, even if you are a part of something like that. Because like, you know, like it was mentioned to you, you weren't in a position to know any better. Right. You have somebody that is, that you idolize, you know, in so many different ways. They're in a power of position. They're older. You have zero experience. You know, it's like,

she took full advantage of that. Oh, yeah. And I, I think she obviously picked up that, like, my mom wasn't around, too. I was going to say, yeah, you were a good victim for her. You know, you were leaning on her as, you know, support and a friend and somebody that you could talk to. Right. Like, what I need. at that time was a positive female role model. Yeah. And if she was a normal fucking person, she could have done that, but instead she took full advantage of it

and used me for her own purposes. And it's like, you know, and I always think about like how the fuck these people could do this, right? And like normal people like Gus would never know, right? Right. But it's just like, you know, you get into a relationship with a kid. Like, what's your end game? I don't even think they think that far.

I think it's a sick twisted. Let me just get what I want. Yeah. Let me just. It's very self-serving. Right. Selfish. Yeah.

And it's like the other thing is with it too is like there's obviously no way like she ever, like she thought she was ever going to get in trouble for this. I think after a certain, like, I don't know. I'm sure she probably was like, oh, she's older now. Because honestly, like I mentioned to you, I don't think a lot of people would look back at your age and think I need justice for this. Right, yeah. You know, I just don't, I think too, especially because some people might know that it

wouldn't be treated as serious as if it was a man. So they're like, why I even waste my time? But that's why I'm saying I feel like you having, you know, a positive outcome from speaking out so many years later. It's such a good sign. You know, it shows that something isn't, like, our system isn't completely broken. Right. Yes.

And, like, that's, like, absolutely what I felt, finally, because I felt failed by everybody 10 years ago. You were definitely failed by the school. Yeah. 100%. I think I was failed by my parents, too. Yeah. And, you know, I unfortunately have seen, too, like, the just, the justice system fail and not work. and kids be scared or like victims in general be scared just to go through it and to do anything

because it's a lot like it's it was a lot for me to go through this now as an adult like right i can't imagine what it would have been like for me at 16 17 17 8 years old especially if you feel like you don't have much support right you know and if you are being manipulated by your abuser right you're not going to feel you know even if they're saying simple things like, oh, they'll never believe you or you wanted it to. Yeah, right. Even those little manipulative statements could make somebody stay silent. Right.

Yeah. And I think at a certain point, too, like, Corey was telling me like, oh, like, this is okay. Like, you know, if I wasn't your coach, like, this would be okay because the age of consent, 16. And it's like, and it's just like, it's so sick now because, like, I'm not even to the age yet where, that she was when she did this meet. Like I'm 27, I'll be 28 next month. And, like, 16-year-olds are so fucking young.

Like, they are babies. And, like, I just don't know how you could look at someone that that's young. Because her mind's not well. Right. Like, that's the only answer. She's not well. She's sick. Right.

And, you know, it's just, it's also scary, too, to think about, like, how many of these, like, people, like, I've heard them coined as like, chameleons in society are like, are among us that we have no fucking idea about. Or haven't acted on it yet, but think about it. It's scary. Yeah.

It's very scary. And it's just, yeah, yeah, I just, and it's so scary too because I found out also that she, she's worked at probably like four or five different school districts, which I knew she worked at like a couple. I guess I didn't realize how many. I knew she did work at one in Florida as well. And I'm like, I'm like, it just, what she did to me just didn't see.

And I know there was one confirmed incident that like before me, but she was just so good at like manipulating people around her. And I just don't know if there's like any other victims of her out there. Like, right. Or like what they think happened or if they think it was okay for whatever reason or if they think it's too late. But hopefully this, if there are other people out there, hopefully that this incident with her and the fact that she went to prison helps give them some closure as well. That she's a very sick person and should sit there and think about what she did to me and to anyone else. else and whatever.

And, you know, I don't know if she will use her time to, like, get help and, like, do the programming they recommend because I think they're going to recommend her to do some sort of, like, sex offender treatment in there. You know, I don't know if she's just going to continue to play this, like, victim card. And she might. And she might. And it's just very unfortunate for her that she doesn't want better for her, her to admit she's a problem.

And I know, I can't imagine how hard it is to, like, admit that you have a problem like that, right? But, like, I think we're a little past that. Yeah. But it's just, like, I just can't believe, like, like, all she had to do, like, what was explained to me, like, like, the prosecutor's office was kind of like, you know, like, it's very rare. And these cases were if it's, like, only a third degree felony for them, like, if they

don't have a criminal record or whatever to, like, go to prison and, like, especially with how much time has passed. And I was kind of like, you know, okay. And then, like, I also had a, like, a victim rights attorney, like, when all this was pending to, because I was so afraid that shit was going to get fucked up again. And he, like, explained to me, you know, most of the time, like, if you have a client like that, like, you tell them to go in there and fucking take accountability for what they did or else you're going to fucking prison. Yeah. So it's just so crazy to me that, like, that's the hill that she's going to die on.

Like, to take no responsibility, to rather go to prison for years than take any responsibility or even acknowledge that, like, this happened. Like, that is a fucked up person. It's crazy. Yeah. Like, I don't know. Like, if they were, like, I would have acknowledged some sort of responsibility. to prevent myself for going to person, but.

Yeah, it's bizarre. Yeah, it was just. But I'm glad that there was some sort of consequence, you know, and that she was, even if it's just, you know, I know you said the max was three years, but. Yeah. It's better than nothing. Right. It's like, and it's not, that isn't just a slap on the wrist.

No, it's not. It does, it forces you to have time to reflect and either she will or she will, but regardless, you did, you sit up for yourself then and now. Yes. And I will continue to do so. You should, absolutely. Yeah. That's about all I have.

It was amazing. Thank you. Such a good job, really. Thank you. I feel like you do such a good job telling your story. Thank you.