League: MLB Sport: Baseball Country: Mexico Category: Scores & Results

Sun-News investigation reveals sexual misconduct allegations at NMSU softball

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 10:01 AM

Last updated Aug 12, 2026

Sun-News investigation reveals sexual misconduct allegations at NMSU softball

Summary

An investigation by the Las Cruces Sun-News has revealed multiple allegations of sexual harassment and assault within the New Mexico State University softball program. These allegations emerged in connection with the October 2025 firings of head coach Kathy Rodolph and associate head coach Catherine Heifner, although university officials have not disclosed specific reasons for their terminations. The investigation uncovered troubling reports made between 2021 and 2024, indicating a toxic culture within the program. NMSU stated that the allegations did not involve the coaches directly, emphasizing their commitment to student safety and compliance with Title IX policies. Internal debate over how to frame the firings suggests a lack of transparency surrounding the matter.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Rodolph and Heifner were fired in October 2025 amid misconduct allegations.
•The investigation revealed years of sexual misconduct claims within the program.
•NMSU claimed the Title IX cases did not directly involve the softball program.
•Benet Higgs was named interim head coach for the 2026 season.
•The university has implemented measures to strengthen policies on misconduct.

Latest Updates

10:01 AMYahoo Sports — Sun-News investigation into NMSU softball finds sexual misconduct allegations

What they're saying

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Here's a look at the Sun-News investigation into NMSU softball, which uncovered allegations of sexual assault, sexual harrassment and misconduct.
— Yahoo Sports

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