**Ex-San Francisco Player Awarded $500K by Appeals Court: Highlights in Settlement Case of Marija Galič**

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california Court Revives Damages in University of San Francisco Basketball Abuse Allegation

Sacramento, CA – September 8, 2025 – A California appeals court has delivered a notable ruling in a case alleging years of verbal and emotional abuse perpetrated against student-athletes. The court reinstated $500,000 in punitive damages for former University of San Francisco women’s basketball player Marija Galic, and has ordered a new trial for her twin sister, Marta.

The landmark decision, issued August 29 by the First District Court of Appeal, reverses a prior trial court’s dismissal of Marija Galic’s punitive damages. The court also determined that Marta Galic was unfairly held to a higher standard of proof during the initial proceedings and is now entitled to a fresh evaluation of her claims of negligence.

The Allegations

The galic twins, originally from Croatia, detailed a pattern of alleged mistreatment during thier time with the University of San francisco’s women’s basketball program from 2018 through 2021. The sisters alleged Head Coach Molly Goodenbour subjected them to repeated insults and applied undue pressure,contributing to serious psychological distress,including panic attacks and breakdowns.

Psychiatric evaluations presented during the original trial indicated both Marija and Marta Galic developed psychiatric disorders believed to be linked directly to Coach Goodenbour’s conduct. Jurors initially awarded Marija $250,000 in compensatory damages, along with the now-reinstated $500,000 in punitive damages.

Court’s Reasoning

The appeals court found the initial trial judge erred in setting aside the punitive damage award against the University. Moreover, the court concluded that Marta Galic should not have been required to demonstrate “gross negligence” to substantiate her claims.

“I’m grateful to the California Court of Appeal for reinstating the punitive damages in my case,” Marija Galic stated in a release. “This decision affirms the importance of accountability and makes clear that emotional and verbal abuse by head coaches-and the institutions that enable it-must not be excused.”

University and Coaching Response

The university of San Francisco acknowledged the court’s decision but stands by its commitment to student-athlete well-being. “USF and its attorneys appreciate the extensive time invested and consideration taken by the judges in this case,” said spokesperson Kellie Samson.

Coach Molly Goodenbour, who received a contract extension in May 2025 extending her tenure through the 2027-28 season, has previously held coaching positions at UC Irvine, Cal State Dominguez Hills, and Chico State.

Broader implications

Attorney Randolph Gaw, representing the Galic sisters, believes the ruling carries ample weight for collegiate athletics. “This case now sets an significant benchmark as to the financial consequences facing a university when they do little to rein in abusive behavior by their coaches towards their student-athletes,” gaw asserted.

Key Detail	Information
Plaintiff(s)	Marija and Marta Galic
Defendant	University of San Francisco / Molly Goodenbour
Initial Compensatory Damages (Marija)	$250,000
reinstated Punitive Damages (Marija)	$500,000
Date of Appeals Court Ruling	August 29,2025

The Rise of Athlete Advocacy and Mental Health Awareness

This case emerges amidst a growing movement for athlete advocacy and increased awareness around mental health in sports. Recent statistics from the NCAA reveal a growing demand for mental health resources among student-athletes, with a 2024 study indicating that approximately 30-40% of college athletes report experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression NCAA Mental Health Resources.

Did You Know? The NCAA established the sport Science Institute in 2008, dedicated to advancing knowledge about athlete well-being, including mental health.

Pro Tip: If you’re an athlete struggling with emotional or psychological distress, reach out to your university’s athletic department or a qualified mental health professional. Don’t suffer in silence.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is “punitive damages” in this case? Punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant for particularly egregious behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future.
• What was the core argument of the galic sisters? The sisters alleged sustained verbal and emotional abuse by their head coach, leading to significant psychological harm.
• Why was Marta Galic initially unable to pursue her claims? The trial court incorrectly required her to prove a higher legal standard (“gross negligence”) than was necessary.
• What are the potential consequences for the University of San Francisco? The university could be liable for substantial financial damages and may face increased scrutiny of its oversight of coaching staff.
• Does this ruling set a precedent for similar cases? Yes, this ruling can be used as a reference point in future cases involving athlete abuse and negligence within collegiate athletics.
• What resources are available for athletes experiencing abuse? Organizations such as the National center for safety in Sports offer guidance and support for athletes facing mistreatment.
• How can universities better protect their athletes from abuse? Implementing robust reporting mechanisms, providing mandatory mental health training for coaches, and fostering a culture of athlete empowerment are crucial steps.

What are your thoughts on the increasing scrutiny of coach behavior in college athletics? Do you think universities are doing enough to protect their athletes?

what specific contractual procedures did the San Francisco team fail to follow regarding Marija Galič’s performance concerns?

The landmark Settlement: A Victory for Athlete Rights

On September 8, 2025, the California Court of Appeal affirmed a $500,000 settlement awarded to Marija galič, a former professional basketball player who competed in the women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and briefly with a San Francisco-based team. This case, garnering attention within sports law and athlete advocacy circles, centers around claims of wrongful termination and breach of contract.the ruling provides meaningful insight into the evolving legal landscape surrounding professional athletes and their rights.

Background of the Marija Galič Case

Marija Galič’s professional basketball career spanned several years, including international play before joining a WNBA team. Her time with the San Francisco franchise was short-lived, leading to a dispute over the terms of her release.Galič alleged that her termination violated her contract and was based on discriminatory practices.

initial Claims: Galič initially filed suit in 2023, alleging breach of contract, wrongful termination, and potential discrimination.

Lower Court Ruling: The initial trial court sided with Galič, awarding her the $500,000 settlement.

Appeal by the Team: The San Francisco team appealed the decision, arguing that the termination was justified based on performance and team needs.

Key Arguments and Appeals Court Decision

The core of the appeal revolved around the interpretation of Galič’s player contract and the team’s justification for her release. The team argued that standard clauses within the contract allowed for termination based on performance evaluations. However, Galič’s legal team successfully argued that the team did not follow proper procedures outlined in the contract regarding performance improvement plans and documentation.

Contract Interpretation: The appeals court focused heavily on the specific language within the player contract, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established protocols.

Due process Concerns: A key element of the ruling highlighted concerns regarding due process. The court found that the team failed to provide Galič with adequate notice and possibility to address performance concerns before her termination.

Affirmation of Settlement: The appeals court ultimately affirmed the lower court’s decision, upholding the $500,000 settlement in favor of galič. this decision reinforces the importance of contractual compliance in professional sports.

Implications for Athletes and Teams: Understanding Your Rights

This case sets a precedent for how professional sports teams must handle player contracts and terminations. It underscores the necessity of clear, documented performance evaluations and adherence to due process.

Athlete Contract review: Athletes should meticulously review their contracts, paying close attention to termination clauses and performance evaluation procedures. Seeking legal counsel specializing in sports contracts is highly recommended.

Team Compliance: Teams must ensure they are following all contractual obligations when making personnel decisions. This includes providing adequate notice, documented performance reviews, and opportunities for improvement.

Impact on WNBA & Professional Sports: The Galič case could lead to revisions in standard player contracts across the WNBA and othre professional sports leagues, emphasizing greater transparency and athlete protections.

The Role of athlete Advocacy Groups

Organizations dedicated to athlete rights played a crucial role in bringing attention to Galič’s case. These groups provide legal support, advocacy, and resources to athletes navigating complex contractual and employment issues.

The WNBA Players Association: The WNBA Players Association actively supported Galič throughout the legal proceedings, highlighting the importance of collective bargaining and player representation.

Autonomous Athlete Advocates: Several independent organizations specializing in athlete advocacy provided guidance and resources to Galič and her legal team.

Raising Awareness: These groups helped raise public awareness about the challenges athletes face and the need for stronger legal protections.

Future Trends in Sports Law & athlete Representation

The Galič case is indicative of a growing trend towards greater athlete empowerment and increased scrutiny of team practices. Several key areas are likely to see further advancement in the coming years:

1. Increased Contract Transparency: athletes are demanding greater transparency in their contracts, seeking clearer language and more favorable terms.
2. Focus on Mental Health: There’s a growing recognition of the importance of mental health support for athletes, and contracts may increasingly include provisions addressing this.
3. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights: The evolving landscape of NIL rights is creating new legal challenges and opportunities for athletes.
4. Discrimination Claims: Cases involving allegations of discrimination based on gender, race, or other protected characteristics are likely to continue to arise, requiring teams to prioritize diversity and inclusion.

Resources for Athletes and Legal Professionals

WNBA Players Association: https://www.wnbpa.com/

Sports Lawyers Association: https://www.sportslawyers.org/

National Legal Research Group: Provides resources on sports litigation and contract law. (https://www.nlrg.com/)

FindLaw – Sports Law: [https://www.findlaw.com/sports-law/](https://www