Alaina Marshall, a former Pennsylvania swim coach charged with 34 counts of sexual assault, has received a temporary SafeSport suspension listed for allegations of misconduct.
Marshall, who coached Riverside High School’s swim team in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, was arrested on February 26 for allegedly having a sexual relationship with one of her swimmers.
According to the swimmer’s criminal complaint, he and the now 30-year-old Marshall began having intercourse in 2023 when he was 16. They allegedly had sex approximately 17 times during his sophomore and junior years of high school and had sexual contact nearly every day the summer following his junior year in 2024. Investigators said the incidents often occurred at Riverside’s pool room.
Marshall is out of jail on a $250,000 bond. CBS Pittsburgh spoke to Marshall’s attorney, Steve Colafella, following a preliminary hearing on March 21.
“It’s difficult today just seeing what both families are going through,” Colafella said. “[Marshall] has been a therapist, a professional working with children and adults for a long time.”
In addition to her swim coach role, Marshall also worked as a contracted school therapist for Glade Run Lutheran Services. The organization says she is no longer employed there.
The Riverside School District Issued this statement following Marshall’s arrest:
“The Riverside Administration was informed that a former coach was arrested this morning. We understand that the former employee was allegedly involved in misconduct involving a high school student-athlete. The district assures the community that the individual is prohibited from entering district property. As this is a police investigation, we cannot provide further details now. We encourage anyone with information to contact the North Sewickley Police Department at 724-843-8118 or the Safe2Say (1-844-723-2729) Anonymous Tip Line.
“An internal review confirms that all state and local requirements relating to background and pre-employment checks [were] completed for this individual. The safety and well-being of our students are our top priority, and we remain committed to supporting our Riverside students and families.”
Marshall’s SafeSport suspension went into effect on March 12.
