Hutto Youth Baseball Softball Association

My public video is on my Facebook as well.

To the Hutto City Council, Mayor, Hutto ISD, Media Outlets, and Concerned Community Members,
My name is Meredith Wagner/Mondello. I am a lifelong advocate for youth sports and a mother of two boys who have played baseball since the age of four. I write to you today not out of anger, but out of heartbreak, exhaustion, and a deep sense of betrayal by a youth sports association that was meant to serve and protect children — not harm families for speaking out.
This letter represents a timeline, an emotional journey, and a demand for accountability from the Hutto Youth Baseball and Softball Association (HYBSA) regarding defamation, retaliation, and what we believe to be violations of state, local, and nonprofit regulations. We are standing for our children and the many others who may not feel safe to speak.
������ OUR STORY
We came to Hutto for community. We enrolled our sons in HYBSA with optimism after a history of exceptional experiences with Georgetown and NAO leagues. I’ve been a Team Mom, sponsor, and organizer every year, giving my all to the teams we've been a part of. But this season, after standing up for what was right, we were targeted.
Tryouts started with inappropriate conduct by a board member, Brandy M, who made sexual jokes and suggestions in front of children and adults. Later, she sexually harassed my ex-husband at a team event — witnessed by another coach. We provided this information to the HYBSA board immediately. Despite the severity of the complaint and multiple parent reports against Brandy prior to our own, she was never removed.
My ex-husband did not press charges because we had full faith the board would do the right thing — protect the children and remove her from leadership. Several coaches and commissioners expressed that they were on the same page.
Instead, after we requested a coach transition (due to multiple missed practices by the assigned head coach, and overwhelming parental support for my boyfriend Tommy Bartley to step up), we were met with threats and retaliation. Tommy was voted in as head coach, but this only seemed to escalate board hostility.
We were eventually banned without warning — first as a family, then in a bizarre follow-up, I alone was banned, citing conduct violations with no proof. Not once was I informed of any issue on the field. In fact, I ran music, brought equipment, supported all players, and helped manage practices.
To make matters worse, the justification for this so-called "Zero Tolerance Policy" ban shifted without explanation. It began as a ban on both me and Tommy, then suddenly changed to a ban on me alone. The reason? Alleged cursing — something I adamantly deny ever doing in front of a child. There is no video, no audio, and no formal complaint that substantiates this claim.
Yes, I am a mother, and yes, like many adults, I’ve used strong language — but never toward or in the presence of children. The only cursing that occurred was through private adult-to-adult text messages during emotional moments involving our family. These false accusations are nothing short of defamation and slander. If these claims are true, I respectfully ask to see the documented proof.
While we were not publicly blasted, we were told that requesting a refund — something we were promised — was being interpreted as harassment. That is not only inaccurate, but also a direct attempt to suppress protected speech.
������ THE LEGAL AND POLICY BREACHES
This is not just a matter of bad behavior by a board. HYBSA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity, chartered under PONY Baseball and bound by:
The HYBSA Constitution and By-Laws
PONY Baseball/Softball Rulebook
Texas Nonprofit Corporation Law (Texas Business Organizations Code)
Texas Civil Practices & Remedies Code - Emotional Distress & Defamation
First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution - Freedom of Speech
Here are examples of potential violations:
Retaliation Against Whistleblowing (Texas Labor Code § 554.002)
We reported sexual misconduct by a board member. We were then silenced and punished.
Defamation (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.002)
HYBSA falsely accused me of behavior they have not proven, damaging my reputation as a parent and community member.
Failure to Provide Due Process (HYBSA By-Laws Article VI, PONY Rule 11.A)
I was denied a hearing or opportunity to respond to allegations.
Violation of Texas Nonprofit Duties (Texas Business Organizations Code §22.001-22.356)
Board members must act in the best interest of the organization—not abuse power for personal vendettas.
Discrimination / Unequal Treatment (PONY Rule 1-D, HYBSA Bylaws Article II-III)
We were treated differently and punished because I am an outspoken mother, with a "mouth" as they put it. This is sexist, unjust, and unethical.
Retaliatory Denial of Refund
I was promised a refund in writing, then denied it after escalating our concerns.
Threats of Harassment Accusations
Stating that any future communication would be considered harassment violates my First Amendment rights. Expressing grievances, especially when protecting children, is not harassment—it is a civic responsibility protected under law.
Emotional Distress (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §71.002)
Our children and family have experienced severe emotional distress due to HYBSA’s actions and failures to address legitimate concerns. This trauma cannot be ignored.
������ THE DAMAGE DONE
My children and our family are under emotional distress.
We were denied communication, resolution, and ultimately, our dignity.
My ex-husband was sexually harassed and then dismissed as a liar.
Our evidence has been ignored, while hearsay is treated as gospel.
Our constitutional right to speak out was threatened.
My name has been defamed with no due process or factual proof.
������ THIS IS NOT OUR HUTTO
To the city of Hutto: is this how you want your youth sports to be run? By retaliatory boards? By people who silence parents protecting their children? Where real issues like sexual misconduct go ignored, but a mother speaking out is condemned?
Hutto is a beautiful community. We want to believe this is not who you are. But the silence has been deafening.
✉️ WHAT WE DEMAND
A full investigation into HYBSA board practices and the handling of this matter.
A formal apology and clearing of our family’s name.
Refunds issued as originally promised.
Removal or suspension of Brandy McCool.
A public review of board conduct and anti-retaliation protocols.
������ IF YOU STAND FOR FAMILIES, STAND WITH US
This letter is being submitted to:
All Hutto City Council Members
Mayor Mike Snyder
Hutto ISD Leadership
KXAN News, FOX 7, Statesman
PONY Baseball Leadership
We have nothing to hide. Our screenshots, audio recordings, and written documentation will be made available publicly if this matter is not resolved.
I am a mother who stands for truth. My children are watching. And so is this town.
With hope and strength,
Our family.