Students urge Ayala administrators to rehire coaches and improve school culture

At the Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education meeting on June 5, 2025, a passionate discussion erupted over the future of girls' sports and the impact of administrative decisions on student athletics.

One speaker, who identified as a concerned parent, voiced strong opposition to allowing transgender girls to compete in girls' sports, citing federal Title IX protections. "California made up their own law, but federal law trumps state law," the speaker argued, emphasizing the need to protect opportunities for female athletes. The speaker claimed that allowing boys to compete against girls undermines fairness in sports, referencing a local boy who excelled in track events. "The 1% will beat most of our daughters, if not all of them," they stated, calling for a reevaluation of policies that could jeopardize funding for schools.

The meeting also highlighted significant concerns from students regarding the administration at Ayala High School. Ryan Shabena, a senior and athlete, criticized the current leadership for negatively affecting school culture and athletics. He described how administrative changes led to the loss of coaches and an athletic director, which he claimed has diminished student morale and participation in sports. "We are losing our athletic director. We are losing our coaches that taught us how to thrive in our sports," he lamented, urging the board to recognize the detrimental effects of these changes.

Alana Hernandez, another student athlete, echoed Shabena's sentiments, expressing the emotional toll of losing trusted coaches and mentors. "We need these coaches back, we need this athletic director back who fought for us," she pleaded, highlighting the importance of supportive leadership in fostering a positive athletic environment.

The discussions at the meeting underscored a growing concern among parents and students about the direction of school sports and the administrative decisions that shape student experiences. As the board considers these issues, the voices of the community are calling for action to ensure that both girls' sports and student morale are prioritized.