Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Sports Personnel topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parents and athletes urge reinstatement of Ayala water polo coach amid disputed allegations; board asks staff to investigate
Summary
Dozens of parents, students and boosters urged the Chino Valley Unified board to reinstate Coach Kevin Hammond at Ayala High School, saying he was not properly investigated and arguing his removal harmed the program; speakers accused Principal Diane Yarboy of obstructing rehiring, while district leaders said staff would review the concerns.
Dozens of parents, students and boosters told the Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education they want Coach Kevin Hammond reinstated at Ayala High School after he resigned in February amid allegations that community speakers said were not followed by a formal investigation.
The matter matters because parents and athletes said the water polo program faces disruption before summer and next season, and they urged the district to prioritize continuity for student athletes. Board members asked staff to review the concerns raised during public comment.
Multiple speakers described Hammond's impact on athletes and urged his rehiring. Daniel Sarmiento, who said he has been involved with Ayala Water Polo for three years, asked the board to "consider the athletes and parents here on his behalf" and to remember the community Hammond built. "I advocate for the reinstatement of Coach Hammond because of his dedication to your student athletes," Sarmiento said.
Other speakers echoed that view. Jordan Tahunco told the board, "Coach Hammond has made a lasting impact not just on our performance in the pool, but on our growth as teammates, leaders, and individuals." Kieran Mulquin added, "He believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. He taught us more than water polo. He taught us discipline, confidence, and how to be accountable." Students described uncertainty about the program and asked the district to allow the athletic director to hire or to approve hiring quickly so summer training could proceed.
Several speakers said they understood that CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) did not complete a formal investigation and that CIF had dropped claims; speakers said they had been told no formal CIF investigation took place. Others alleged boosters had been criticized and accused the principal of misrepresenting her actions to parents. Speakers named Ayala principal Diane Yarboy and athletic director Warren Reed in their remarks; parents said Reed supported rehiring Hammond but that Yarboy had delayed or blocked the process.
Board members and the superintendent did not act to rehire or to overturn school-site decisions at the meeting. Instead, board members asked staff to look into the complaints and the status of the program. Superintendent Dr. Enfield said staff were aware and working on the matter. The transcript records requests for staff follow-up but no formal motion, vote, or personnel action regarding the coach during the meeting.
Clarifying details: Coach Hammond voluntarily resigned in February (as stated by a speaker); speakers said CIF did not conduct a formal investigation and that, to their knowledge, allegations were dropped. The district did not present a formal report at the meeting and did not take personnel action on the dais. Several student athletes described imminent impacts to summer training and team continuity.
