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Parents and a player say Lady Warriors coaches demean players; board pledges investigation
Summary
A parent and a student raised complaints about alleged belittling and retaliation by members of the girls basketball coaching staff. The board promised follow-up and said it will pursue an investigation and review referral processes.
During public participation, parent Amy Steele and her daughter, Macy Steele, spoke to the board alleging repeated negative and belittling comments from members of the Lady Warriors coaching staff, and that reported concerns raised through district channels produced no substantive change.
Amy Steele said the coaching behavior has left her daughter "belittled and berated" in practices and games and that prior meetings with the coaching staff produced condescending and sarcastic responses. Amy asked who holds the coaching staff accountable and raised a potential conflict of interest because she said the coach also serves as athletic director. Her remarks included the request that the board take the matter seriously and investigate.
Macy Steele, a sophomore at Goshen High School, told the board she plays multiple sports and has loved basketball since childhood but said, "Due to fear of deteriorating mental health, I am not sure I could continue playing in the game of basketball under the leadership of some of the current coaching staff next year." Macy said several teammates feel the same.
A speaker who identified themself as Sam Steele (two-minute public speaker) also urged protection of players’ mental health and criticized any policy or practice that pressures athletes to choose between sports. Another public commenter and parent urged accountability and said evidence can be provided after the season.
Board members responded during the meeting. One trustee said they expected an investigation and that the district should not “sweep this under the rug.” Board member Corey West noted that, to his knowledge, matters brought to the board and administration have been followed up on but acknowledged that further review was warranted. Superintendent Bailey said he had not yet had time to review the email referenced by speakers (it arrived Friday) and asked for time to investigate; he also said district coaches receive training (including OHSAA-related professional development) and that the district will follow processes for personnel and investigations.
Board members emphasized the district’s stated obligation to protect students and expressed a commitment to follow up; the superintendent said the administration would pursue the matter through appropriate investigative and staffing procedures. The board did not announce any personnel action at the meeting and moved on to the next agenda items after promising to review and report back to the public.
The board also mentioned coach training programs (including a Coach Beyond/OHSAA partnership referenced in the discussion) and said it will review relevant professional-development offerings.
No formal action was taken in open session; the board indicated next steps would follow the district’s internal investigation and personnel procedures.
