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Students say Granite Hills aquatics faces coach shortage; board urged to intervene
Summary
Granite Hills students told the board that the aquatic program lost its coach and that the athletic director has not secured a replacement, prompting appeals for district help to preserve swim and water polo seasons.
Two Granite Hills High School students told the Apple Valley Unified board that the school's aquatics program is at risk because the team lost its longtime coach and the athletic director has not found a replacement.
"We cannot have a proper season without a coach that our school's athletic department has currently failed to provide us," student Haley Woody said. She described cancelled seasons and said student leaders have tried to recruit teammates and promote the sport at school events.
Fellow student Robert Orosco criticized the athletic director's outreach and social-media activity, saying the department's effort on behalf of aquatics lagged behind other sports. "He is clearly putting in the minimum effort for us because we are not as popular as other sports," Orosco said.
Board members acknowledged the students' concerns and reminded commenters to address staff by title rather than by name during public comment. Trustees said they would take the complaint under advisement and that the board expects staff to follow up to explore coaching options and supporting participation.
Superintendent Nelson and board members did not vote on personnel changes at the meeting; students were encouraged to work with district athletics staff and to provide further documentation so staff can pursue coaching candidates and next steps.
