Eighth-grader describes concussion from blindfolded gym drill; parents and classmates urge Travis Unified to review safety

An eighth-grade student told the Travis Unified School District board that a blindfolded trust drill at a Golden West basketball practice left her concussed and with dental injuries, and urged the district to examine how students are supervised during athletics.

"I had recently joined the basketball team... I ended up running into a folded steel table attached to the wall. The impact caused me to suffer a concussion and injuries to my teeth," the student, who identified herself as Kennedy Charter, told the board during public comment. She said the injury has changed her daily life: "I now have to be extremely cautious about my teeth." (Kennedy Charter)

Kennedy and several classmates described a practice in which players were asked to pull a jersey over their heads and move through the gym without sight. Naomi Marshall, who said she witnessed multiple students hit the wall, said the coach continued the drill even after seeing injuries and appeared to be distracted by a pet in the gym. "She was just playing with her dog... after I got hit, she was just like laughing like, 'Oh yeah, you're fine. Shake it off,'" Marshall said.

Kennedy's mother, Renee Troder, told the board her daughter has ongoing anxiety and dental work after the Dec. 29 incident. "Why was my daughter blindfolded? Why were children guided by other children during a trust exercise without adequate supervision?" Troder asked. She said she believes the incident was preventable and called for "responsibility and accountability." (Renee Troder)

A military parent and coach, Kobe Marshall, told the board he encountered staff who did not know where medical bags or ice packs were stored. "If the head person doesn't know, what does that say?" he asked, and urged the district to explain what changes will be made.

Board members thanked the family and the students for coming forward and promised follow-up. The chair said staff would reach out by Friday and that the district could place a follow-up item on a future agenda for further review. "We're here to support you. Changes will be made," a board member told those who spoke.

What the board did: Trustees acknowledged receipt of the concerns and directed staff to follow up with the family and to consider adding a review to a future agenda. No formal policy or disciplinary action was announced at the meeting.

Context and next steps: Multiple speakers emphasized that while they did not "hate" the coach, variations in supervision, on-site first-aid preparedness, and clarity about safety protocols must be addressed. Parents asked whether the district would ensure medical supplies are readily available at practices and whether staff receive consistent approvals for any drills that restrict vision. Board members committed to contacting the family and to report back publicly with findings or next steps.

The district has not announced any formal changes to athletic policies; the board said it would review the matter further during follow-up communications and possible agenda items.