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Student and parent urge board to address girls soccer coaching and safety concerns
Summary
A student and a parent testified to the Buckeye Valley Board of Education, alleging inappropriate coaching behavior, lack of follow-up on requests for game film, and concerns about coach qualifications and athlete safety. They called for transparency and accountability from athletic staff and district leaders.
Chloe England, a high-school student and member of the girls soccer team, told the Buckeye Valley Board of Education that repeated complaints about coaching behavior went unaddressed and left players afraid to speak up. "I've never had an adult coach physically participate us against us players during scrimmages," she said, adding that the practice created an "obvious power imbalance." Chloe said repeated requests for access to game film went unanswered and that she has missed 10 months of play after tearing her ACL.
Jason England, a parent, told the board he wants "accountability, transparency, and protection of the student athletes." He alleged a coach had misrepresented qualifications during hiring and raised concerns about trainers, the use of waivers, and language the coach used with players. "For months, parents have been going to the athletic director, the superintendent, and this board voicing our concerns," he said.
Board members responded by noting the policy committee would meet to review athletics items and that the superintendent had scheduled a facilities-committee meeting focused on athletics. The board took no immediate personnel action during public comment; the superintendent said the administration would continue to pursue information and that the policy committee and administration would work to ensure appropriate follow-up and review of procedures.
The public commenters asked for clearer communication and verification of coaching qualifications and for the board to ensure student safety procedures and access to records (such as game film) are applied consistently. The board noted the issues raised would inform upcoming policy-committee work and related discussions with athletic staff and administration.
