By Alex Iwanwi
The Tillamook School District Administration and Board have failed to act on misconduct, and the lack of respect within the high school girls basketball program. Their negligence has failed nine committed student athletes and robbed a community of a very promising basketball season.
The first five games of the season under the direction of their Assistant Coach were some of the best I’ve witnessed in the last three years. The girls were playing with passion, enthusiasm, and having fun. They were playing for a coach that was organized, prepared, and encouraging. She made necessary in-game adjustment, coaching the girls to two very close wins, and overcoming a nine point deficit in another, all the while treating the girls with respect. It was clear to see that her leadership and demeanor had a very positive effect on the players attitude and performance.
The nine girls that left have been playing basketball together since they were 3rd graders. They have sacrificed and invested a lot together to get to this point in their athletic careers. Their decision to leave this season behind was not made in haste or without much thoughtful consideration. It became apparent early in the pre-season that concerning issues voiced by players and parents last season would continue to haunt the team this season. When the girls brought their concerns to the Administration they were met with skepticism and ultimately dismissed. Rather than spend another season unhappy and disrespected, they made the decision together to walk away. These girls were then subjected to false accusations and threats of litigation.
As a former educator and coach for Tillamook School District, I’m disappointed in the administration’s failure to listen and protect these young athletes from a situation that had become untenable. Players need to feel supported, listened to, and most importantly respected. Its clear that they felt none of those things from their Head Coach and I fully support their decision to leave this season behind.
Nine committed players left. The Assistant coaches who the girls were playing so hard for have also resigned. Something is clearly wrong and needs to be addressed by the Administration. Nine players and two coaches do not leave a promising season behind without cause or reason. These players should be applauded for having the courage to stand up for themselves when the Administration has clearly let them down.