Controversial Suspension of Beloved Soccer Coach Sparks Community Outcry

Controversial Suspension of Beloved Soccer Coach Sparks Community Outcry

Controversial Suspension of Beloved Soccer Coach Sparks Community Outcry

Social Media Oct 20, 2025

A Shocking Decision

In a surprising turn of events, the Academy for Technology and the Classics in Santa Fe has placed the head coach of their girls’ soccer team, Vilma Ontiveros, on administrative leave. This decision comes in the wake of a social media video that the school claims violated existing policies, leaving both parents and players deeply troubled and rallying for her return. The girls’ soccer team now finds themselves navigating the remainder of their season without their guiding force.

The Video That Changed It All

Earlier this season, a video surfaced showing the team playfully drawing positions out of a hat—a lighthearted activity intended to foster a joyful atmosphere. The school’s athletic director insists that the video and several other unnamed instances breached coaching policies, leading to Ontiveros’ suspension. “I asked why, and the athletic director’s only reasoning behind the administrative leave was because I had violated the coaching contract in the social media aspect that was demeaning,” Ontiveros explained.

Players and Parents Unite

The response from the community has been overwhelming. Parents, players, and even non-affiliated community members have shown strong support for Ontiveros, arguing that the video was nothing more than a motivational tool aimed at building team spirit. Martha C’deBaca, a concerned parent, shared her sentiments, saying, “We’re all receiving calls from our children around lunchtime, you know, crying, and that is very frustrating and concerning.” Many insist that Ontiveros was unjustly removed from her post, with the school’s response being viewed as excessive and without substantive grounds.

The School’s Justification

On the other side, the school’s athletic department maintains that the suspension was warranted. In a statement sent to KOB 4, they asserted, “We placed our coach on paid administrative leave for the remainder of the season following several instances of not adhering to coaching policies and expectations.” This official statement, however, has done little to calm the uproar, as parents continue to demand transparency and fair treatment for their coach.

Hope for Change

Despite the tension, Ontiveros remains positive and hopeful for resolution. Her dedication to her team is unquestionable, as she emphasized, “I found a way to incorporate having fun going in with those endorphins and happy hormones and going into a game with that positivity.” It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold, but the strong bond between Ontiveros, her players, and their families is unmistakable; a testament to the profound impact of a coach who truly cares about her team.

The community’s overwhelming support speaks volumes about the significance of this decision, illustrating a united front that longs for justice and fairness. As stated in KOB.com, the narrative of Coach Ontiveros and her team is far from over, and many hold hope for a positive resolution that will reunite the coach with her players.

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