A heated controversy is unfolding in Santa Fe, where a girls' soccer coach has been temporarily removed from her position, sparking debate and concern among parents and players alike. But here's where it gets controversial—the decision to suspend Coach Vilma Ontiveros might not be as clear-cut as it seems, and many are questioning whether the penalty truly fits the situation.
The Academy for Technology and the Classics announced that Coach Ontiveros would be placed on administrative leave for the rest of the season, citing a violation of school policies related to social media conduct. This move came after a video posted by the team on their social media accounts drew attention. In an interview with KOB 4, Coach Ontiveros explained that the school’s athletic director told her the suspension was due to her social media activity being deemed 'demeaning' and a violation of her coaching contract.
Interestingly, Ontiveros emphasizes that her team regularly creates social media content with the goal of fostering a positive and fun environment. The video in question features players engaging in a trend where they randomly select positions from a hat—an activity she insists was meant to boost morale and promote a cheerful outlook before games. She argues there was no malicious intent behind the video, only a desire to generate good vibes and endorphins among her players.
However, this decision has not sat well with many parents and players, who feel the punishment is disproportionate and unjust. Martha C’deBaca, a parent, shared her frustration, revealing that her child and others in the team have been upset to the point of crying during calls at lunchtime. She and others are calling on the school to reinstate Coach Ontiveros, expressing their desire for her to finish out the season.
Another parent, Darlene Roybal, voiced her disappointment, saying, “They got rid of our coach for no reason. We want her to be back to finish the season.” The community’s sentiment reflects concern over what many perceive as an unnecessary and harsh disciplinary action.
In response, the school’s athletic director issued a statement to KOB 4, explaining that the coach was placed on paid administrative leave due to multiple instances where she allegedly did not follow coaching policies and expectations. While the school’s official stance centers on policy violations, the controversy raises questions about the balance between school regulations and personal expression, especially when the activity in question appears harmless and intended to promote team spirit.
And this is the part most people might miss—this incident touches on broader issues about social media use, freedom of expression, and how educational institutions handle disciplinary matters in the digital age. Do you think the school's response was justified, or is this an overreaction? Would you agree that the focus should be more on supporting positive team culture rather than penalizing harmless fun? Share your thoughts—this debate isn’t just about one coach, but about how we navigate social boundaries in our schools today.
