DoTell

It happens all the time. Players have quit if they fail to make varsity as freshman.

If the alternative is taking that particular point of view directly to the head coach, it'll never happen. Have you seen the size of that guy? ;0)

Kids, coaches and fans all like to win. Many schools, regardless of their size, are very successful at winning, teaching and readying the kids for life after high school. HHS is definitely one of those schools.

I could not agree more. Sure, we could do other things on summer vacations or spend the money elsewhere, but we enjoy the travel and the community of the team and the kids make friendships and learn lessons that will last for a lifetime.

I never questioned the rights of a student to make the decision to quit. They have every right to that choice. My point was to ask who is hurt by the decision. My thoughts remain that it is the player and the teammates that are most affected. I also contend that in many instances, parents have a direct influence in these decisions. Finally, IMO, Overcoming being 'stressed' is a learned life skill that is best developed by working through the stressful situation.

Not every player/parent that goes the club/select/travel/competitive route has scholarships top of mind. I know many kids who simply want to play with kids of a similar skill level instead of playing rec level soccer and being frustrated by that level of play and who have no desire to play beyond high school. As for being an apologist, as you put it, why would someone have to apologize for giving their child an opportunity to reach their highest potential?

I guess I'm not sure what point is made when a parent or player decides to protest by quitting. Who does it really hurt? Most likely the player by missing out on an opportunity to fulfill a goal. And very likely the team, if that player was going to contribute to the success of the season. If the intent is to hurt the staff, I don't see that as a likely outcome.

Just saying that in organized sports, as in life, you have to play with the cards you are dealt. Take what is in your hand and make the best play if you want to stay in the game. Some choose to toss their cards, some choose to stick around and see how the game plays out. Chances are pretty good that those who stay in the game have a better shot at making something good come out of what appeared to be a bad deal.

Since I used the phrase 'sounds like' as my statement opening, what would you infer from that? Yep, from what I have 'heard', the team, players and staff, will be just fine.

Sounds like the Lady Birds will do just fine without the players who wanted a different coaching staff.

I know they are all on one side of the field, but generally each team's fans stick together at one end of the fan side and enjoy the camaraderie and common interest in the team. Somehow I don't see that happening with the Highlands girls soccer fans/parents.

I bet watching Highlands games on the Highlands fan's side is tons of fun. Everyone seems to like each other so much.

I was not implying that either apply in this instance. Just making an observation of what may be allowable.

I know that a legitimate change of address into a district is ok. Financial hardship would likely be allowed if transferring out of a private school, I would imagine.

any idea what the KHSAA rules say for a transfer this late? There have been a few HHS to NDA xfers that have been allowed to play in the last several years.

A little late in the game to be thinking about transferring. Maybe just wishing out loud?

Ouch! They must have run into a really good team!

Ok, you know the program better than I

Allusions and innuendo, but no concrete statements of fact.

Any result from this match yet?

I would agree, if we knew that that was their reasoning. No one has really said why they have chosen not to play. Certainly if they are playing at that level, the staff at Highlands would not be playing inferior talent above them. Would they?

Should have been more clear, sorry. Not all high school coaches who also coach outside of high school, coach at the club level. Some have select or rec teams. just wondering if that would be a conflict of interest as well, or if it is only high level club coaches that are the issue.

Is it at all possible that the players these coaches choose to start and play a majority of minutes are actually the best players at their positions and as a unit?

Also, do parent coaches who also coach high school get a pass? Just as much temptation to play favorites in that situation IMO.

Club ball can be about more than scholarships for many kids. It is about playing at a level with kids of equal or greater skills that fulfills goals as a player. It could be that kids just enjoy playing with the teammates on a club team and want to continue to play with them. Many kids have no desire to play at the next level but still want to play high quality competition during their soccer years. Sure it can be costly, but if the trips are treated as mini vacations that the families enjoy, who is to say that is a bad thing?