Two junior varsity women’s basketball coaches are out of work at a Virginia high school after the assistant coach allegedly suited up and played in a game.
Portsmouth Public Schools received a report Monday from administrators at Nansemond River High School that a member of the Churchland High School junior varsity coaching staff «was involved in the game» on Jan. 21, the spokeswoman said. of the district Lauren Nolasco to NBC News.
Churchland administrators investigated and later reported the incident to the Virginia High School League, the sanctioning body for public high school games in the state.
«While I cannot discuss the details of the investigation as it is a personnel matter, I can confirm that Arlisha Boykins is no longer an employee of Portsmouth Public Schools,» Nolasco said in a statement.
Boykins, 22, was the Churchland assistant coach accused of impersonating a student at the game against NBC affiliate Nansemond River. WAVY TV from Portsmouth reported. The actual player missed the game due to an out-of-town club tournament, the girl’s parents told the news station.
Boykins was hired in August 2022. Her last day at the school was Jan. 25, Nolasco said. The head coach of the women’s basketball team is no longer employed, Nolasco said.
It was not immediately clear how the assistant coach was allowed to play or how long she was in the game. No Churchland administrators attended the pageant, according to the district spokesperson.
Administrators at the Suffolk, Va., high school did not immediately return a request for comment Tuesday.
After the incident, Churchland staff met with parents and players from the junior and varsity teams. The group decided they did not want to continue with the basketball season, Nolasco said.
«The teams’ remaining opponents and officials have been notified,» he said.
Boykins could not be reached at the phone numbers listed for her.