Parents of the Veterans Middle School girls’ volleyball team in Rio Grande City are raising serious concerns after allegations of abuse by a newly hired coach surfaced this week.
Families claim that their daughters suffered injuries as punishment for missing Monday’s game, an incident that has left the community deeply shaken.
According to parents, Coach Keisha Lynette Peña, a recent hire with no prior experience, forced the players to endure harsh physical consequences that resulted in visible hand injuries.
Reports state that 12 seventh- and eighth-grade girls were injured after the alleged punishment.
One parent attempted to file a complaint with the Rio Grande City Police Department.
However, they say the department refused to take the report, claiming that the incident occurred inside the school and therefore fell under school jurisdiction.
The case has sparked heated debate among parents, community members, and social media users.
Some parents expressed anger, insisting that no coach should inflict harm on students, especially for losing or missing a game.
Others suggested that Peña herself participated in the exercises and did not intend to cause harm.
Supporters argue that her actions may have been misunderstood, while critics stress that physical punishment has no place in a school athletic program.
As of now, it is unclear whether the school or district is conducting an official investigation into the incident.
Parents and community members are demanding accountability, with some calling for Peña’s dismissal and others urging authorities to involve Child Protective Services.
The controversy has highlighted broader concerns about coach abuse in school athletics and the need for proper oversight, training, and protection of students.
Community members emphasize that discipline should never cross the line into mistreatment or injury.
The Rio Grande City community now awaits a clear response from school officials.
Parents insist that this matter cannot be overlooked, stressing that students’ safety and well-being must always come first.
As one parent commented, “If our children are suffering consequences, the coach should also face consequences.”
The case of alleged coach abuse at Veterans Middle School serves as a stark reminder that the responsibility of coaches extends beyond winning games—they must also safeguard the health and dignity of their athletes.
