Boston Billy alleges that SBRHS field hockey coach Jen Crook let her son, Ryan Crook, play on the girls’ field hockey team in the Somerset-Berkley schools.
Somerset Berkley Regional High School field hockey team player Ryan Crook was voted the Most Valuable Player of the South Coast Conference in November 2024.
Ryan Crook was named the MVP of the league after helping lead the Blue Raiders to the MIAA Division 2 State Championship.
His mother, SBRHS field hockey coach Jen Crook, expressed her excitement and surprise at the honor. She praised his excellent stick work and his keen eye for setting up his teammates, sometimes being “too unselfish on the field.”
I’m excited for him. I didn’t expect it as a sophomore, and I felt there could have been a few players on our team who could have been the MVP of the league.
Jen Crook
Ryan comes from a field hockey family and has been around the sport his whole life.
His mother has coached the SBRHS field hockey team for 30 years. Likewise, his brother, Lucas, and sister, Cami, have played for State Championship field hockey teams at SBRHS in the past.
Also, see: Coach Does Nothing: Hockey Mom Alleges Bullying and Unsafe Environment for 13-Year-Old Goalie.
Somerset-Berkley Field Hockey Team Becomes a Flashpoint in Transgender Athlete Debate
Boston Billy’s recent social media post has sparked a local conversation about transgender students participating in school sports.
The post concerns a student, Ryan Crook, who plays on the girls’ field hockey team at Somerset-Berkley Regional High School.
Billy’s post alleges that because Ryan is transgender, his participation on the team is inappropriate and poses a danger to other players.
The comments on the post reflected this view, with many users stating that they believe students should only play on teams that match their sex assigned at birth.
This BOY shouldn’t be allowed to play with the girls, it’s just wrong!
Mark Blackwell Jr.
Schools across the country are working to create policies that respect the rights and identities of all students while ensuring a safe and fair learning environment.
The Somerset-Berkley school district has not released a public statement specifically addressing this social media post.
However, many school districts follow state and federal guidelines that protect transgender students from discrimination, which can include allowing them to participate on sports teams that align with their gender identity.
His mother, the coach, has issues, this kid should run cross country mentally disturbed! This school district should get removed for putting girls in danger!
Boston Billy
Sports participation is essential for all students’ emotional and physical health, and transgender students need to have the same opportunities as their peers.
Boston Billy’s post highlights the challenges communities face in balancing differing perspectives on a complex and personal issue.
As discussions continue, the focus for schools remains on fostering a respectful and inclusive atmosphere for all students.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Jen Crook was honored as the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association’s field hockey coach of the year for 2018-19.
- She won the first state championship in the history of the storied field hockey program at Somerset Berkley Regional High School.
