A Colorado youth softball coach says he and his family have faced harassment from former parents after their daughters left his team, claiming one parent called his family in the middle of the night and made threats.
The controversy has rocked the local softball community, with many parents and supporters now rallying behind the coach.
Josh Medina, head coach of the Colorado Divas Softball organization, took to Facebook to share what he described as weeks of harassment from two former parents who left the team under contentious circumstances.
According to Medina, one family left after failing to pay team fees, while another departed following what he called “threats” directed at him and his family.
Medina wrote,
“My organization and my family have been under attack from a couple of parents that have left my teams for their own reasons,” . “One for not paying fees and leaving on their own terms, and the other because of threats — threats to me, threats to my family, and threats to my parents and coaches.”
Josh Medina
Medina identified two of the parents by name and claimed they had been making false accusations about his coaching behavior.
He alleged that one parent called his parents’ home at 2 a.m., “drunk,” and that harassment and defamation charges are being filed.
Medina said,
“These people are making false accusations, and they will be held accountable legally,” . “We have had over 100–200 players pass through our organization, and the vast majority learned, loved, and respected the game. The few that have left usually did so because of parent behavior — not the coaching.”
Josh Medina
Josh denied accusations that he yells in players’ faces or mistreats his athletes. Pushing back on what he described as rumors and lies spread online, he wrote,
“No, I don’t yell at little girls in their face. No, I don’t drive a Mercedes,” “Parents from the team stay and watch all practices,”
Josh Medina
He also called on supporters to report posts spreading what he called “slander” against him and the Divas organization, accusing specific platforms of allowing false claims to stay up while removing defenses from his supporters.
He said,
“All we are asking is to not let people post lies then censor the truth,” “This is America, not China.”
Josh Medina
Despite the drama, Medina expressed gratitude to the families who have stood by the program and said the Divas would “move on from this like always.”
The post has since received dozens of comments from parents praising his coaching style and defending his integrity.
One parent, Sarah Ceja, wrote,
“We’re here for you, coach! We’ve been at the practices and games and didn’t witness the accusations. Do you get passionate? Yes. Is that an acquired taste in coaching? Yes! If people don’t like it, they can leave — which they did. My daughter personally thrives with your coaching style!”
Sarah Ceja
Another parent, Kim Perry, echoed the sentiment, saying her daughter saw more improvement in a few weeks with the Divas than in the previous two years. She said,
This is our first year with the Colorado Divas Softball and within a week or two we saw huge improvements, strides and gains more than we had in the past 2 years! Our daughter had a choice out of two teams and she choose this! We support her and her decision! We are thrilled to be a part of not only this team, but this family! The coaching staff is incredible! We will 100% back you up Coach along with the other coaches and families too!
Kim Perry
Former players and parents also came forward to share their experiences. Dee Dee Gonzales commented,
Josh, you are a wonderful human and helped my kiddo in so many ways. I’m sorry this is happening. Sending you love, light, and hugs. Know you are appreciated and so many people know how amazing you, your coaches, and the Divas organization is! Hang in there my friend!
Dee Dee Gonzales
Janellie Chavez Rivera added a heartfelt message referencing her late father’s support for Medina.
My dad would be disappointed that this is happening to you. But I know he has your back even if it’s just as an angel as you get through these ugly times. Their accusations speak to their character not yours! You’re an amazing coach, your family is truly a blessing and a family gained to all that cross your path. Praying for you all as you navigate through this time and always here to support you and your efforts!
Janellie Chavez Rivera
Others emphasized how much their daughters have grown under Medina’s coaching. Angela Cook wrote,
My daughter is proud to be a diva and we are happy to be there supporting her 🖤💜 I have seen absolutely nothing except growth, team bonding and great coaching. Thanks Josh, Sol and Aaron for being there for our girls for countless hours #letsgodivas.🙌wooo
Angela Cook
Alex Villa said,
Keep up the Great work in your Community and very Proud of the job you do for these kids……
Alex Villa
Kara Gruver commented,
Thanks for all you do, Coach. My daughter is thriving on the Divas. I have been so impressed with the positive coaching environment that you and the other coaches have created.
Kara Gruver
As of now, Media says he and his team have started documenting incidents and plan to involve law enforcement to address the harassment claims.
Despite the challenges, he insists the Colorado Divas Will continue to focus on their players and the game they love. Medina concluded,
“The Divas will move on from this like always,” “I just had to post the truth.”
Josh Medina
