Cape Fear Middle School is facing serious accusations from one of the parents of a Softball player, for attacking his kid mentally and verbally.
“There is a difference between demanding and a demeaning coach,” Corey Hornbeck, the parent, wrote. “No child in school should feel attacked and feel they have no worth on a team… The coaches’ tactics and boosting their own ego by belittling children is unacceptable,” he later added.
The statement shared by the parent of a poor Softball Player, who was following her hobby or even a passion, raised serious questions about whether the Coach of the School is prioritizing winning by abusing them instead of focusing on Mental health, who are not even 15 years of age.
Concerned Parents Want Answers From The Middle School
He also believes that when a Child is sent to any school, they expect to help them grow and build a better future, rather than Cape Fear is tearing them down.
According to the parent, this issue has definitely not happened just once or twice. “By the way, this is an ongoing issue that has been going on for years. At what cost is it worth it. will it be at the cost of a child taking his or her life over a championship trophy,” he wrote.
Due to the Coach’s emotional and verbal abuse, the Child also feels humiliated and belittled, especially when they are with teammates, which eventually hampers their overall performance and mental well-being.
His daughter is now afraid to go to School and play what she likes the most, after being constantly abused, belittled, and hearing other kids cry, due to such issues.
“Indicators of a demeaning coach include an overemphasis on winning at all costs, favoritism, ignoring athletes’ needs, and using aggression or intimidation.,” added Corey, before ending his thoughts, that he hopes the School will address the situation by any means.
When one of the fellow parents said the issue had been resolved, he insisted the bullying had been going on for years and was targeting the kids.
Another parent even suggested that Corey Hornbeck follow his kid’s heart and always be meaningful to their kid’s coach, as some coaches build kids up, while others, such as “Bully Coaches,” can bring unrealistic expectations, resulting in poor mental health.
Kristan Craver, whose daughter is also a softball player, responded, “Accepting only the ones who need the least amount of attention, even when you are offered built-in athletes, is most definitely a trophy/championship chaser.” He has even suggested providing proper guidance, erasing negativity, and focusing on developing a child’s strong skills rather than those that are not ideal.
If the parents are truly facing these issues, the School should help them work their way out of the misery for the kids and focus on their mental health rather than seeking trophies or achievements; although, coaches bringing a winning mentality to the team is equally important.
Corey’s daughter was also part of the Supper Optimist All-Star 12u team in the Babe Ruth Softball World Series and even finished second in the Diamond Bracket.
According to many, she played really well and was a crucial part of the Softball team. The team also had tremendous support from family members and friends.
