In the community of Xenia, Ohio, a heated controversy has erupted around Jessica Threats, the longtime varsity volleyball and girls’ basketball coach at Xenia High School.
What started as a parent’s viral Facebook post accusing the Threats of verbal, mental, and physical abuse has sparked divided opinions among parents, students, and locals.
While one mother demands immediate action and the coach’s removal, others defend her, praising her dedication and coaching style.
The situation escalated to the school board, where it was discussed but not resolved during a packed meeting on October 13, 2025.
As of October 15, 2025, no formal decisions have been made, leaving the community to grapple with questions of accountability, coaching boundaries, and student well-being.
A Viral Video Sparked Accusations of Abuse
The drama began on October 9, 2025, when Laine Gregg, a parent of a varsity volleyball player at Xenia High School, shared a video on Facebook along with a lengthy post detailing her grievances against Coach Jessica Threats.
Gregg described the coach’s behavior as “completely unacceptable” for someone entrusted with mentoring young athletes.
She claimed Threats had engaged in ongoing patterns of verbal and mental abuse, manipulation, intimidation, and mind games throughout the season.
The video, recorded on August 16, 2025, but posted nearly two months later, allegedly shows Threats shoving Gregg’s daughter with a volleyball, throwing the ball at her, poking her in the arm and forehead, and making further physical contact.
In the footage, the daughter can be seen wiping away tears, which Gregg attributes to the coach’s escalating mistreatment.
Gregg pointed out that this was just one filmed example of a broader issue affecting the entire team.
She accused Threats of refusing to take accountability, avoiding communication with the family, continuing to taunt her daughter, and even blaming the players by saying “they just don’t like her.”
Additionally, Gregg alleged the coach gossiped with team members and students outside the program, fostering drama and division.
Despite following the proper channels, contacting the coach (who didn’t respond), the athletic director, human resources, and the school board, Gregg said the administration had only given Threats a “stern conversation” and dragged their feet for over six weeks.
Her daughter, a talented player who had earned league honors, district honors, and the program’s MVP award the previous year, continued to endure what Gregg called “ridiculous treatment.“
“No child should be subjected to this kind of treatment by an adult in a position of authority, and no parent should be expected to stand by while their child is demeaned or physically intimidated by a coach. If this were happening to your daughter, would you find it acceptable?!”
Via Facebook
Gregg vowed not to back down, especially after claiming that Threats threatened to “put her hands on” her daughter again during a practice.
She urged the community to demand better for its youth, insisting that coaches should build up athletes, not tear them down.
The post quickly gained attention, drawing sympathy from some while brusting backlash from others who saw it as an overreaction.
A Strong Defense Emerges, with Which Not All Parents Agree
A few days after Gregg’s post, another parent, Denetta Brent Brandenburg, stepped in with her own Facebook response, defending Coach Threats and questioning the validity of the allegations.
Brandenburg, whose daughter played under Threats for four years, argued that people judging the silent video without context or experience in girls’ volleyball or basketball were misguided.
She suggested that the coach was likely saying typical motivational phrases, such as “move your feet,” “be quicker to the ball,” or “you got this.”
Notably, she pointed out that none of the other girls in the video appeared bothered, casting doubt on the abuse claims.
Brandenburg called Gregg a “deranged parent” for posting the old video and rhetorically asking if others would accept such treatment for their daughters, while allowing her own child to continue attending practices and games unsupervised.
If it were actual abuse, Brandenburg asserted, no parent would let their kid stay involved.
She dismissed accusations that her support stemmed from her daughter being a “favorite,” sharing personal ups and downs: pulling her freshman out due to another coach, a great sophomore year, limited junior playing time, and a senior position switch that led to tears and breakdowns.
Despite these challenges, Brandenburg credited Threats’ patience, honesty, and encouragement for helping her daughter, a respectful team player with high volleyball IQ, grow confident and excel.
Would you allow your child to still be in the presence of their coach without your presence if they were really getting abused????”
Via Facebook
Brandenburg’s message resonated with those who viewed her as a tough but effective coach, highlighting a divide between seeing her actions as abusive or as standard high school sports intensity.
Jessica Threats has been a Fixture in Xenia High School Athletics for over a Decade
She joined the staff in 2012 as the assistant varsity girls’ basketball coach.
By 2013, she took on the role of head varsity volleyball coach, and in 2019, she became the head varsity girls’ basketball coach.
Beyond Xenia, Threats is also employed by Central State University, where she contributes to their athletics program.
Her dual roles have earned her respect in broader athletic circles, with supporters noting her commitment to developing young athletes both on and off the court.
Over the years, she has guided teams through seasons of growth, earning praise for instilling discipline, resilience, and teamwork.
The recent allegation questions her coaching methods, highlighting concerns about crossing boundaries in youth sports that prioritize mental health and positive reinforcement.
The controversy reached a boiling point at the Xenia Board of Education meeting on October 13, 2025, which drew a standing-room-only crowd.
While much of the discussion focused on separate social media controversies involving teachers Kevin Keefe and Jenn Davis, who faced backlash over comments about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the Jessica Threats allegation was also addressed.
Board members noted that the video incident had been investigated and resolved over a month before its viral sharing.
Supporters of Threats, including members of Central State University’s men’s basketball team, attended to voice their backing.
Marauders head coach Travis Lewis praised her work, saying he sends his own family members to Xenia schools partly because of educators like her.
No votes were taken on Threats or the teachers during the meeting.
Board member Jeremy Cox explained that the district aimed to avoid “unwinnable lawsuits” by not hastily pursuing terminations.
Other members, such as Joshua Day, emphasized the importance of community forgiveness and maturity, shifting from initial calls for harsh action.
Board member Mary Grech stressed that personnel matters should remain private.
The meeting highlighted external influences, such as the conservative group 1776 Project, which some residents accused of stirring division for political gain.
Overall, the session underscored Xenia’s commitment to supporting its educators while navigating public scrutiny.
The Jessica Threats allegation remains unresolved, highlighting strong emotions in Xenia over student safety and support for the coach, as parents demand change while the community watches closely for updates.
What the parent failed to acknowledge, the awards that her daughter received, Coach Threats had a part in the selection by submitting her daughter’s name! If I was Coach Threats I would sue the parent, because the Video didn’t reflect what the parent said, and if the girl was crying why did she stay and participate?