In the week, we have seen the departure of Emilia Ward, the head coach of the Central Michigan women’s lacrosse team, as well as Paula Doughty, the head coach of the Skowhegan (Maine) field hockey team.
In each of these situations, there are major difference. Ward was a college coach, Doughty a high school coach. Ward coached lacrosse, Doughty coached field hockey. Ward was in her job a shade over four seasons, Doughty has been in the coaching box for 44 seasons.
But both of these coaching departures had two key aspects in common. The departures were sudden and unexpected. Also, there has been little to no comment from the people who are supposedly in charge — the Central Michigan University athletic department, or Maine School Administrative District 54.
We’ve seen a number of coaching changes similar to these over the last few years, and there is usually a backstory behind each and every one of them. Each of these backstories are different, and it is important not to make assumptions about these two new situations.
I do, however, make note of the lack of transparency on the part of who are supposed to be the adults in the room.
It is the same opacity that has allowed school boards to oust coaches who may have run afoul of people who didn’t like their kids’ playing time on a certain team. It has also allowed school administrations to get rid of coaches who question why they may not receive equitable pay or equitable facilities.
Still, you have to feel for the players and the communities and support around them. Their coaches are out of the picture and now have to figure out next steps.
Especially in the case of Skowhegan, I do question what kind of coach can carry on from a coach with four and a half decades’ worth of experience?