AUSTIN, Texas — High school athletics is suppose to be the purest form of sports on any level.
No endorsements, no contracts, no major TV network deals and no agents..
But, for as long as youth sports and high school athletics have existed, there has been one issue: politics.
In particular, certain parents who apply pressure or influence decisions due to the power of their position or their wealth in a community so their child receives playing time.
That has always existed.
And coaches rarely have an opportunity to fight the problem and win. Or, at least, we rarely hear about it.
But a volleyball coach with ties to the Austin area , Kori Clements, stood up to politics this week and is saying "NO MAS!"
Clements, a former volleyball coach at Cedar Park High School, stood up to the politics at Amarillo High School, a state volleyball power.
Clements resigned after one season from what she called her "dream job" at her high school alma mater.
Her reasons were clearly voiced in a statement she released:
"As a coach, playing time decisions are always difficult. Unfortunately, upon making these decisions in the best interest of team success, I was not supported by athletic, campus, or district administration. I was told by campus administration that I needed to recognize the political aspect of my job, and also of theirs. I cannot and will not compromise the integrity of my decisions based on a parent's political pressure or position. I believe strongly in the value of athletics, that being a part of a team is a privilege, and playing time is earned."
I personally could not agree more with what she said.
Clements received a ton of support on social media, including from Jordan Larson, a Olympic medalist volleyball player.
Larson tweeted, "So proud of you for standing up for what you believe in. You are a stud!"
Clements played for national volleyball power Nebraska and won a national title as a Cornhusker as well. So, she knows the rigors of competing and how to teach and coach young people to maximize their abilities.
It's a privilege to be a part of a team and anything we receive, whether it be a job, a promotion -- it's earned. It's not just because we show up.
Clements stated she hasn't violated any district or UIL standards and upheld the teacher code of ethics.
I welcome your thoughts and opinions. Tweet me your response @ShawnC_KVUE.