Chattanooga, TN, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Patrick Winecoff, the head soccer coach at Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga, TN, has resigned following an investigation into hazing among athletes. The inquiry revealed that the coaching staff acknowledged the hazing behaviors but did not act, leading to safety concerns. While some parents defended Winecoff’s character, the school plans to implement anti-hazing training and seek a new head coach. The situation raises questions about school policies and athlete safety, emphasizing a commitment to uphold sportsmanship standards.
Chattanooga, TN – Patrick Winecoff, the soccer coach at Girls Preparatory School (GPS), resigned following an investigation into hazing allegations among the athletes. The investigation uncovered a concerning pattern of hazing and initiation behaviors within the soccer program that raised safety concerns among students and parents alike.
The inquiry into the allegations revealed that the coaching staff was aware of the hazing but failed to take appropriate action. Megan Cover, the Head of School, stated that this oversight was a violation of the institution’s standards, which place a strong emphasis on safe and respectful sportsmanship. Winecoff, who joined GPS in 2014, had been instrumental in the team’s success, boasting a record of 135 wins, 34 losses, and 11 draws, along with three state championships.
In response to the scandal, a group of parents of former GPS soccer players released a statement defending Winecoff’s character and questioning the credibility of the hazing allegations. They asserted that the claims were not thoroughly investigated, suggesting the school’s inquiry may have lacked rigor. However, Cover indicated that her daughters had directly experienced the alleged hazing shortly after arriving in Chattanooga and promptly reported the incidents to the school’s board chair.
To address the issues that have arisen from this situation, the school plans to implement training programs focusing on team culture, sportsmanship, and anti-hazing initiatives directed at both athletes and staff. In the interim, Andy Sarjant has been appointed as the temporary head coach for the remainder of the season, while a national search will commence to find Winecoff’s permanent replacement for the 2026-27 school year.
Despite the allegations against him, many former students and players have come forward to support Winecoff, praising him for his respectful nature, deep knowledge of the game, and high moral character. These endorsements starkly contrast with the claims of hazing that have been leveled against him and the coaching staff. Cover has emphasized that the reported behaviors are completely contrary to the values espoused by the school, reiterating that several athletes and parents expressed feelings of discomfort, embarrassment, or concern for their safety.
The school is currently seeking further clarification regarding the parents’ public statement and remains open to feedback about how to move forward effectively. The resolve to maintain the integrity of the athletic program at GPS is firm, as both the administration and school community seek to learn from this challenging situation.
FAQ Section
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What prompted the resignation of Patrick Winecoff?
Patrick Winecoff resigned following an investigation that revealed hazing among members of the GPS soccer program.
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What were the outcomes of the investigation into the hazing allegations?
The investigation disclosed a history of hazing activities, and it was found that the coaching staff had knowledge of these behaviors but did not intervene.
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What actions is GPS taking in response to the hazing allegations?
GPS is implementing training on team culture, sportsmanship, and anti-hazing for athletes and staff, and the school will conduct a national search for a new head soccer coach.
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How have parents responded to the hazing allegations?
Some parents of former players have defended Winecoff, claiming the allegations lack credibility and were not thoroughly examined.
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Who is currently filling the head coach position at GPS?
Andy Sarjant has been appointed as the temporary head coach for the remainder of the season while the school searches for a permanent successor.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coach Resignation | Patrick Winecoff resigned amid hazing investigation findings. |
| Hazing Investigation | Revealed a history of hazing and staff inaction. |
| Community Response | Parents defended Winecoff; alleged lack of credibility. |
| Interim Coaching | Andy Sarjant appointed as temporary head coach. |
| Future Plans | GPS to implement training on sportsmanship and conduct a new coach search. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Football Matchups Highlight Chattanooga High School Scene
Head Soccer Coach Resigns Amid Hazing Allegations at GPS
Additional Resources
- NewsChannel 9: Parents Defend Former GPS Soccer Coach
- Times Free Press: No Charges in UTC Frat Hazing Incident
- NewsChannel 9: GPS Soccer Coach Resigns After Investigation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hazing
- Times Free Press: GPS Soccer Coach Resigns Over Pattern of Hazing
- Google Search: Hazing Laws Tennessee
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