03/25/2026
To our Hornet/Lady Hornet Athletic Community,
We are aware of the concerns and statements that have been shared publicly from various perspectives regarding the cancellation of the softball season, and we want to address this with clarity and honesty. We have taken time to reflect, seek counsel, and carefully weigh the situation before responding, which is why there has been a delay in speaking publicly.
First, we want to take responsibility for our part. Looking back, we can see that we tried to move forward with a season when it may have been wiser to pause. Our heart was to give the girls an opportunity to play, but in doing so, we allowed some things to continue longer than they should have. This is a lesson learned on our part.
As the season progressed, concerns came up that went beyond normal team challenges. These involved conduct, communication, and alignment with the values our program is built on. While we will not discuss individuals or private matters publicly, we will be clear that certain behaviors are not permitted within our program. This includes inappropriate language, behavior not suitable for student athletes or coaches, actions that create division within teams and families, and disrespect toward the program, GSF church, and its leadership, among other things.
When those standards are not upheld, leadership has a responsibility to step in. In this situation, both the spiritual direction of the program and the overall health of the team were being affected, and decisions had to be made.
At the same time, there are important details that have been discussed publicly that do not reflect the full picture. The meeting that has been referenced, where both parents and players were present, was not a decision-making meeting, but was held to inform and communicate the decision to cancel the season and to ensure everyone received the same information directly.. In a prior meeting with individuals representing different perspectives within the program, a request was made for both athletes and parents to be included in that final meeting. That request was acknowledged and supported by those present, with the intent of openness and transparency, not harm.
We knew things weren’t right regarding the season and could no longer continue, but we didn’t fully understand the weight of it until the meeting. The level of confusion, tension, and division that surfaced made it clear just how much unity had been impacted, and it confirmed that stepping away was the right decision.
In many of the conversations that have taken place, it has been difficult to see the focus shift more toward the loss of games than the overall health and purpose of the program. It has also been especially difficult to see the program and its current and past coaches and leaders spoken about in ways that does not reflect the time, prayer, financial sacrifice, and service that have been given. Whether they are new or have served for many years, these individuals have poured into this program without compensation, investing in athletes and families simply because they care deeply about honoring the Lord in the area of athletics. This is the first time in over 18 years of serving that a season has been canceled, and it has been deeply grieving to those who have faithfully led and supported the program. To see that investment minimized and spoken of negatively in this moment has been disappointing.
We also want to be clear that not all athletes and families were involved in the division. To those who continued to represent the program with integrity and chose not to engage in negative or divisive conversations, we sincerely thank you. Your example has not gone unnoticed.
We know this has been hard, and we truly feel that with you. This program means a lot to so many families, and it does to us as well. At the same time, we must keep God and the way we represent Him first. Nothing about this was easy, and every step was taken with a desire to follow the Lord’s leading, even when it did not look like what we had hoped for.
Our heart moving forward is simple. We want to learn from this, grow through it, and build something even better that reflects Him well. We are implementing a more defined leadership structure to help provide more accountability, support, and consistency across all sports. We TRULY care about this community and the families in it. Our desire is to move forward in a way that brings healing, strengthens relationships, and keeps our focus where it belongs, serving God as we serve others.
Sincerely,
GSF Hornet/Lady Hornet Leadership
