UPDATE: In a dramatic turn of events, ATC boys basketball coach Joe Ray Anaya will step in as head coach for the Academy for Technology and the Classics (ATC) girls soccer team after the suspension of coach Vilma Ontiveros due to a social media policy violation. This urgent move comes just before crucial matches against West Las Vegas and St. Michael’s this week, as the team’s playoff hopes hang in the balance.
The situation escalated when Ontiveros was placed on leave following the revelation of a controversial social media video. The video showed players randomly drawing positions from a hat prior to a District 2-1A/3A match against Santa Fe Indian School on October 14. ATC principal Jason Morgan stated that this act violated the school’s coaching handbook regarding social media usage, reflecting poorly on sportsmanship.
ATC athletic director Jennifer Ferguson confirmed Anaya’s involvement, stating, “We made the adjustments we needed to ensure they finished their season.” Anaya, who was on an elk hunt in Northern New Mexico when he was contacted, intends to arrive in Las Vegas, New Mexico by 4 p.m. today for the match. “Who knows, maybe I can bag a win and an elk?” Anaya quipped, highlighting his commitment to the team despite the unexpected circumstances.
Initially, the matches were at risk of cancellation due to the lack of a replacement coach. With only days left in the soccer season, it became critical for ATC to complete its district schedule to qualify for the state tournament. The Phoenix currently sit in fourth place at 3-4-1 in district play and desperately need a victory over West Las Vegas to improve their standing.
ATC is also set to face top-ranked Albuquerque Cottonwood Classical Prep in a non-district match on Saturday, which could further influence their postseason chances. As it stands, they are ranked ninth in the latest Maxpreps.com rankings, a significant factor for the New Mexico Activities Association during state tournament selections.
The decision to place Ontiveros on leave has sparked controversy among parents, who confronted Morgan and Ferguson after the team’s recent match, demanding clarification regarding the disciplinary action. Despite Ontiveros’ assertion that she had communicated with the opposing coach about the drawing method, the school administration deemed it inappropriate.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the girls soccer team and their newly appointed coach as they aim to finish their season strong amidst these challenges. Stay tuned for more updates as the matches approach and the implications for ATC’s postseason aspirations become clearer.
