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High School Basketball Coach Impersonates Player, Loses Job

Coach Boykins takes the court, but not as herself.

22-Year-Old Coach Loses Job After Impersonating Player in Basketball Game

February 1, 2023

In a shocking turn of events, a 22-year-old high school basketball coach, Arlisha Boykins, has lost her job after impersonating one of her players in a junior varsity basketball game. The incident took place on January 21, when the player was away from the team for a club basketball tournament. Instead of playing with one less player, Boykins took matters into her own hands and posed as the student-athlete. Footage of the game shows the full-grown adult performing against the competition, driving the lane, blocking shots, and making free throws.

As a result of the stunt, Boykins was fired and the rest of the JV players and parents elected to end the season. The school is now investigating the incident, and the student's family is seeking an apology. The Virginia High School League, which oversees high school athletics in the state, is aware of the situation but is letting the two schools involved handle the punishment.

The father of the player who was impersonated expressed his disbelief over the coach's actions, saying, "As coaches, we always emphasize integrity to the kids, so this came as a shock." The family also informed the school that their daughter no longer wished to attend.

Arlisha Boykins's attempts to relive her glory days ended in disappointment, causing her to lose her job as both the JV and varsity head coach. This raises important questions about the ethical and moral obligations coaches have towards their players.