DeShields holds his ground
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BELOIT -- West Branch girls basketball coach Walt DeShields appreciates the outpouring of support and said false accusations are damaging his reputation.
"Things have been or may still be said; about me, my family and others, that are either false accusations or distortions of the truth, intended to damage my reputation or influence this decision," DeShields said in a statement Wednesday night.
That came after superintendent Micki Egli wrote a letter from the district stating there are "significant concerns" about the behavior of DeShields, who was told March 31 he would not be returning after 20 seasons as head coach.
"Please understand that there will always be parents and players that are upset with a coach because of playing time or not receiving certain awards, every year," DeShields said. "Coaches should be held to high standards and live up to the values, goals and expectations established by the school district. Specific details of the concerns brought by some members of the community regarding my judgment or behavior have not been revealed to me. In the 38 years of teaching and coaching, my evaluations have always been outstanding, including an excellent evaluation at the end of this season."
The letter from the school was released on Wednesday afternoon.
"We understand that Coach Walt DeShields has had a significant and lasting impact on many of his former players and has contributed to the success of the girls basketball program," the school release said. "His leadership, dedication, and commitment to the sport have helped shape the program into a respected powerhouse in the region. We also acknowledge the strong bonds formed among the players, and the personal growth that many attribute to his coaching.
"At the same time, the District must also prioritize the safety, emotional well-being, and mental health of all student-athletes. Certain incidents raised by members of the community concerning Coach DeShields' behavior have generated significant concerns regarding his judgment, which are not consistent with the district's priorities. These concerns, combined with the responsibility to uphold the integrity of the West Branch athletic programs, have led to the difficult decision to seek new leadership for the girls' basketball team."
No specific concerns were listed.
"We have heard a wide range of perspectives from former players, parents, and alumni, and we take all concerns raised very seriously," the school release said.
DeShields never had a losing season in 20 years as the Warriors' head coach.
"I have strived to maintain a culture that values work ethic, commitment, integrity, teamwork and having a program that makes our school and community proud," DeShields said. "Winning is just a by-product of that. The safety, mental health, and emotional well-being of our players has always been a priority of mine. Life-long lessons, memories and lasting friendships are more important than any trophies or statistics. I would like to thank all the assistant coaches, players, parents and people who have dedicated their time and effort to help make our girls basketball program highly successful and well respected throughout the state."
"The District recognizes that the decision may be difficult for some, and that it has sparked a range of emotions within the community," the school release said. "We are committed to fostering an atmosphere where respect and accountability are paramount. We are confident that with the right leadership, the girls' basketball program will continue to thrive and uphold the high standards that have made it a source of pride for the entire West Branch community."
DeShields made his first public comment Wednesday night.
"I am sharing this for anyone who has gone through this or might in the future," he said. "It is deeply unsetting to see rumors being spread and hurtful comments being made, especially when those words are hard to take back. That kind of behavior helps no one and only causes pain and heartache."
DeShields led the Warriors to a 379-110 record -- a 76% winning percentage -- with state semifinal appearances in 2015 and 2020 and eight league titles.
"Moving forward, the District will work diligently to ensure a seamless transition in leadership and to provide a positive, empowering experience for the student-athletes," the school release said. "We appreciate the ongoing support from the community as we continue to strive for the best possible outcomes for all students."
"I am personally disappointed that a select few with money or power have ignored the majority of the West Branch community, our basketball players and parents to influence this decision by our school district to remove me as the head coach of the Lady Warrior basketball program," DeShields said. "To sum this up there is a quote by former, UCLA Hall of Fame Coach, John Wooden, that states, 'Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.'"