News Summary

Portland Public Schools has posted a job opening for a new head coach for the Lincoln High School boys basketball team amid past controversies involving the former coach. Heather Seely-Roberts faced allegations related to her coaching practices, gender discrimination, and claims from players, leading to an investigation and community debate. The new position requires candidates to have at least three years of high school coaching experience. The program hopes to bring fresh leadership to uplift the team after a challenging season.

Portland Public Schools on the Hunt for a New Coach for Lincoln High School Boys Basketball Team

In the bustling city of Portland, the spotlight is now shining on the Lincoln High School boys basketball team as Portland Public Schools recently posted a job opening for a new head coach to take the helm for the 2025–26 school year. This announcement comes amidst a whirlwind of controversy and challenges that the program faced over the past season.

Setting the Scene

The previous head coach, Heather Seely-Roberts, has been at the center of a storm of events since December 2022. Her tenure was marked by her unique position as the only female coach of a 6A boys varsity basketball team in Oregon, but it wasn’t smooth sailing. The unraveling of her career at Lincoln High began when she filed a tort claim notice against Portland Public Schools, alleging that the district did not properly support her against complaints from unhappy parents.

Furthermore, Seely-Roberts accused the school district of discrimination based on her gender, igniting conversations around treatment in sports leadership roles. The complexities deepened when four players from the basketball team filed their own claims against her, alleging retaliatory actions after being cut from the team. These players accused Seely-Roberts of engaging in racist and homophobic behavior, which her legal team has firmly denied.

The Investigation and Community Reactions

As the situation escalated, the Oregon Department of Education began reviewing a complaint submitted by a concerned parent regarding Seely-Roberts’ coaching practices. However, details about the parent’s comments remain under wraps. The community has had a mixed reaction, with many rallying around their coach, while others are calling for accountability.

By April 15, 2023, Seely-Roberts was confirmed to still have a position within Portland Public Schools, but confusion lingered over whether she would continue as the head coach. She began her role at Lincoln High in the fall of 2021, and despite the tumult, she led the team to a respectable third-place finish in the state 6A championships during the 2022–23 season. It’s worth noting that her twin sons played key roles on the team, showcasing talent that contributed to the team’s success.

What’s Next for the Lincoln High Basketball Program?

The newly posted coaching vacancy outlines that candidates for the head coach role must possess at least three years of high school coaching experience. However, the job posting is notably silent on a timeline for when a new head coach will be appointed, leaving many parents and players on edge. The program has struggled significantly this season, starting with an unfortunate record of 0-8 after a daunting defeat where they lost 98-46.

In the background, an earlier investigation indicated that there was no evidence found of homophobic or racially discriminatory behavior within the Lincoln High basketball program, according to the athletic director, who has tried to clarify the situation. While some evidence of potentially retaliatory actions by Seely-Roberts was observed, it resulted in no disciplinary measures from the district, further complicating the circumstances.

A Hopeful Future

As the search for the new head coach continues, both players and the community remain hopeful for a new direction that will lift the Lincoln High boys basketball program out of its current struggles. The excitement surrounding the potential of fresh leadership brings a sense of optimism as they look to turn the page on what has been a tumultuous chapter for this storied program. For the players, parents, and supporters, it’s all about moving forward and finding the right coach who can bring unity and success back to the court.

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