On one hand, where male basketball coaches are seen in controversies, a female coach got into the headlines. 22-year-old Arlisha Boykins is an assistant junior varsity basketball coach at Churchland High School, Portsmouth, Virginia. However, her job was put at risk after she was caught impersonating a 13-year-old player at the school. However, incidents like these are quite rare.
22-Year-Old Girls Basketball Coach Arlisha Boykins Fired After Impersonating A 13-Year-Old Playerhttps://t.co/4iqzTccZpT pic.twitter.com/7rglyISEBp
— SMASH BLOCK T.V. (@SmashBlockTV) January 31, 2023
Arlisha before working as a coach completed her education at Radford University. Studying there she did a Bachelor of Science in BS, Kinesiology, and Exercise Science. Apart from this, no other information is available on her professional and personal life.
Following the incident, Arlisha got fired for her actions. Apart from her, Trucker’s head coach of the varsity team was also fired for his involvement and encouragement. However, let’s take a look in detail at the impersonating incident of Arlisha Boykins.
The impersonating controversy of Arlisha Boykins
During a January 21, 2023 game between Churchland High Truckers and Nansemond River, Arshila Boykins was caught wearing the No.1 jersey of a player. According to sources, the player at that time was out of town for a tournament. However, the game was held in Suffolk.
Something you don’t see every day. An assistant coach on a JV girls basketball team impersonated a 13-year-old player on the team in a game. The coach is no longer an employee of the Portsmouth School District. @WAVY_News
More information: pic.twitter.com/Hrs1oEJvME
— Craig Loper II (@CraigLoperWAVY) January 30, 2023
Based on the footage received, during the game, she was seen interacting normally with the other players, and players were also seen interacting with her. Apart from this she was also shooting free throws, made one block, and also drove into the stands for a layup. Thus, Churchland High won the game by 47-45 over Nansemond River, however, the win was yielded with the incident.
Apart from this, the father, of the absent player showed his disappointment and was shocked on seeing such an act done by a coach. “I just need an apology, you know, because I haven’t yet received one from the overseer of the program.” – he said. He further also claimed that the student will no longer be playing at Churchland High School.
Parents Are Asking For An Apology After 22-Year-Old Arlisha Boykins Pretended Too Be A 13-Year-Old Basketball Player And Give Out Buckets On JV Which Caused The Season To Be Ended; Name That State (Video) https://t.co/PfwBwBsbmM via @BasketballguruD pic.twitter.com/YxRTjxJ9BS
— Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) February 1, 2023
Following the incident, the team administration held a meeting. In the meeting the parents of the absent player and students of both teams were present. Thus, the decision was taken to discard the season and the players elected to opt out. The incident has led Arlisha’s career as an assistant head coach on hold and in danger.