YORK COUNTY — The York County School Division is reviewing allegations of misconduct by York High School teacher and head varsity softball coach Hannah Winfree following public comments made by six players and six parents at Monday’s school board meeting.
The players alleged that Winfree shoved or grabbed them and accused her of favoritism, insulting players, dismissing concerns about injuries, discussing personal issues with players and taking out her frustrations on the team. Several players said Winfree’s conduct made them feel uncomfortable or unsafe around her.
Ella Thurman, a York High School senior, said she has played softball for three years, most recently at first base in the spring season, under Winfree. She won’t return if Winfree remains the coach, she said. Thurman said after an injury in sophomore year, she was hesitant to return to play and Winfree responded to her concerns in a way that left her feeling she was a burden to the team.
“Those words destroyed me and would haunt me until this day,” Thurman said.
Other players described a similar dynamic.
“The hardest part of the game wasn’t pitching against tough hitters,” Tahlia Evans, a former starting pitcher, said. “It was stepping into the dugout and dealing with an environment built on intimidation instead of support.”
Several players and parents alleged Winfree pushed Evans in the chest at a game against Lafayette and yelled at her.
Other parents said their children and other students expressed concerns about Winfree, with some saying their daughters would come home from practice in tears because of the coach’s behavior.
“Our daughters deserve coaches who would build them up rather than tear them down,” parent Rachel Christie said.
David Reitz, the school division’s chief human resources officer, confirmed Tuesday that Winfree has worked for the division since 2017 as a teacher and coach at York High School. The school’s website lists her as a special education teacher. Winfree is also a York High graduate and former softball player, according to her Randolph-Macon player page.
“Division staff are reviewing the information presented at last night’s board meeting,” Reitz said. “As this is a personnel matter, no further information can be provided.”
Winfree did not respond to a request for comments as of Wednesday morning.
