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"I am leaving LBSU Athletics now because I have had some uncomfortable experiences with this administration, specifically the Athletic Director."
That's not about some fundraising requirement.
Could see Kym getting hit with that. Tennis has always had that per other posts.
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Is that the company line to deflect?
That is not what her email message said the BeachBacker posted.
Very much singled out the Athletic Director for specific unnamed behavior.
She told the tennis boosters in a recent email that tennis still has over $150,000 in their booster account.
THAT email nor retirement decision wasn't sent because of a fundraising beef.
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She, and a number of softball coaches that I am aware of are just tired of trying to compete when the big boys and girls are given all of the help by the NCAA and big NIL donors!!! Previous Message
Wonder if Coach Sowder left the softball program for similar reasons. She retired with plenty in the tank. Previous Message
He might be a yes man for Brotman at this point, with dire consequences. NCAA changes needed a positive jolt to reinvigorate giving. The 49er debacle clipped a lot of long time supporters. Long Beach Beach exemplifies the lack of direction up top. A non binary mascot replacement might end up being the nail in the coffin.
If anyone knows specific instances of what Coach is speaking of, it would be enlightening. Previous Message
Re read my comment and it isn't what I meant to say. I've supported the tennis program over the years and coach Hilt-Costello did amazing things with little $$$.
I think Smitheran is an amateur and its showing. Knipe probably just tells him to get out of the way.
From the ADs desk, not much is being run very well. I have no confidence Smitheran can handle the variety of sharks circling sports at LBSU. Previous Message
It happens when amateurs are hired. Even worse, when dire funding circumstances are circling the department. Other than a few programs like Knipe's MVB not much is being run well. Previous Message
Very sad to hear she is retiring because she had some uncomfortable experiences with this administration, specifically the Athletic Director. Previous Message
It is missing the pictures.
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Hi Beach Tennis Boosters!
This will be my last e-mail as the Head Coach of LBSU Tennis.
As I mentioned in January when my retirement was announced, I am leaving LBSU Athletics now because I have had some uncomfortable experiences with this administration, specifically the Athletic Director. As such, it has become untenable for me to continue working for this Athletic Director and I made the decision to move on.
I share this because I am concerned about the future of this athletic department and the tennis program. Moving forward, I hope that my fellow coaches are treated with more professionalism and respect than I received.
So, as I close this chapter of my professional life, I wanted to say THANK YOU for your unwavering support over the last 30 years. Our 22 Big West trophies, national rankings and countless academic awards would not have been possible without your generousity that enabled us to field the two unfunded scholarship positions each season.
In addition to our on court and academic successes, you afforded our program the opportunity to give our student-athletes unique and memorable experiences off court as well: hop on hop off bus tour of Boston; luaus and snorkeling with turtles in Hawaii; meeting Congressman Robert Garcia and touring the DC Capitol; playing Nebraska at the Indian Wells Tennis garden during the WTA/ATP event; deep dish pizza in Chicago; Alcatraz Island tour; the New York New York rollercoaster in Las Vegas and the list goes on.
Together we have positively impacted so many lives…..the #1 reason why I love coaching!
I will be forever grateful for your support and friendship! Let’s keep in touch and I’ll see you around town.
Jenny Hilt-Costello
jhiltcostello@yahoo.com
• For those that couldn't make the party or want to see the entire YouTube video can be viewed here LINK
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• Last week, some thoughts were in a newspaper column for the LA News Group LINK
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please share it. Previous Message
How many of you have received the illuminating email from the retiring WT coach?
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on 6/2/2025, 12:34 pm, in reply to "