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In a letter to families of South Pasadena High’s girls’ soccer program, coach Tory Lathrop said she has been told her services are no longer needed at the school.
“As of today, I will not be returning to the high school for the 2019-2020 season,” she wrote in the three paragraph note referring to the school’s principal, Janet Anderson, and Athletic Director Greg Luna, who will soon be leaving himself. “The decision was not mine and I am saddened to hear this from Ms. Anderson and Mr. Luna.”
Lathrop said she was given no concrete, clear or concise feedback as to why she will not be coaching during the 2019-20 season.
“I would like to say thank you to each of you – from players to parents the past three seasons have been a reminder to me of why I chose to pursue a position in high school athletics,” she wrote in her letter.
“It is not always an easy job and comes with a variety of challenges, but at the end of the day I will always be proud of each student athlete who chose to commit her time and effort to her teammates and her school. I’m glad to have helped this program in particular regain some momentum and recognition within their league, CIF-SS, and the local community. I hope that the next coach who takes the helm can continue to do the same.”
Two years ago, the Tigers won the Rio Hondo League championship before going on to win the CIF-Southern Section title. South Pasadena won the league crown again this season.
“I wish all our 2019 seniors the best of luck as they head into college and to all our remaining Tigers I hope you can continue to pursue your academic and athletic endeavors to the best of your ability,” added Lathrop in her letter. “Please know that I am grateful to have had an opportunity to have met you and worked alongside you.”
Luna was told by the school’s administration that he would be out of a job as SPHS’s athletic director at the end of this school year in early June.
“The decision was made by principal Anderson,” wrote Luna in an *[text] email when asked why Lathrop is not being retained. “I’m not aware of all the details that prompted the decision.”
*Correction 5/17/2019
