I am writing in response to the article alleging hazing on the GPS soccer team.
Two of my daughters were fortunate enough to play soccer for Patrick Winecoff and I can speak with certainty about Patrick’s character, his coaching, and the environment he fostered. Patrick is an exceptional coach who holds his players to high standards -standards I believe are essential in preparing young women for the expectations of the world beyond high school. He consistently pushes the team to be their best while modeling integrity, fairness, and strong moral values. I cannot imagine him ever knowingly placing a student in an unsafe or compromising situation.
For both of my daughters, being part of the GPS soccer program was the highlight of their high school experience. They worked hard, learned discipline, and were fortunate to play on state championship teams. They looked up to the older players and, when they became captains themselves, took pride in mentoring the younger girls - teaching them teamwork, respect, and responsibility.
GPS’s claim that a “pattern of hazing” existed on the soccer team dating back years lacks credibility given not a single player from before fall 2025 was interviewed. Patrick Winecoff maintains he was not aware of any behavior that took place on his teams that could be described as “hazing.” If the school has evidence of such behavior, responsibility should fall equally on the shoulders of the administration and be addressed comprehensively, with clear expectations for all coaches. It is unreasonable to hold Patrick to an undefined or retroactive standard.
Patrick has been a positive influence not only on my daughters but on countless young women who have come through the GPS soccer program. I had hoped the investigation would reflect his dedication, integrity, and commitment to the well-being of his players but, sadly, that is not the case.
I hope other players and parents will write in and share how Patrick has positively impacted their lives so GPS’s misguided action does not have the final word.
Claire Hunt McVay
Class of ‘87