A group of Girls Preparatory School parents said they are standing behind Coach Patrick Winecoff, who resigned after GPS administration said a pattern of hazing had been found in the GPS soccer program.
Megan Cover, GPS Head of School, wrote a letter to parents on Saturday saying an investigation had turned up soccer initiations that were embarrassing and hurtful to some students and their parents.
She said coach Winecoff had offered his resignation and she accepted.
The parents said Coach Winecoff knows of no such hazing, and they feel he is being used as a "scapegoat."
The parents said, "GPS’s claim of a long-standing 'pattern of hazing' on the soccer team lacks credibility as the investigation did not comprehensively examine players prior to the fall of 2025. 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. Unfortunately, we believe Patrick is being used as a scapegoat.
"Our daughters were fortunate enough to play soccer for Patrick and we can speak with certainty about his character, his coaching, and the environment he fostered. Patrick is an exceptional coach who upholds high standards and models integrity and respect. We believe he would never knowingly place a student in an unsafe or compromising situation. His positive impact on our daughters and countless other young women is well established. We hoped the investigation would reflect his dedication, integrity, and commitment to the well-being of his players. Regrettably, that does not appear to be the case."
Peg Brock Rustand and Paul Rustand (GPS Class of ‘88; GPS Soccer Parent ‘14, ‘16, ‘17, ‘22 & ‘29)
Christy and David Haskins (GPS Soccer Parent ‘15)
Laura Beth and Jeff Rufolo (GPS Soccer Parent ‘15)
Steve and Adrianne Harris (GPS Soccer Parent ‘16)
Chris and Shea Snyder (GPS Soccer Parent ‘16)
Lisa and Chris St. Charles (GPS Soccer Parent ‘16)
Eunice and Jim Campbell (GPS Soccer Parent ‘18)
Margaret Hopping (GPS Soccer Parent ‘18)
Caroline Von Kessler (GPS Soccer Parent ‘18)
Adelaide Naumann (GPS Soccer Parent ‘18)
Gina Salisbury (GPS Soccer Parent ‘18, ‘21)
Karen Lawrence (GPS Soccer Parent ‘19)
Andrew Lawrence (GPS Soccer Parent ‘19)
Kim and Marshall Brock (GPS Soccer Parent ‘19)
Ann and Jim O’Brien (GPS Soccer Parent ‘19)
Kingsley and David Bennet (GPS Soccer Parent ‘20)
Claire Hunt McVay and Wyatt McVay (GPS Class of ‘87; GPS Soccer Parent ‘21, ‘23)
Mandy McGuire Bahner and Alex Bahner (GPS Class of ‘89; GPS Soccer Parent ‘22)
Hannah and Clint Ball (GPS Soccer Parent ‘23, ‘25)
Marcie and Will Haisten (GPS Soccer Parent ‘23)
Terri Tubbs (GPS Soccer Parent ‘23)
Connie and John Wise (GPS Soccer Parent ‘23, ‘25)
Lynda and Tony Pritchett (GPS Soccer Parent ‘24)
Becky and Allen Fine (Club Soccer Parent; GPS Parent ‘12, ‘14)
This list may be updated in the next 24 hours with additional names.