22-year-old basketball coach gets fired for trying to impersonate a 13-year-old player in a game

A 22-year-old high school basketball coach has been fired after impersonating a 13-year-old player in Virginia.

TMZ reported that Arlisha Boykins, the assistant coach, was let go after trying to be a Churchland junior varsity girl basketball player in a game against Nansemond River in Suffolk.

According to the outlet, Boykins went to extreme measures after the team was down a player due to her competing in an out-of-town tournament.

WAVY TV 10

In video footage of the game, which took place on January 21, Boykins is seen fashioning a team jersey, shooting free throws, and even diving into the stands to grab a loose ball.

There’s no ‘i’ in team, but apparently two in Arlisha Boykins.

In addition to Boykins being fired, the head coach was also let go for ‘encouraging such behaviour’.

The spokesperson for Churchland confirmed to TMZ they were unaware of the assistant coach competing until days later, as no school officials were present during the game.

“Coaches always preach to the kids about integrity and those types of things, so I was just shocked,” the father of a 13-year-old said, as per the New York Post.

WAVY TV 10

The outlet also reported that the school met with parents following the scandal.

Some players were reported to be contemplating foregoing the rest of the season.

One parent even told WAVY that their child no longer wanted to attend school.

The family is also seeking a personal apology from Churchland school officials, and the school division has also launched an investigation into the matter.

One parent whose child is a former member of the Churchland junior varsity girl basketball team said it was the head coach’s responsibility for allowing it to happen.

He wrote: “My daughter played for Churchland high school. We knew about what happened the very next day.

"I would like to say that the junior varsity basketball team was already a good team before this incident, and the only reason the coach pulled this stunt was because three of their starters were out of town for a different tournament, and he knew they didn’t have a chance to win.

“I will also like to add that the girl being shown while she was wrong she was not the head coach, and the head coach encouraged it. It’s crazy that it made national news.”

Topics: News, Sport, Basketball, Education

Charisa Bossinakis

Charisa Bossinakis is an Associative Journalist at LADbible. Charisa has worked across various media platforms including, print, digital, radio and podcasting while maintaining the highest regard for quality work and integrity. She also covered everything from breaking news, to pop culture, entertainment and politics and is part of the editorial team for LADbible.

@CBossinakis