William and Mary Cheerleading Coach Resigns

An assistant cheerleading coach at the College of William and Mary resigned last week, and, according to the Flat Hat, her departure was a result of "absolutely unacceptable and ridiculous" treatment by the athletics department during an away game over fall break.

Officially, Latoya Asia cited a heavy course load and outside commitments as reasons for her resignation, but the student newspaper reports that an E-mail sent from the coach to her team suggests otherwise.

"The way that I was treated was absolutely unacceptable and ridiculous," she wrote in an E-mail forwarded to the Flat Hat . "Certain members of the Athletics Department displayed profane and unprofessional behavior, completely disregarding the fact that I actually have feelings. I have never quit anything in my life, so this decision was very difficult. However, I cannot continue to work with people when I do not feel welcome."

Asia suggested that team members also were subject to mistreatment. "The cheerleaders on the trip also experienced disrespect and attitude from an individual who was sent to 'watch' us on the trip," she wrote.

The spokesman for the athletic department was unaware "of her having friction with the department," while the coach and team captains would not comment to the newspaper.