For Former Davis Volleyball Coach, Third Time May Be Charm

DAVIS (CBS13) — A popular Davis High School volleyball coach may be getting a third chance a week after being told she'd likely be out of a job this year.

The school board has been under intense pressure from parents who believe Julie Crawford was fired in retaliation for a board member's daughter being cut from the volleyball team.

"I don't know why they'd want to get rid of her," said Davis resident Anna Olsen.

That has been the sentiment of many in Davis concerning the popular and successful former coach.

Crawford has been the focus of school politics and controversy. She was fired by the school board for the second time in a year.

"That's why it was a really big shock when she was fired, because there was really no explanation for it," said parent Claudia Vasquez.

Outraged parents and students believe it was retaliation for board member Nancy Peterson's daughter being cut from the team. Peterson recently resigned.

But afterward, the remaining board members still voted against Crawford's appeal to be rehired.

But in a phone conversation with CBS13, Superintendent Winfred Roberson says he's going to recommend to the board that Crawford be reinstated for the next season.

The community is looking to move past the drama.

"If the superintendent thinks she's ready and able to coach, that would be a wonderful thing for the community," said Jenifer Newell.

The final decision won't be made until a board hearing on Friday.