Coach Birkle became the second female aquatics coach to resign under duress within months of Coach Lopez. Yet again the same issues were communicated. Yet again they were ignored. Yet again district officials failed to intervene and correct. Yet again out elected officials choose to ignore instead of correct.

The changes Coach Birkle hoped for, still have not been realized. There are too many examples of these patterns. Too many examples of inaction. IT NEEDS TO CHANGE. IT HAS TO CHANGE. OUR KIDS DESERVE BETTER. OUR COMMUNITY DESERVES BETTER.

Note: Her reference to the morning pool availability and board policy is in regards to the FHS administration prioritizing an outside club. The same club Coach Lopez ran into issues with, the Fresno Area Manatee Masters (FAMM). The same club that illegally interfered with Echo Aquatics use of the FHS pool. The same club former Principal Laettner messaged the day after Coach Lopez's departure to give them more pool time in the morning. Pool time she offered without ensuring the student athletes would need during their swim season. The same club the FUSD determination letter deny's prioritizing over the student athletes. Coach Birkle became the second coach to communicate this. Coach Lopez was no longer there, she could not be blamed for the conflict. There are several more hard evidence examples of this prioritization. All demonstrating the poor patterns of leadership at the former site level, district level, and now the elected level of FUSD.

Her letter:

January 18, 2022

To: Dan Ascanio, John Kaup

I am resigning as the boys swim coach as of today, January 18, 2022 and will not be coaching this coming season. I am incredibly thankful for the experiences I’ve had at Fresno High School with the student athletes, fellow coaches, and student alumni of FHS. Unfortunately, I have reached a point of exhaustion coaching at FHS. Lack of proper equipment for multiple years, the school Administration’s lack of program support and failure to prioritize the best interests of student athletes do not appear to be changing anytime soon. In addition, the disproportionate deferential treatment and the ongoing lack of accountability for inappropriate behavior of Coach John Vinuela are the main reasons I am resigning.

My time as a coach started with Jenn Lopez and we worked very well as a team. I was often saddened by the difficulties we faced regarding lack of necessary equipment and support. We lacked essential timing equipment or found that the equipment we did have was in barely working condition or entirely nonfunctional. Facilities were in disrepair and other basic equipment like fins, paddles, kick boards, buoys and even swim parkas were non-existent. There was mention of some equipment being ordered in my last meeting with Dan (before winter break) but it seems this is only after much push back, district involvement, and elevated support of Coach John Vinuela.

The lack of response to my letter sent in August regarding my concerns with coach John Vinuela, his treatment of fellow volunteer coaches and towards me, his negligent behavior towards student athletes, and his consistent combative communication style has left me feeling unsupported. No information was disclosed to me regarding accountability for Coach Vinuela’s behavior. Coach Vinuela has only received more access and power to the aquatics program by being made girls head swim coach.

In addition, I asked to begin morning practice on Wednesday the 19th on the same M/W/F morning practice schedule from the Fall. Yet, I was met with a vague response regarding pool availability and paperwork to ensure athletes could have those morning slots. I have never before been asked to request availability of the pool during the swim season as it’s my understanding student athletes have priority. This is also my understanding of the Fresno Unified Board Policy 1330. I am tired and disheartened by the pattern of adding obstacles in the way of aquatic athletes.

I hope that there will be big changes regarding the issues I shared above. I do feel thankful for much of my time coaching Fresno High athletes, teaching many to swim, tutoring, team bonding, and so many other happy memories.

Sincerely,
Allison