Parent accused Gig Harbor girls basketball coaches of drinking alcohol during team trip to Florida

In January, the Peninsula School District placed three Gig Harbor High School girls basketball coaches on administrative leave after a complaint surfaced regarding their alcohol consumption during a team trip to Florida. The coaches admitted to drinking but insisted they were not intoxicated and lacked knowledge of the district's stringent policies on alcohol use during school-related events. Support for the coaches has been voiced through letters from parents and a former coach, highlighting the belief that the complaint was motivated by a parent's dissatisfaction with her daughter's playing time. Their attorney, Amanda Searle, condemned the situation as an example of the district's overreach in response to an anonymous letter. During the investigation, it was found that the coaches may have breached the conditions of their leave by discussing the matter inappropriately.

The district has stated that no disciplinary action will be taken until a full investigation is completed. The coaches maintained that they did not believe they were "on duty" at all times during the trip. As the investigation continues, the future of the coaches and the implications for district policy remain uncertain.