McMahon Resigns Suddenly After Clash With Parents

Nearly all of the players on the Wilmington girls hockey team are eligible to return next season. Still, the next campaign for the Lady Wildcats will feature one major difference.

Head coach Joe McMahon resigned suddenly about two weeks ago in the midst of what is now a 2-14 season. Though McMahon declined to get into specifics, he said the resignation came due to conflict with a small group of parents.

In addition, McMahon will no longer coach the girls tennis team this spring, and added that he likely will never coach again.

“It definitely leaves a bad taste in my mouth that one parent or a few parents can conspire to do something like this,” said McMahon. “I spent a lot of time with these kids, and I taught them a lot more than just hockey. But because we’re losing, people think there are other people who can do better.”

Athletics Director Ed Harrison declined comment on the resignation, but McMahon said Harrison, Superintendent of Schools Joanne Benton and principal Eric Tracy all remain in support of the former coach. 

McMahon said that nearly two weeks after his decision, Tracy has yet to accept his resignation.

“I’ve gotten a lot of e-mails from former and present players and parents. They were stunned and couldn’t believe it,” said McMahon. “I’m the type of coach where I care more about the players than the game. Today, I guess with some people that isn’t the way things should be. I’ve helped a lot of kids. I did not leave this team because we were losing.”

Among those who were shocked by the coach’s decision was Heather Roberts, who posted her thoughts on the Wilmington Patch Facebook page. 

“I am very upset to hear about this,” said Roberts. “Joe McMahon is a great guy who I have known for several years. The parents who led to this decision should be ashamed of themselves.”

McMahon is the only coach in the program’s history. The team won one game this year before his resignation, and won its second contest of the year on Saturday. Of the 21 players on the team, 15 are sophomores or younger.

After the Wildcats finish of their remaining games of this season with an interim head coach, the position will be posted for applicants interested in replacing McMahon.

According to McMahon, there was no hesitation on his part when he heard there was unrest among parents.

“As soon as I got the phone call and heard what was happening with the parents, I said ‘I’m done,’” said McMahon. “I miss it. I regret leaving the girls. But parents had to get involved. The majority are good people. But it’s the minority that ruins it. It’s only a game, but some people don’t treat it that way. Parents just can’t step back and not get involved. Enough is enough.”