Introduction
The Temecula Valley Unified School District (TVUSD) has announced a plan to phase out girls’ field hockey from local high schools, citing concerns about travel, costs, and field space. This decision came without input from the athletes, coaches, or families who have built and supported these teams for years.
We believe this decision is misguided and unfairly singles out a thriving sport with a strong community and proven benefits for student-athletes. If you care about preserving opportunities for young women in sports, we need your help.
Background: What Happened?
Recently, TVUSD administrators announced that girls’ field hockey programs at Chaparral High School (CHS), Great Oak High School (GOHS), and Temecula Valley High School (TVHS) would be eliminated over the coming years.
This decision was made without prior discussion or transparency and came as a shock to athletes, families, and coaches. The school district has since defended its decision with various justifications—including travel costs, lost instructional time, and the addition of new sports like girls’ flag football and beach volleyball. However, many of these arguments don’t hold up under scrutiny.
Read more here: Setting the Record Straight: Counterpoints to the TVUSD Talking Points
At the February 25th TVUSD Board Meeting, field hockey supporters came prepared to speak, only to find that public comments were being limited. Ultimately, the board agreed to convene a new board meeting on March 10th dedicated specifically to this issue. This upcoming meeting is our best opportunity to push for a reversal of the decision.
Read more here: 2/25 TVUSD Board Meeting Recap
And here: Join Us on March 10th – TVUSD Board Meeting Focusing on Girls Field Hockey
Why This Matters
Girls’ field hockey in Temecula has provided young athletes with leadership opportunities, college scholarships, and lifelong friendships. The program has thrived despite the challenges of a smaller league and travel requirements, thanks to the dedication of players, parents, and coaches. Eliminating the program now would:
✔ Take away a sport with a strong and growing player base – Field hockey participation remains high, and continues to grow in size every year.
✔ Unfairly single out one sport – Other high school teams in TVUSD also face travel and scheduling difficulties, yet they remain supported.
✔ Ignore the voices of students and parents – The district made this decision without community input, showing a lack of transparency and respect for those affected.
✔ Set a dangerous precedent – If field hockey can be eliminated without discussion, what’s next? This decision could impact other smaller, non-football sports in the future.
This isn’t just about field hockey—it’s about fairness, transparency, and ensuring that young female athletes continue to have opportunities to play, compete, and grow.
🚨 The good news? It’s not too late to make a difference! We can fight this decision, but we need your help.
How You Can Help
Your involvement is crucial in our effort to preserve girls’ field hockey in Temecula. Here are two impactful ways you can make a difference:
1. Email the TVUSD School Board – Make Your Voice Heard!
The decision to eliminate girls’ field hockey affects our athletes, families, and the broader community. By reaching out to the Temecula Valley Unified School District (TVUSD) School Board Trustees, you can express your support and urge them to reconsider this decision.
📩 School Board Trustee Emails:
- Dr. Melinda Anderson – manderson@tvusd.us
- Emil Barham – ebarham@tvusd.us
- Jennifer Wiersma – jwiersma@tvusd.us
- Dr. Joseph Komrosky – jkomrosky@tvusd.us
- Steven Schwartz – sschwartz@tvusd.us
Tips for Your Email:
- Be respectful and direct: Clearly state your support for retaining the girls’ field hockey program.
- Share a personal story: Describe how high school sports have positively impacted you, your family, or the community.
- Emphasize the importance: Highlight the benefits of athletics in fostering student growth, discipline, and teamwork.
- Request a response: Encourage the trustees to address your concerns and provide feedback.
Your voice matters—each email contributes to demonstrating the community’s commitment to preserving this valuable program.
Read more here: Email the TVUSD School Board – Make Your Voice Heard!
2. Attend the March 10th Board Meeting – Show Your Support in Person
A pivotal board meeting has been scheduled to discuss the future of the girls’ field hockey program. Your presence will underscore the community’s dedication to maintaining this sport in our schools.
Meeting Details:
- 📅 Date: Monday, March 10, 2025
- 🕕 Time: 6:00 PM
- 📍 Location: Performing Arts Center at Great Oak High School
- 🏫 Address: 32555 Deer Hollow Way, Temecula, CA 92592
District leaders, including Superintendent Dr. Woods and Board President Dr. Anderson, will be present to discuss the proposed elimination of field hockey at Chaparral High School, Great Oak High School, and Temecula Valley High School.
This is a critical opportunity for players, parents, and supporters to voice their concerns and advocate for the continuation of the program. Your attendance will demonstrate the community’s unified support for girls’ field hockey in Temecula.
Together, through direct communication and active participation, we can strive to preserve the opportunities and benefits that girls’ field hockey brings to our students and community.
Read more here: Join Us on March 10th – TVUSD Board Meeting Focusing on Girls Field Hockey
3. Support the Cause
We’re doing everything we can to raise awareness and fight for the future of girls’ field hockey in Temecula. To reach as many people as possible, we’re investing in outreach efforts on social media.
If you’d like to contribute to these efforts, donations can be sent via:
💳 PayPal: Click Here
Every dollar helps us bring more attention to this issue and make sure the voices of our athletes and families are heard loud and clear. $10 goes a long way!
We are incredibly grateful for your support. Thank you!