‘I am heartbroken for our coach and for the girls’- Santa Fe Soccer Coach Suspended Over Team TikTok Video Sparks Parent Outrage and Reinstatement Calls.
Parents are urging the school to reconsider, hoping Ontiveros can return to guide the team through those crucial final games and potentially to state glory.
October 20, 2026
This article was last updated by Reshma on October 21, 2026
In Santa Fe, New Mexico, a beloved high school girls’ soccer coach has found herself at the center of a heated controversy.
Vilma Ontiveros, head coach for the Academy for Technology and the Classics (ATC), was abruptly placed on paid administrative leave for the remainder of the season.
what many describe as an innocent on social media.
Parents, players, and even alumni are rallying in support of Ontiveros, calling the suspension unfair and demanding her reinstatement as the team pushes toward the state playoffs.
The incident unfolded on a Thursday, just as the girls were preparing for a game.
According to a heartfelt Facebook post by parent Dawn Marie Prada, whose daughter Brooke is on the team, the players learned about the suspension first.
They called their parents in tears while boarding the bus, but school officials the principal and athletic director didn’t notify families for hours. Prada, who describes herself as typically non-confrontational, expressed her shock and anger in the post.
She wrote,
“I am in disbelief of what happened on Thursday regarding Brooke’s soccer coach and her team… There was no justification or reason for this action. I am heartbroken for our coach and for the girls.”
ViaOntiveros, a relatively new coach who has brought structure and positivity to the program, explained the video’s intent in an interview with KOB 4.
The clip showed players participating in a fun trend where they pulled random positions out of a hat before a match against a less competitive team.
She said it was meant to build team spirit and incorporate “fun going in with those endorphins and happy hormones” to create a positive environment heading into games.
The team went on to win that game 7-0, confirming the lighthearted nature of the activity. Ontiveros told KOB 4,
“I asked why, and the athletic director’s only reasoning behind the administrative leave was because I had violated the coaching contract in the social media aspect that was demeaning.”
Via FacebookDespite the coach’s explanation, school administrators stood firm. In a statement to KOB 4, the athletic director said,
“We placed our coach on paid administrative leave for the remainder of the season following several instances of not adhering to coaching policies and expectations.”
However, many involved argue the video was harmless and not demeaning in any way. Prada’s post highlighted how Ontiveros “puts her heart into the game and our girls,” and emphasized the deep bond between the coach and the players.
With only three games left in the season and a real shot at qualifying for the state tournament, the timing couldn’t be worse for the team.
Adding to the frustration, the principal has stepped in to coach the team temporarily. Parents like Prada point out a potential conflict of interest, noting that the principal’s daughter is a senior on the roster.
This has left families feeling the decision is not only rushed but also biased. Other parents have echoed these sentiments.
Martha C’deBaca, whose daughter is also on the team, told KOB 4, Darlene Roybal added-:
“We’re all receiving calls from our children around lunchtime, you know, crying, and that is very frustrating and concerning.”They got rid of our coach for no reason. We want her to finish out the season.”
Prada’s Facebook post has received a lot of positive comments, highlighting its strong connection with the community.
Beans Martinez, an ATC alumni, wrote,
“Ugh this makes me so angry. As an Alumni of ATC this is extremely disappointing and disheartening. However it doesn’t surprise me. ATC has always been very political and in my opinion, ass backwards. I’m so sorry that Brooke and her teammates have to go through this.”
Via FacebookSarah Ballew sought clarification, commenting,
“Can you clarify because it seems like they were pulling random positions out of a hat to play for that game because they knew the other team was not going to be very competitive and then at then they confirm that by saying they won 7-0? Is that correct? Because that could be seen as being done in bad taste. Idk if that warrants administrative leave, but just deleting and maybe apologizing if anyone was offended.”
Via FacebookMichaela McDonald called it “absolutely insane,” adding,
“This is absolutely insane. I am so sorry this is happening. Makes no sense. The video wasn’t disrespectful to the other team- so much so I thought maybe it was done in practice cause she didn’t even show who they were playing.”
Via FacebookUnder Ontiveros’ leadership this season, the team has shown real progress.
Just a few weeks ago, on October 2, 2026, ATC defeated Robertson 3-1 to take the district lead, a win credited to the coach’s emphasis on structure and team morale.
Players and parents alike describe the girls as devastated, having worked hard all season only to face this disruption. Prada ended her post with a call to action:
“How can get this reinstated? … Please say a prayer for Coach Vilma and our girls! We fight for you, Vilma!!!“
As the story spreads through local news and social media, questions linger about school policies on social media and whether the punishment fits the alleged violation.
For now, the ATC girls’ soccer team must push forward without their head coach, but the outpouring of support suggests this fight is far from over.
Parents are urging the school to reconsider, hoping Ontiveros can return to guide the team through those crucial final games and potentially to state glory.
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Reshma is a content editor recognized for her ability to create engaging digital content, ensure quality, and deliver stories that connect with audiences.
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