In response to the article about DHS coach Robin Oliger (Herald, June 6), I have had the privilege of knowing Robin her whole life and also had her coach my daughter in volleyball. For almost 30 years, she has always been someone of the highest character and shown compassion and caring to the youth in Durango. She was recently awarded the district’s Elementary Teacher of the Year and voted as the Southwest League Coach of the Year multiple times by her fellow coaches. Many others in the district also know of her good qualities and how she has anonymously helped children with needs.

Reading such untruths about her character is disturbing when she has devoted her life to the good of Durango’s children for so many years.

She has always helped her athletes to achieve their potential and strive to be well-rounded individuals. Our daughter became a high school teacher and varsity volleyball coach, thanks in great part to the example Robin set for her.

Not making a team is disappointing, but that is part of life’s hard lessons. High school-level is competitive and may even be a path that some girls can take to get into college. By the time a player reaches her senior year, she has either shown she has the ability or not. It’s a hard decision for the coach. No coach enjoys having to tell a player that she won’t make the varsity team. I’m sure you could talk to any coach and find someone who is unhappy with a decision, but that’s their job to produce a winning team while helping ,build players into better people. Robin has done that.

The parents’ job is to help their child accept that they will face disappointments and challenges throughout life. The article was not accurate, and the Herald certainly didn’t check the facts.

The truth will be brought out soon and I hope people will reserve judgement until then. Don’t let someone try to ruin a person’s reputation who certainly doesn’t deserve it. Shame on James Candaleria.

Joyce McMullen

Stansbury Park, Utah