PASADENA, Texas – A local softball coach is under investigation after several parents reached out to 2 Helps You saying he disappeared with money they paid for their daughters’ select softball team.
This involves a select softball team where parents pay fees for tournaments, uniforms, and other expenses. Police tell KPRC 2 the coach is currently under investigation for theft, but he has not been formally charged. Since he has not been charged, KPRC 2 is not revealing his name.
“I think he needs to answer for what he’s done,” said Jennifer Hightower, a parent.
The situation began when the coach posted a Facebook ad in January recruiting players 18 and under for a summer showcase team.
“My daughter saw his ad, it wasn’t too far from the house, so we decided to drive up to 3K Sports, which is where he was, and try out for the team,” Hightower said.
Hightower said she never suspected anything was wrong because social media is often used to recruit players for travel and select softball teams.
Once the players made the team, parents paid fees for uniforms and tournaments.
“We paid $100 for uniforms, $550 for tournaments,” said Dionicia Hoppe, another parent.
Parents paid the coach through Venmo but soon noticed red flags.
“There would be times where he would come really late to practice. There were times where you would call off practice because of family obligations or things that came up,” Hightower said.
Jessica Broussard, another parent, added, “He had car trouble. So car trouble became girls start warming up. I’ll be there. That went to, OK, just keep on. I’m not going to be able to make it.”
Broussard continued, “Then we had the, I have a family member ill in Louisiana. Then I have family member that died. So it was just too many red flags.”
By June 19, all communication stopped. Parents noticed the coach’s phone was no longer in service, his social media accounts disappeared, and they had no way to contact him.
The team never received the uniforms they paid for or the chance to compete in college showcase events that could have helped players earn scholarships, as promised by the coach.
Parents reported the situation to Pasadena and La Porte police, who are now investigating the alleged theft.
“The question is why. At this point, these girls need an apology, like a sincere apology for taking all this from them within a matter of seconds,” said parent Aristina Alvarez.
Despite the setback, parents are using their own money to keep their daughters’ softball dreams alive.
“Because of him, she’s going to have trust issues with coaches,” Hightower said.
Broussard added, “Through it all, we’re going to stay HTX Slider strong. We’re going to try to keep this going for the fall season and however long we can last together.”
Pasadena Police confirmed they have been in contact with the coach, and he is cooperating with detectives. La Porte Police also confirmed their investigation but said the coach has not yet met with their investigator.
Attempts to contact the coach were only met with a family member who told KPRC 2 they would pass along the message. No response has been received.
