Brooke Cates, the longtime head coach of the West Linn High School girls basketball program, announced her resignation this week after a cache of private text messages surfaced online, revealing a pattern of disparaging remarks toward her players and their families.
A championship season turned sour
The 2026 campaign had been a historic one for the team, finishing with a 26‑3 record and delivering the school’s first state title in program history, a milestone that had galvanized the community and put West Linn on the basketball map.
The leaked messages, which were shared by an irate parent, contained language that crossed a line, including a reference to a teammate as “cancerous” and other derogatory comments that many found unacceptable.
Community response and next steps
Parents, alumni and local supporters have voiced a mixture of anger and hope, demanding accountability but also expressing confidence that the program can rebound after the controversy.
Cates, who has been with the school for nine years, will transition to a teaching‑only position effective immediately, marking the end of an era that included multiple league championships and a culture of sustained excellence.
The Oregon School Activities Association has opened an inquiry into possible recruiting violations tied to the content of the texts, while school officials emphasized a commitment to a respectful environment for student‑athletes.
The search for a successor is already underway, as the athletic department works to preserve the momentum built during the championship run while addressing the concerns raised by the scandal.