Charlotte, July 23, 2025
News Summary
Charlotte-area high schools have made headlines with remarkable sports achievements and a serious controversy. Notable highlights include record performances in basketball and swimming, as well as the inaugural girls’ city wrestling championship. However, the arrest of a Providence Day School coach for inappropriate conduct has cast a shadow over these accomplishments. Additionally, a new realignment plan for athletic classifications will reshape the competitive landscape for high schools starting in 2025, introducing major changes to the structure of local sports.
Charlotte — Charlotte-area high schools recently celebrated significant sports achievements while also grappling with ongoing controversy. Notable highlights include record-breaking performances in basketball, swimming, and wrestling, as well as upcoming changes in athletic classifications for North Carolina schools.
At Butler High School, Brooklyn Saunders made history by becoming the all-time leader in both assists and steals for the school’s basketball team. Meanwhile, Samantha Shehan from Lake Norman stunned spectators by scoring 40 points, including 10 three-pointers, in a single game. Both achievements underscore the exceptional talent present in the area high schools.
The sports accomplishments continued with Myers Park’s girls swim team, which has achieved remarkable success by clinching their fourth consecutive NCHSAA 4A state championship. Additionally, Olympic High School made headlines by winning the inaugural girls’ city wrestling championship, a significant milestone reflecting the growth and recognition of female athletes in traditionally male-dominated sports.
The inaugural girls wrestling city championship was organized by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and took place at Ballantyne Ridge High School. This event symbolizes not only the increasing participation of girls in wrestling but also the district’s commitment to providing opportunities for female athletes in competitive sports.
In basketball, a recap of recent girls’ high school games highlighted the top performers, referred to as #BIG5, along with updated game schedules, enhancing community engagement and school spirit. Observer-area runners also showcased their prowess at the NCHSAA 4A and 3A state championships in Winston-Salem, contributing to the overall positive narrative surrounding local athletics.
Several area teams advanced to conference and state championship games, including Mallard Creek and North Mecklenburg, while Lake Norman made it to the state quarterfinals this season. Furthermore, Rodney Dunham of Myers Park High School, recognized as a top 5 national recruit for edge rushing, has announced his college commitment, adding to the excitement within the local sports scene.
In contrast to these sporting achievements, there has been a significant controversy involving the football program at Providence Day School. Defensive coordinator Damon Coiro was arrested and charged with indecent liberties with a student and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. The allegations state that Coiro made sexually suggestive comments, solicited inappropriate behavior from the student, and improperly supplied her with alcohol. Following these charges, his bond was raised from $10,000 to $75,000, prompting widespread concern among parents and community members.
In lighter news, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association approved a new realignment plan that will take effect in the 2025 school year. The realignment discussion, which took over 10 hours before reaching a vote of 16-1, will create eight classifications with 20 different conference types, totaling 64 conferences. Notably, only 10 of these conferences will consist of schools from a single classification, altering the competitive landscape for many high school athletics in the region.
As high school sports in Charlotte continue to evolve, the combination of remarkable accomplishments and serious controversies reflects a dynamic environment where student-athletes are both celebrated and scrutinized.
Frequently Asked Questions
What notable achievements were recently accomplished by Charlotte high schools?
Brooklyn Saunders became the all-time leader in assists and steals at Butler High, Samantha Shehan scored 40 points in a game for Lake Norman, Myers Park’s girls swim team won their fourth state championship, and Olympic High School won the inaugural girls’ city wrestling championship.
What recent controversy has affected a local high school sports program?
Damon Coiro, the defensive coordinator at Providence Day School, was arrested for inappropriate conduct with a student, leading to his charges of indecent liberties and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.
What changes were approved regarding high school sports classifications in North Carolina?
The N.C. High School Athletic Association approved a realignment plan that will take effect in 2025, resulting in eight classifications, and the formation of 64 total conferences, with most being a mix of classifications.
Key Features of Charlotte-Area High School Sports
| Achievement/Incident | Description |
|---|---|
| Brooklyn Saunders | All-time leader in assists and steals at Butler High School |
| Samantha Shehan | Scored 40 points with 10 three-pointers in a game for Lake Norman |
| Myers Park Girls Swim Team | Won fourth consecutive NCHSAA 4A state championship |
| Olympic High School | Won the inaugural girls’ city wrestling championship |
| Damon Coiro Arrest | Charged with inappropriate conduct with a student; bond increased |
| Realignment Plan | New classifications and conferences approved for 2025 |
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: Recent High School Sports Achievements
- SI: Coach Accused of Inappropriate Relationship
- Charlotte Ledger: School Construction Disrupts Home Games
- HighSchoolOT: New NCHSAA Conferences for 2025-29
- Wikipedia: North Carolina High School Athletic Association
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
