Days after a controversial decision that some say was motivated by gender, long-time Squamish Youth Soccer Association (SYSA) president Katrina Doherty has resigned.
In an email sent to other SYSA coaches, Doherty cited health issues as the reason for her decision.
I have resigned from the SYSA last night effective immediately, she wrote in an email sent out on Thursday (May 2). My health simply won't take anymore.
The SYSA board came under fire last week, with former coach Tanya Babuin claiming she was dismissed from her position as coach of a U18 boys travel squad at least partly because of her gender. SYSA technical director Jonas Worth, who endorsed Babuin as the team's coach, told The Chief that during the voting process an SYSA board member said the other applicant, a male, was better suited for the coaching position. Worth said he believed Babuin's gender was a factor in the decision.
An SYSA board meeting on May 1 saw the vice-president and secretary of the organization choose not to put themselves up for re-election.
Doherty received the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal earlier this year and was named the Squamish Citizen of the Year in 2011.
SYSA representatives declined to comment further. It's not clear when a new president, vice-president and secretary will be named.
