Monica Aldama.Photo:Netflix
Netflix
Monica Aldama, the head cheerleading coach at the center of Netflix’sCheerseries, has announced she plans to retire from coaching at the end of this semester.“I always knew that my time coaching would eventually come to an end, and I would pursue other opportunities,” Aldama, 51,wroteSunday afternoon on Instagram. “I have prayed a lot about what direction God was leading me in, and it was that prayer that I felt the tug that God was pushing me into a different role and different purpose.”Aldama said “I know that I can still help effectuate changes that we need in the world, and certainly in the sport of cheerleading.”“I felt His calling and I knew the timing was right for this to be my last season coaching,” the longtime Navarro College coach continued. “He has big plans for me, and I will faithfully follow where He is leading me.”
Aldama’s retirement comes three weeks aftera lawsuit accusing her of covering upone of her cheerleader’s sexual assault was dismissed.
In April, the cheerleader had filed a civil suit claiming that Aldama, as well as former teammates and other school officials, had discouraged them from filing a report about the alleged assault. The cheerleader accused Aldama of saying she would help the victim in her career in exchange for not filing a report.
Monica Aldama.Amy Sussman/Getty
Amy Sussman/Getty
“I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t eat, and most of the time it was hard to even breathe,” Aldama had written.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories
Navarro Collegefirst announcedAldama’s retirement last week, describing her career as “illustrious” and “nothing short of extraordinary.” Navarro helped lead the team to 17 national titles since she became its head cheerleading coach in 2000.
She and the squad later rose to fame when Netflix released its 2020 seriesCheerabout the team. The Emmy-winning series’ popularity led to Aldama making appearances on programs such asToday,Good Morning America, andEllen. The coach was spoofed onSaturday Night Liveand later appeared as a contestant onDancing with the Stars.
The New York Timesreportsthat Aldama’s attorney Russel Prince said part of her decision to retire after the Fall 2023 semester was because she planned to file counter litigation surrounding her suspension earlier this year. Aldama “did not want forthcoming litigation” to “distract from the upcoming Navarro College cheer season,” her attorney told theTimes.
Aldama celebrated the dismissed lawsuit against her last month but expressed frustration with her suspension and how the controversy played out.
“Moving forward, we must all do better,” she wrote in a long statement discussing the lawsuit’s dismissal. “We are all acutely aware of concerning issues in cheer. Those issues need to be dealt with. Our athletes deserve to be listened to. They deserve to be believed, However, participants caught up in matters such as these, specifically coaches, need to be treated with respect and fairness as well.”
source: people.com
