The Peninsula School District has made a stunning reversal, reinstating Gig Harbor High School girls basketball coach Megan Hackett less than two weeks after she was unexpectedly let go—and issuing a full apology in the process.
In a Monday afternoon email to parents, Principal Bob Marshall and Athletic Director Wendy Malich made it clear: the decision to release Hackett was a mistake. "To be clear, Coach Hackett should never have been released from her contract in the first place," the email stated. "The district wholeheartedly supports her goals and the strong, positive culture she is building for our student athletes."
The reversal comes after a whirlwind few weeks for the program. Hackett had met with athletic director Blair Suek on April 23 and was told that a "general consensus" among players suggested she wasn't the right fit for the program. That news spread quickly, prompting an outpouring of support from athletes and parents who contacted the district to "overwhelmingly advocate" for her return.
District leadership acknowledged that proper protocols were not followed in the initial decision. "This decision to end Coach Hackett's tenure was made without consulting district administration," the email explained. After meeting with Hackett directly, the district was pleased to announce she has agreed to continue leading the girls basketball program as head varsity coach.
Hackett stepped into the role following a turbulent period for the program. She replaced Tim Olson, who was placed on administrative leave—alongside two assistants—after a district investigation found the coaches allegedly consumed alcohol during a team trip to Florida. Many parents had remained firmly in Olson's corner, creating a challenging environment for any new coach walking into the gym.
For Hackett, this reinstatement is a victory not just for her career, but for the players who rallied behind her. In a sport where coaching stability and positive culture are everything—from building team chemistry to developing young athletes on and off the court—the district's apology signals a commitment to getting it right.
"We sincerely apologize for the confusion, frustration, and concern this has caused Coach Hackett, her coaching staff, the athletes, families, and the broader community," the email concluded. For Gig Harbor girls basketball, it looks like the team is finally back on solid ground.