DeLAND, Fla. – A 29-year-old volleyball coach at a Volusia County high school has been removed from the job amid allegations that he sent inappropriate messages to a student.
The Volusia County School Board has recommended that DeLand High School volleyball coach Steven Foxworth be dismissed as both a coach and teacher at the school, News 6 has confirmed.
Foxworth, 29, is accused of sending direct Twitter messages to a ninth-grade player.
The messages, which were sent after school hours, centered around the student's physical appearance.
In documents provided by the school district, he referred to the student as "way hotter" and made references to her body and figure.
Foxworth's attorney said his client was encouraging the student, whom he said was dealing with self-esteem issues.
"There was nothing sexual about it. When asked about it, he said, the young lady is one of my players. She had a bad day at practice and all I was trying to do was boost her morale," said attorney Mark Levine.
Levine said Steven Foxworth is a family man, married and didn't do anything wrong. Levine said the school district was way out of line.
"This is certainly not anywhere near the most inappropriate," said attorney Mark Levine. "He's been a very good employee. He has excellent evaluations."
The recommendation for dismissal will go before a school board meeting June 14. Foxworth, who spent three seasons as DeLand's volleyball coach, has until May 23 to contest the charges.
Meanwhile, Levine said terminating Foxworth, is not the answer.
"They should have counseled with him and put some stop apps in place to make sure it didn't happen again. They treated him very disrespectfully," said Levine.
Levine also told News 6 that they have a few options on how to proceed. Foxworth can resign, go in front of an arbitrator or request a hearing in front of the school board.
Some DeLand High School students said they side with Foxworth.
"He's such a good coach. Really respectful and nice," said Tanya Ricci.
After posting a 17-9 record in each of Foxworth's first two years, the Bulldogs went 20-8 last season, but lost in the Class 8A regional quarterfinals to eventual state champion Winter Springs.
Foxworth previously coached at Orlando Christian Prep.