Ms.Akouris,

I just read your article about Miranda Tate and Coach Smith and I find it really suprising that you would print a story and not contact all parties involved. The whole story is a total fabrication of the truth and Miranda Tate never left the team she was released by Coach Smith in a meeting with the athletic director, the trainers and another assistant coach citing she was a "distraction and the downfall of his team".
As far as injuries this is a coverup of the truth,Miranda had two injuries and both occurred this year. She returned earlier and continued playing against Doctors' orders and we have documentation. It was never an issue if she could play or not and she was never upset , this is far from the truth. And I would like to state the trainers at Bolingbrook are also aware of her injuries so I'm not sure where this information is coming from but due to legal matter I cannot fully talk about this issue. And I want to note in December 2006 Coach Smith stated to the media Miranda had an injury which allowed her not to play and this was not true, this happened after an incident which erupted between Coach Smith and Miranda which led her to be benched until the 2007 playoffs. Please note Miranda loves basketball and have always played with injuries or without and she would have never quit on her team. Coach Smith comments are untrue, hurtful and slanderous and I will agree it is unfortunate for Miranda since this is her senior year and she had great expectations. Thank you for your story.