Overview
- Principal Jamal Crook announced on Wednesday that Booker will not field a varsity team in 2026 and will operate only a junior varsity program while school leaders rebuild the program.
- The move follows the mid-July dismissal of coach Carlos Woods, an ongoing Sarasota Police Department criminal investigation involving Woods, and Woods' public denial that he is the subject of an active probe.
- An FHSAA review found incoming eighth-graders participated in spring practices, resulting in a $500 fine, administrative probation through May 25, 2027, and a suspension tied to preseason duties for Woods before his dismissal.
- More than 21 players left the program after the coaching change and several scheduled opponents canceled games, leaving early-season schedule gaps that school leaders cited as a factor in the decision to avoid varsity play.
- Booker hired Lance Hoeltke on July 29 and held a press conference on Thursday outlining a stabilization plan focused on player development and safety, with officials warning that jointly agreed cancellations avoid immediate FHSAA penalties while forfeits could trigger future sanctions.