One week after an investigation was launched into potential recruiting violations by Duncanville girls basketball coach Cathy Self-Morgan, the longtime coach announced that she has retired.
In a statement to WFAA, she said submitted her retirement papers on Feb. 4, two days before the investigation was launched.
The Duncanville girls, who went into the postseason as the state’s sixth-ranked team, lost to South Grand Prairie in the opening round of the playoffs Tuesday night.
"I have been in Duncanville for 19 years, and some of those have been the highlight of my coaching career," Self-Morgan said in a statement. "I have loved my Pantherettes and our amazing fans, but after 42 years of coaching it's time for me to step away.
"That's why on Feb. 4, I submitted my letter of retirement. I will always cherished the memories I have from this district and with my Pantherettes."
The UIL had ordered an investigation into Self-Morgan on Feb. 6.
"There will be a thorough investigation of [Coach Self-Morgan]," said UIL executive committee chairman Mike Motheral.
The reason the UIL called for the probe is complicated. Another UIL investigation, determining the eligibility of former Duncanville player Hannah Gusters, who transferred to MacArthur High school, brought up evidence that raised concerns.
At a Feb. 6 hearing, Gusters was denied her appeal to gain immediate eligibility after transferring. In the evidence packets that were brought forth during that investigation were text message exchanges that raised questions about the recruitment of Duncanville guard Deja Kelly, who moved in from San Antonio.
"The report is to be thorough," UIL executive committee chair Mike Motheral said at the hearing. "And if there are findings we're going to have an expectation that you folks are first going to take care of some issues."
Self-Morgan's illustrious high school coaching career includes three state championships and more than 1,100 wins – including 638 at Duncanville. She received the Gatorade Coaching Excellence Award, a national recognition given to coaches "who have made an impact on the lives of their student-athletes and whose commitment to their profession goes beyond the game," according to an ESPN W article about the accolade.
This is a developing story that will be updated as we learn more.