Hearlihy Put Back in Her Place

Melissa Hearlihy, left, was back on the bench and back at the helm of the Alemany High girls’ basketball program on Monday night in a summer league game at Simi Valley High.

Hearlihy, reinstated Monday four weeks after being informed by school officials that her contract would not be renewed for undisclosed reasons, informed players of her reinstatement 15 minutes before tip-off. Upon entering the gym, the coach was greeted with applause from well-wishers and presented with a bottle of champagne attached to a bouquet of balloons.

“We kind of had a feeling she’d be coming back because she was showing up at our last couple of games,” said Kate Beckler, a sophomore guard. “I was kind of hoping, kind of waiting for that moment. I started to feel better.”

Hearlihy, who has led Alemany to nine Mission League titles and two Southern Section titles in 12 seasons, said she considered the matter closed.

“Now that it’s over, I’m extremely excited,” Hearlihy said.

Father Robert Milbauer, Alemany’s principal, confirmed Tuesday that Hearlihy has been signed to a one-year contract. Milbauer declined further comment pending the release of a statement by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.