Deuce - I'll go with you most of the way. I'm a big proponent of people owning their own decisions, and who can say the staff did or didn't hold anyone back or tell them not to push themselves harder in any given way. But, these are HS kids coming to a big university with the expectation of being coached and developed. The staff are looked at as the experts to help assess any given kid, work up a development plan that fits them, and push them to execute that plan - recognize and develop potential. The previous staff absolutely failed in their responsibility to these kids in so many ways. Yes, the kids can still go work out on their own, but if they believe the coaches words are the plan they need to stick to....there should be a conversation between the player and coaches where the kid says "I understand you want me to do A, B, and C....but I'd also like to do D and E. Will they hinder my development, am I pushing myself too hard to the detriment of the team and my career?" Instead, I'm willing to be there was little communication from the staff beyond "WhyTheFK haven't you done C?!?!?!?!" Perhaps ignoring the fact the kid has to do A and B in order to even start C. WM's glare of hatred certainly didn't invite any conversation from the kids on how to get better.
