Sable Winfree played her final basketball game for Warren County in 2023, but she tried taking on her alma mater in the courtroom in 2024. Winfree, a decorated Lady Pioneer who helped lead the program to its highest level of success in four decades from 2021-23, filed suit against the school system, WCHS administrators and former coach Mendy Stotts for due process infringement and defamation in April.

Winfree sought $750,000 in damages for the ordeal, which began when she was dismissed from the team following her first game as a senior by Stotts. Winfree alleged the decision cost her a chance at a basketball scholarship, among other things.

The case never reached the courtroom as both the due process and defamation claims were dismissed by United States District Judge Travis McDonough. He granted a motion for judgment in favor of the defense in the Winfree v. Warren County School District lawsuit in late July.

Winfree’s legal counsel, Michael Galligan, still firmly believes his client was harmed during the process.

“I knew from the beginning, from a legal precedent, it would be difficult. (Previous) cases had led to a theory Sable could win this, but the judge didn’t agree with it,” said Galligan. “I thought it should be brought and still think that – Sable was treated unfairly. Results of the school’s decision in this made for a horrendous season for the girls basketball team and harmed a student.”