Former Federal Way basketball coach pleads guilty to child molestation

A former Federal Way High School volunteer basketball coach pleaded guilty on March 10 to molesting a player on her team.

A former Federal Way High School volunteer basketball coach pleaded guilty on March 10 to molesting a player on her team.

Brianna Gayle Strong, 24, initially pleaded not guilty to third-degree child molestation, along with another charge of communication with a minor for immoral purposes in June 2014.

However, according to the March 10 plea agreement, the state dropped the latter charge in exchange for Strong’s guilty plea.

Strong admitted to having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl on her team. The former coach confessed to kissing, inappropriately touching and being touched and sending naked photos to the girl, according to charging documents.

Probable cause documents state the victim said the inappropriate relationship began at the end of 2013 until Strong’s arrest last June.

Prosecuting Attorney Daniel Satterberg recommended that Strong receive a six-month prison sentence, along with a $10,000 fine, according to a pre-sentence statement filed on March 12.

Strong’s sentencing hearing is set for April 17 before Judge Andrea Darvas at the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent.