There's only one slight problem with that which I came into contact with when discussing this with "D". When the team started in 2014 (when I was an AC), she played on that team (we used local HS uniforms, she chose #11 as well), and then played in 2015 (also #11, custom uniform). She has already pulled the "I've played with you longer" card, which I responded by saying, "That's because the other player wasn't eligible to try out because of her age" (which is true - the current #11 was not eligible until 2016). So basically she'll be down to three options:
A.) Let the team pay the $41 for a new top with a different number chose by "D"
B.) She can try to "buy-out" the new player for the old number (I doubt that'll happen)
C.) She can not play, since I've already said I won't have duplicate numbers.
As much as I would love to have her athleticism, I will not have her attitude and do not need her to play. I'll go 0-12 with ability over 12-0 with ego any day. Call me crazy but I coach with integrity and values. It's how I was raised and it's how I will coach until I can coach no more.
I appreciate the "integrity and values" comment. I agree with that philosophy 100%. As far as the rest, if the player wasn't eligible to play, she has no rights to the number, in my opinion. If she is not eligible, she can't have seniority.