"As someone who has worked closely with Coach Kara Concheck in collegiate coaching for years, that has become a dear friend and mentor of mine, after standing on the side I am enthused to speak up. Here are the facts I have accumulated through my own knowledge and discussion: • Before Kara’s arrival to Capital, the program was in complete disarray. The former head coach, Stacey Florence, ran a program rooted in manipulation, jealousy, and toxicity. There were no incoming recruits, practices lacked organization, and the team could hardly practice because they didn’t have enough players to do so. They had success based on one particular players talent. • Stacey was often an hour late to practices, arrived with no practice plan, had no office presence or availability, and depended heavily on one or two players to carry the team. Everyone else was treated as disposable. • After her departure, Stacey continued to contact current players and speak negatively about Kara’s decisions—a clear breach of boundaries and a sad attempt to hold onto power she no longer had. This was what the program has been built on previously. • Kara stepped in with composure, structure, and vision. She immediately built the roster, recruiting talented, hardworking student-athletes to rebuild the program from the ground up. • She implemented a strength training program—the team now lifts 2–3 times per week with structure and intention. Before Kara, lifting wasn’t even on the radar. • Under her leadership, the team began watching film, scouting opponents, and strategizing for each game. She brought structure, accountability, and a high standard of preparation the program had never seen. • Kara introduced team building activities, leadership development sessions, and feedback meetings where players could openly share their thoughts—because she wanted to learn, especially coming from a different NCAA division. She gave her players unique opportunities most coaches (I do not do this, that is for certain. Players do not deserve this type of power.) • She hired a Capital alum and former player as her assistant coach, a move that shows her commitment to honoring the program’s past and investing in its future. I stand proudly beside Coach Kara Concheck as previously stated. She has revived this program through leadership, compassion, and hard work. The irrelevant noise coming from the stands of this family who thinks they can get others on board doesn’t change the truth—she’s exactly the kind of coach this program needed, and exactly the kind of leader young women deserve. Coaches— encouraging you to support your fellow colleagues. "

"As an alumni of Capital University, I am extremely saddened to hear about the downfall of the program that shaped my life. Talking to the current players, the disrespect, lack of preparation, team chemistry, poor communication, mental games that went on this past season is painful to hear. My favorite memories are with my college teammates, coaches and sorority sisters, everyone should have that experience. If the statements I heard are true, I would NEVER play for Coach Kara. Let see how many positive reviews are posted next to cover up this one.. "

"Honestly, Coach Concheck is one of the most real coaches I’ve ever played for. Yeah, she pushed us. But she cared, and you always knew where you stood based on your effort. Practices were competitive but fun, and we actually got better every week because they were so intentional. I've read recent commentary and I'm going to stand up for what I believe as she taught me. Kara helped me grow a ton as a player, but even more as a person. She had our backs, and she never played favorites, which I think is why some people didn’t like being held accountable. Straightforward but also caring, and understanding. I still reach out to her for advice and she always responds. Not many coaches do that once you’re done playing. She really shows up, even years later. Anyone can say what they want, but anyone who actually played for her and wanted to grow will tell you the same thing: she’s the real deal. "

"I’ve had the chance to witness firsthand what Coach Kara Concheck builds as a parent, and it goes far beyond wins and losses. What she creates is a true sense of family, and that’s something not many coaches can claim. In her 12 or some years coaching, Kara has had support of her teams all across the country. Kara has a unique ability to bring people together. She doesn’t just coach players, she welcomes their families, celebrates their milestones, and fosters a culture that’s about connection just as much as competition. One weekend that really stands out was the Family, Friends & Alumni Weekend she organized at Winthrop. Over 125 people showed up to campus to reconnect, celebrate, and be a part of something bigger. She went out of her way to coordinate an amazing family-led practice, alumni events, tailgate, and more. It was one of the most thoughtful, community-driven weekends we’ve ever been part of, and people are still talking about it a year later. The culture she builds is inclusive, empowering, and deeply rooted in respect, and for my daughter, it made all the difference. We saw her grow not just as an athlete, but as a young adult who felt seen, valued, and challenged. It’s frustrating to see negative commentary coming from a place of personal frustration. That’s not the coach we know. Our families will continue to come together to speak her praises and silence an anonymous, hateful, baseless, even vague Capital player and her family. Coach Concheck has the full support of our family, and I know we’re not alone in that. She’s left a lasting impact on our daughter — and on all of us. We will stand by Coach. "

"As the parent of a former player who had the privilege of competing under Coach Kara Concheck, I felt compelled to speak up. My daughter played for Coach Concheck during one of the program’s most unforgettable seasons. With a roster of just 16 players, she led the team to an incredible win over San Diego State and helped them reach the first MPSF Championship appearance in school history. That wasn’t luck. It was the result of a coach who prepared with intention, created a game plan, and built a team culture rooted in belief, discipline, and joy. My daughter looked forward to practice every day, it was thoughtful, well-structured, and fun, a rare balance that Coach Concheck struck effortlessly. When the program was later cut, Coach Concheck didn’t disappear or shift blame. She worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help her players find new homes. She advocated for them, reached out to coaches, and stayed fully present through a tough transition. She put her players’ futures above all else: that’s who she is. Even now, years later, Coach Concheck continues to play a strong role in my daughter’s life. She’s written letters of recommendation, connected her with career opportunities, and helped her secure jobs after graduation. That level of mentorship is rare, and it speaks volumes about her character and commitment. One parent and player, disappointed by outcomes they didn’t get, should not be allowed to rewrite the story of a coach who has changed so many lives for the better. The truth is, Coach Concheck has built programs with integrity, led with purpose, and invested in the long-term success of her athletes. I’m proud my daughter played for her, and I’m even more grateful that their connection didn’t end with graduation, because real leaders show up long after the final whistle blows. "

"If you are considering committing to a program led by Kara Concheck, save yourself some time and keep looking. Kara is ego driven and she has low game IQ,…a horrible combination. She ruins lacrosse for players who love the game by undermining team culture and manipulating relationships. We watched her divide and isolate players who spoke up, even team captains. The last thing I’ll say …Kara LOVES writing reviews on herself on this page. If you know, you know. "

" I can say with complete confidence that Coach Concheck is one of the most inspiring and impactful figures in my athletic and professional life. As a college coach, she not only brought out the best in me as a player, but also instilled values of discipline, resilience, and teamwork that have stayed with me ever since. Their ability to connect with athletes, motivate them, and foster both personal and athletic growth is truly remarkable. Coach Concheck leads with integrity, passion, and a genuine love for the sport and the people in it. I’m incredibly grateful to have learned from them as a player and now to grow with them as a coaching colleague. It’s rare to find a mentor who evolves into a teammate and friend—and that’s exactly who Coach Concheck has become to me."

"PASSION ON REPEAT! Kara brought unmatched passion to the field every single day. That is the first word I think of when I think of her! Whether it was practice, a film session, or game day, her energy is contagious and she makes it look easy. My favorite part of game day were her thoughtful pep talks and the story telling she used to inspire us. She motivated us not just to be better players, but better people. She’s tough in all the right ways you want in a coach and you either are on board or you aren't. Kara sets high standards and holds us accountable, but she does it with heart and purpose. What makes Kara stand out is how supportive she is. She listens. She checks in. She knows when to push and when to encourage. I grew tremendously under her leadership, not just in my lacrosse skills, but in confidence, work ethic, and character. I have loved watching her become a mom while being a great coach. She proves you can be strong and compassionate, demanding and supportive, all at the same time. Coach Kara doesn’t just coach a team, she builds a culture. And being part of that culture was one of the most impactful experiences of my life I will hold close to my heart. "

"My playing experience gave me new perspective and prepared me for life while playing under Coach Concheck. I know I would not have had as successful of a post grad professional career had I not had the experience I did. I grew as a person and player because I needed the tough love, discipline, and support through my growth process. She is tough but compassionate, kind and committed. I left my complaining behind and got to work while becoming a better team mate. Coach gave me new passion for the game that I thought I had lost along the way. I finally found the joy and excitement coming to practice each day and preparing for games. Something I appreciated so much, was her empathy and passion. I could always count on her to listen to me and. I watched Coach care for teammates that were bitter about playing time, who made excludes and did not care to improve but only complain. She STILL loved and cared for them consistently showed up. Her last season with me she was on maternity leave and we had our assistant coach as the interim, so I didn't get to end the way we wanted to but I am forever grateful. The true definition of a leader on and off the field, and I hope to be the same. I am a better person because of Coach and I know she will always support me and is a phone call away"

"Feedback Regarding Coach Kara Concheck My experience under Coach Kara Concheck was, unfortunately, one of the most difficult and disheartening periods of my athletic career. I entered a successful and promising college lacrosse program, but by my senior season, we had only secured two wins. Beyond the record, what was most damaging was the team environment under her leadership. Several teammates—close friends—ultimately transferred due to what many of us experienced as emotionally harmful coaching practices. It became clear that unless you actively sought her favor or had strong parental involvement, your development and well-being were not a priority. Players who were injured or going through personal challenges were often met with comparison rather than compassion. Rather than offering support, she would diminish our experiences by redirecting attention to her own stories, often implying we lacked drive or resilience. A particularly troubling incident involved four teammates needing surgery within the same month. Coach Concheck chose to visit only the three athletes she favored, entirely ignoring the fourth—offering no acknowledgment until the night before the surgery after an unrelated encounter with the surgeon at a basketball game. She visited all players post-op except our one friend. This selective attention deeply affected team morale and clearly demonstrated the inconsistency in how players were valued. Additionally, she would frequently reference her own injury as a way to downplay others' pain—Women’s soccer players also chimed in to mention Kara was claiming she tore her ACL and continued to play through it. This account contradicted what we saw and heard at the time, making it difficult to trust the authenticity of her leadership. For prospective athletes: if you value strong team culture, emotional support, and a coach who respects the individual needs of each player, I would strongly urge caution. My time under Coach Concheck made me question my love for the sport and my self-worth as an athlete—something no player should have to endure."

"The experience her players have went through this season is heartbreaking. Coach does not know the college rules: example, tried to play an athlete who received a red card the game before. She prepared the team for a conference game with “said” player only to be told during the starting line up, that player could not play. She did not prepare the team properly to win an important conference game. She did not prepare the team for playoffs with short practices and little game plan going into competitions. As a college coach you have the responsibility of deadlines. Not submitting team or players awards for All-Region/All-Americans on time, resulting in them not have the recognition they clearly deserve. I agree with the post prior, she must interview well. "

"As a parent, I watched Coach Concheck take over my daughters D1 team, a team that was a perennial cellar dweller, and lead them to the most wins in program history her senior year. Was she demanding at times, yes. Did she expect the best they had out of them, yes. Were their difficult discussions at times, yes. But all of this took place in a culture where the players knew she cared about them and their successes not just as athletes but as human beings. Kara brought a culture of mutual respect, caring and fun to a team that had none of that. I will never forget how she spoke about the seniors on senior day, off the cuff, and how she nailed exactly who every one of those young ladies were as athletes and people. As a parent, you hope that your child's coach is fair and that they have the mindset to help develop their athletes into great people who can go out into the world with confidence and hope. I'm a big believer in leaving a place or a person better than what it was when you got there and I can confidently say that Kara has done that wherever she has been."

"As a former player, I have the upmost respect and admiration for Kara Concheck. She radiates positivity and intensity with the challenge to motivate her players on and off the field to be their best. Her love of the game and the people she coaches is eminent each and every day. I would not be the successful professional and the great player I was without her guidance and player-driven leadership. She is intelligent, personable and all around a great human who approaches her team understanding their needs and how she can facilitate top talent from them. I would highly encourage anyone who has the opportunity to play for Kara to do so; you will never regret the fun and experiences she can provide to enhance your short time as a college athlete!"

"What a disappointment. Coach does not know what it takes to run a competitive program. She has belittled my daughter and made her hate the game of lacrosse. She did not prepare this team for a playoff run or to be successful in postseason. 40 minute practice the day before a tournament game? I would not recommend coach if you want to win a championship or like winning in general. "

"Capital has players who have never picked up a stick and that only revolve around 1-2 players and has one sub. Is that really a championship team. I’m sorry but there are better teams in the conference Capital plays in When Kara took over I learned she did not even have enough players at Capital to fulfill a roster. They even have played multiple games this year without a goalie. Can you imagine? The team did not have fall ball practices, recruits coming in, and still care barely do seven on seven at practice. What I can say is Kara makes the most out of every situation handed to her and I am proud to have played for someone who always finds a way to be successful What I appreciate the most is how positive and steadfast Kara is despite these unfortunate circumstances. I wish I could go back and play for Kara all over again "

"Coach Concheck was handed a championship program and slowly taking them backwards. She does not listen to her players or respects them. Coach does not prepare her players for competitions or make any adjustments come game time. Looking at her record, she does not know how to win. We would be shocked if they win their conference this year under her guidance. "

"We have followed Coach Concheck's success for elevating each program she has been a part of and are thrilled to have her back in her home roots. Our daughter played for Coach and still speaks with her often. It has been powerful to see all of the young people she has made such a positive impact on. Her student athletes talk so highly of her and the passion she pours into her players on and off the field. We can't help but smile when we think back on our memories and travel shared with the team and other families. We are so happy for her to be with family and to follow along as she takes Capital to a greater level. Great, Great Human!"

"Coach has been a breath of fresh air to a Capital team that the former coach gave up on that had no structure. She will build a well rounded program in years to come. She is a dedicated coach who is supportive of her players and takes the time to get to know them as people, and has an impressive background of rebuilding teams through recruiting and her ability to push her players to be better. "

"If you are white , thin and appear on the outside to be very fit , you will get lots of playing time, regardless of your stick skills or lacrosse IQ. Parents , if you suck up to her this also influences playing time. She is good at the team building component; but her ability to read her opponent and put players in the best position to win games is poor. Its almost guaranteed she won’t stick around a program very long. She must interview well. "

"Coach KC!!!! A woman of passion, and qualities that make for a great coach and role model for young women. Coach is a natural born leader who makes everyone around her better. I love how she encourages her players to “be themselves” and gives them the space to grow while she encourages them. She creates a comfortable environment which is important. I’m excited to see her grow her program, it has been a challenge not for the faint hearted. I have so many fond memories and stories from my daughter’s playing day with Coach. Held to a high regard all around! Let’s fly!"

"Coach Kara has been amazing to these girls at Winthrop. She accepted a tough situation coming in right before the season a few years back and has made the most with the players left over from that staff. She has a vision for the future and is gradually building an increasingly positive culture within the women’s lacrosse program. Kara pushes the athletic department for things the program needs and advocates for her players constantly. With her first true recruiting class coming in this year exciting things are on the horizon for Winthrop Lacrosse. "

"Kara was the best coach my daughter has ever had. My daughter would agree too. She was truly a God send at a time when my daughter needed someone just like her. Kara made the last few years of my daughters lacrosse career wonderful after a terrible start at another school with a coach that was verbally abusive. We were lucky to have Kara come into our lives. There are so many wonderful things to say about Kara that I could fill a whole book!"

"Coach Kara has a knack for developing high caliber teams, while taking over programs who have struggled throughout the years and making them better all around. She comes in and makes an immediate difference. My daughter's experience thus far has allowed for her to become a more confident player and person because she believes in her and cares for her. This is a coach who loves what she does. We are excited for the future success of the program."

"Coach Concheck is an incredible mentor, and goes above and beyond to give her student-athletes a platform to succeed on and off the field. She is expressive and shows she cares, and is also accessible. She puts a lot of love and passion into the game and her players. "

"Kara is new to our program but has had an immediate positive impact. She connects with the players and has given a renewed energy to the program that was desperately needed. She has a great outlook on things. She is a lot of fun, but she can also be tough (but fair)."