"My experience with Coach Alex Smolka was mixed. There were positive aspects to the coaching style, but I felt there were significant issues with team culture, communication, and how the distance groups were integrated. One of my biggest concerns was the handling of athletes’ personal information. There were instances where personal matters or information about other athletes were discussed in one-on-one meetings. This made me uncomfortable and raised concerns about confidentiality and professionalism. I also felt that favoritism could be an issue. Some athletes appeared to have a closer relationship with the coach, including spending time socially at his home, and this sometimes gave the impression that those athletes received different treatment or opportunities. Regardless of the intent, I think coaches at the college level should be especially careful about maintaining clear and professional boundaries with athletes. I think more intentional efforts to bring the groups together could have created a stronger and more unified team culture. From a competitive-development standpoint, I also would have liked to see more opportunities for athletes to compete in a wider variety of track meets. Having more meets that included different event groups and gave athletes opportunities to gain racing experience would have benefited the overall team. A greater emphasis on exposing athletes to different competitive environments could have made the program more well-rounded. Overall, I would encourage future athletes to consider the coaching style and team culture carefully when evaluating this program. Make sure the training philosophy, communication style, and team culture are a good fit for you. My main concerns were the sustainability of the training, the potential for burnout or injury, professionalism and confidentiality, perceived favoritism, the separation of athletes, and the limited integration of the full team. I believe the program could be improved through stronger confidentiality and professional boundaries, more consistent treatment of athletes, intentional integration of distance and sprint groups, and more varied competitive opportunities."

"Caring beyond belief! Always honest. Comfortable having tough and sometimes uncomfortable conversations. "

"What is there to say about Coach Smolka, He cares about his team and always shows up for them. He creates a great environment for athletes. He lifts his team up and pushes them to their best to their ability. He built FAU’s track and X/C from the ground up. It is amazing what this coach can do. He is nice to everybody around him. He sets up the team schedule well and plans everything thing for travel/meets. He has extraordinary talent and has great knowledge about: times, the history, training methods, injury treatment and prevention. He just a great coach."

"Great experience! I can't imagine any body caring more about their student athletes and their overall academic and athletic success! "

"Coach Smolka comes off very nice and pleasant but creates an extremely toxic team environment. He cares little to none for athletes that are not a top runner on the team. He also makes everything essentially mandatory despite saying “You don’t have to go”, if you don’t attend you are berated about why you didn’t attend. Many past athletes that I spoke with either hated the sport after or couldn’t wait to leave the school. Although he does a good job scheduling meets and travel, running is first and school/community engagement is much farther down the list of priorities. If you love running and wouldn’t be swayed by a team culture that is toxic because the coach LOVES gossip then this team will be fine. You’ll be better off going to a different school with a coach that wants you to be a successful person after school than a coach who won’t help you progress into a career. "

"Coach Smolka is very welcoming and encouraging. He goes above and beyond for his athletes!"