"Emotionally and verbally abusive towards women. Dave Nolan says what he wants when he wants and is never held accountable for inappropriate comments. He routinely makes disparaging remarks about most players on the team including comments about weight and intelligence and plays it off as a joke. I think within the soccer community Dave is seen as a funny/comedic guy, but in reality, he is intentionally cruel with his comments and will say things just to hurt players feelings in front of their peers or in individual meetings. His on the field success should be attributed to the players themselves rather than his coaching. Georgetown is able to recruit skillful players, via their prestige and legacy, that are thrown into his disjoined coaching style which they then make the best of (or suffer the consequences). Despite the head coach, the team was able to foster a passionate and dedicated environment of women trying to support each other. Regardless of my interactions with the head coach, I loved my time with the Georgetown Women's Soccer Team, it just certainly would have been better with a more compassionate and empathetic leader. I think the program can achieve much more than just a repeated conference title within the Big East if they are able to find a coach staff (especially starting with the head coach) that can foster a positive and competitive environment that builds up women rather than tearing them down. "

"Sarcastic and insensitive. Got to have the thickest of skin to play for Dave. Poor communicator of desired style of play. Players play scared. If attempt to discuss concerns / feelings those discussion points are turned on the player and no acknowledgement is made to possible issues. Openly tells freshman they are “lower than pond scum”. Comments on players appearance (hair, height, skin tone, weight); incorporating into nicknames. Then in the same conversation will criticize their confidence. Sees player injuries as weakness and opportunity to ignore and criticize the player - “I would shoot you if you were a horse”. Assistant coaches have no voice in coaching and make no attempt to protect players. Poor communication between coaches, strength coach and trainer so that difficult to return after injury. Absent focus on nutrition. Dave values seniority over skill/ability. Brings in grad students yearly for unnecessary positions and then finds any place to put them on the field, often in positions they have never played before. Openly has preferred players. Often touts that Georgetown players do not transfer. Once in the program I realized that they quit instead of transfer - every class by senior year at least 1 player quits. Players value their education. Encourages academics. GPA required to be >3.0. May discourage certain majors to avoid competition with soccer. The strength of the program lies in the players - hard workers who do not complain and supportive of one another. Competitive with one another in a positive way. Team goes out together frequently. Knows how to have a good time. Loved my class! Friends for life! The success of the team lies in the attitudes and work ethic of the players. Wish the coach had more self awareness, respect for players and staff, created a positive coaching environment. "