"Does not put the players first or their mental health. Does not utilize the talent she recruited in an effective way by not playing younger players. Does not provide you get players opportunities to demonstrate their abilities which brought them.to CMU in the first place. Last but not least she does not live up to the standards a division one coach should be held accountable for, she is not well respected among the rest of the IWLCA. "

"Emilia Ward’s leadership of the CMU lacrosse program is a catastrophic failure of both tactical coaching and basic human decency. As an athlete who has given my all to this team, I am writing this to address the reality that has been swept under the rug for far too long. From a competitive standpoint, the program has become a shell of its former self; the scouting reports that list abilities instead of tendencies, generic, elementary practice plans, and overall program structure are an absolute joke. Any success the team has seen during Ward’s tenure was inherited, not cultivated or maintained, as the foundation of talent and grit was already firmly in place before she arrived. In reality, athletes have not learned a single thing under her coaching, and the only reason the program hasn't completely collapsed is because of the work players put in outside of her formal practices. By failing to provide any meaningful instruction or growth, Ward has dragged a once conference-winning team down to the mud, and while doing so has made herself laughing stock to players, parents, and the entire DI community. Beyond the lack of lacrosse IQ, Ward’s daily conduct reveals a profound lack of professional integrity and human decency. Her behavior is frequently unprofessional, marked by instances of yelling at bus drivers, food service staff, and other workers who are simply doing their jobs. Within the team, her erratic shifts in mood and energy create a constant state of emotional instability; when she is upset by external factors, she routinely takes her frustrations out on the players. This creates a culture of toxic pressure and eggshells where the coach is not a steady presence, but a source of unnecessary tension and fear. Trust is impossible to maintain when a leader’s emotional state is so volatile, making the environment frustrating, unprofessional, and disruptive to the core team dynamic. The manipulation of team leadership is perhaps the most glaring example of her backhanded tactics. The selection of captains under Ward is widely understood by the team to be rigged, while approached from a team-wide voting standpoint, Ward chooses before the voting deadline, and year after year it is a decision that blatantly ignores the contributions of actual leaders in favor of personal favoritism. This specific act of manipulation has caused multiple waves of shock and frustration across the program, leading to dozens of messages from teammates, other athletes, and even staff members who recognized the unfairness. This is not just a disagreement over leadership; it is a clear sign of how Ward utilizes power struggles and politics to maintain control rather than fostering a community of respect. It is truly staggering and ridiculous that the CMU athletic department has remained stagnant while this program erodes. The constant turnover of assistant coaches and athletic trainers serves as a glaring warning sign that the environment Ward has created is untenable. How many more girls must step forward, and how many more staff members must leave before the administration realizes that the heart of the problem is Emilia Ward? By failing to act, the athletic staff is complicit in a culture of emotional and psychological abuse that forces young women to sacrifice their mental well-being for a sport they love. At its core, this leadership style tears players down rather than building them up. During an incredibly vulnerable time when young women are developing their self-image and confidence, they are instead forced to navigate a space that fails to protect them from harm. Ward’s reliance on backhanded tactics and constant undermining makes athletes second-guess their worth and question their abilities. This toxic environment has stripped the program of the passion, growth, and community that should be the essence of elite sports. It is time to demand better for the athletes who deserve a leader who respects the game and the human beings who play it"

"Wish I could rate her lower, she chooses favorites and bullies the girls she "doesn't like". I think she has a dangerous coaching style and is dangerous to women's sports and athletes mental health."

"This coach’s approach and behavior raise serious concerns about her ability to lead effectively. She seems to be a prototype for narcissism—lacking empathy, poor communication skills, and unable to form genuine relationships with her players. On top of that, her total lack of lacrosse knowledge makes her unfit to be a coach. This is not someone you want to be learning from if you care about developing your skills or thriving as an athlete. Instead of fostering a supportive community, she seems more interested in exercising power and telling people what to do, which robs the D1 athlete experience of the growth and enjoyment it should bring. Many players have stayed under her leadership due to the constant warning that ‘the grass isn’t always greener,’ but I can assure you, anywhere else will offer a more supportive and effective leader. No athlete should have to endure the toxic environment that exists here, and staying only diminishes your potential to thrive. A coach who truly values her players’ development and well-being would never lead like this. Trust me—wherever you go, you’ll have a much more rewarding experience. On recruitment visits, players are instructed to speak positively about the coach, but let me tell you what the players are really thinking: DO NOT COME HERE. The reality is that they are all struggling under the weight of a toxic, unsupportive leader who doesn’t have the best interests of her players at heart and lacks basic knowledge of the game. They're told to put on a front, but the truth is, you’ll find a better environment anywhere else. The D1 experience should challenge you, but it should also help you grow as an athlete and as a person. Save yourself the disappointment and look elsewhere—this coach is not worth it."

"This coach’s approach and behavior raise serious concerns about her ability to lead effectively. She seems to be a prototype for narcissism—lacking empathy, poor communication skills, and unable to form genuine relationships with her players. On top of that, her total lack of lacrosse knowledge makes her unfit to be a coach. This is not someone you want to be learning from if you care about developing your skills or thriving as an athlete. Instead of fostering a supportive community, she seems more interested in exercising power and telling people what to do, which robs the D1 athlete experience of the growth and enjoyment it should bring. Many players have stayed under her leadership due to the constant warning that ‘the grass isn’t always greener,’ but I can assure you, anywhere else will offer a more supportive and effective leader. No athlete should have to endure the toxic environment that exists here, and staying only diminishes your potential to thrive. A coach who truly values her players’ development and well-being would never lead like this. Trust me—wherever you go, you’ll have a much more rewarding experience. On recruitment visits, players are instructed to speak positively about the coach, but let me tell you what the players are really thinking: DO NOT COME HERE. The reality is that they are all struggling under the weight of a toxic, unsupportive leader who doesn’t have the best interests of her players at heart and lacks basic knowledge of the game. They're told to put on a front, but the truth is, you’ll find a better environment anywhere else. The D1 experience should challenge you, but it should also help you grow as an athlete and as a person. Save yourself the disappointment and look elsewhere—this coach is not worth it."

"I have faith in the administration and athletic department of CMU that at the end of the season this coach will be let go. There is no way with her behavioral record over the past 2 years with the parents, players, current and former coaching staff and other staff members of CMU that they don't know what is going on. The disrespect and disregard for everyone is so unbearable at times to witness day in and day out. I don't believe her knowledge of the game is anywhere, where it should be to coach at this level, (she is at best maybe an okay trainer for goalies). Her team practices are almost non existing for many of the players on the team. For the select few that actually practice, the practice is elementary level at best. It is apparent to the players that some of the things she is teaching in practice is fundamently wrong and/or put the players in an unsafe situation that cause harm to the players unnecessary. No routine, no organization, unable to give clear instructions to players, always angry, never any positivity from her. She also doesn't trust her players - gives no respect to her players - has no relationships with her players - there is no talking to this coach- no feedback with this coach -it is her way or the highway!!!! Players are stressed to the max every day. Leaving practice on a daily feeling discouraged and belittled. It is such an unhealthy, toxic environment that the players have to endure every day. Anyone who gets to play at this level will know these complaints are a lot bigger than most of us have let on. I would tell any parent thinking of allowing their player to come to this school for the lacrosse program DON'T! You need to RUN!!!! Many of us will not be returning next season if she is the head coach and on our exit of the team a report with the NCAA will be filed. "

"This is the worst coach I’ve ever seen. I can’t believe the whole team hasn’t entered the transfer portal. Just wait, she’ll cut half of them because she has no clue what she has. Sorry girls, but the fire is out. "

"Describing Coach Ward accurately is challenging, given her undeniable narcissism. For lacrosse hopefuls aiming for a D1 college, I strongly advise exploring other options. Unfortunately, Coach Ward's involvement has tarnished what was once a great program. Her lack of empathy and her poor communication skills prevent her from effectively leading a team of college student-athletes. Additionally, CMU's decision to retain her as a coach reflects their disregard for these exceptional young women. It's distressing to witness these highly skilled players enduring such a dire situation, especially after years of hard work to reach the D1 level. They undoubtedly deserve better. "

"Coach has managed to destroy a top Mac program in less than 2 years. Horrible communicator. The fact that the coach has not been able to get an assistant coach says everything."

"What can I say, probably one of the worst coaches I have ever seen on any level. CMU AD should be ashamed of herself. The two of them single handily destroyed what had the potential to be a great Women’s Lacrosse program for years to come. It’s a shame! I can’t argue with any of the comments made about Coach Ward. She should resign immediately and choose another career because she has no idea what to do on the lacrosse field. "

"Initially, I was hesitant to believe the negative reviews circulating about Emilia Ward, as I prefer forming my own opinions and giving people a fair chance. Unfortunately, my experience aligns with the criticisms. As a coach, Emilia Ward falls short in cultivating a positive team culture, isn't motivational, and employs questionable practice methods. Moreover, she's dishonest, and her feedback and coaching input are minimal and not particularly insightful. Apart from that, her personality is extremely narcissistic (which is why she refuses to hire an assistant coach / why the assistant coaches leave after a short time). Despite the good school and talented players, the coaching aspect leaves much to be desired."

"No one wants to work with her, staff or players. She is unprofessional, poorly organized, and an absolute dismal representation of the team and the university. "

"The new head coach is currently starting the second year. Unfortunately, the coach has already chased away the only two true assistant coaches she has had so far. The first assistant coach, who had been with the program before Ward was hired, left on poor terms at the start of the spring season. Two 2022 players came back to help the coach out, as she didn't hire anyone with experience to replace the assistant. The 2nd assistant coach was hired over the summer and left after a few weeks of fall practice ... the coach was pushing him out so he opted to resign. For the second season, we are back to 1 coach who appears to not be skilled or trusting in delegation and developing new coaches. This is hurting the program and is not a good look for the HC. How can a Division 1 team function efficiently and successfully with 1 coach. This is not growing the game, it is not building up new coaches, and is not developing the team. It is poor management by both the university and the new head coach. This is a program that has been successful and are conference champions the last two seasons ... it should not be difficult to get good assistant coaching, unless there is a problem at the top (both the school and the HC)."

"This is a volunteer coach who got to take advantage of an Athletic Department that didn’t want to do a nationwide search. Is is clear that this Coach only wants a quick win in the MAC and hopefully gets a chance as an AC in a better division. Zero succession planning. Zero player development going on. How embarrassing when this team is up by 17 points and Emilia has to put in her starters because only they know the man up offense. 35 girls on the team and only 14 practice. That means there are 21 goes standing around doing nothing…excellent coaching philosophy. "

"Communication is terrible. Coaching style is full of mind games. Wants to call the team a family but doesn’t hesitate to break up the group. Refuses to hire assistant to help. Lacks character, honesty, and integrity. She gets a big fat zero in the emotional intelligence category. "

"Doesn’t recognize game situations and adjust with strategy in a timely fashion. Tells players one thing and doesn’t live up-to the commitment. Plays favorites and places blame on players inappropriately. Doesn’t develop bench strength and provide in game experience despite large leads. "