"Coach Jessica Berg is a coach who genuinely cares about both the success of her team and the individual growth of her players. She also places a strong emphasis on having fun and creating a positive environment for her players. Throughout my time at Missouri Western, we often butted heads and did not always see eye to eye. She is very direct and blunt in her communication style, and at times her words can come across as harsh. However, I believe that underneath that approach is a coach who wants her players to improve, be accountable, and reach their full potential. One of the more challenging parts of my experience came when I was injured and unable to play for an extended period of time. During that process, I often felt that I had to advocate for myself and that more empathy could have been shown. At times, it felt like there was a disconnect between what I was experiencing and what was being expected of me. Looking back, though, I do not believe that came from a lack of care. I think Coach Berg's instinct was to push me because she believed I was capable of more and did not want me to lose sight of my potential as a player. I also think it was difficult for her to fully relate to what I was going through because she had not personally experienced an injury of that magnitude as an athlete. While there were certainly moments when I wished for a different approach, I can appreciate that her intentions came from wanting me to continue growing despite the setback. From a coaching standpoint, Coach Berg has a strong understanding of the game of lacrosse. She is constantly evaluating what is and is not working and is willing to make adjustments when needed. She puts a lot of thought into developing new drills and finding solutions to problems rather than simply accepting them. She also values player input and is willing to listen to suggestions from her athletes, which helps create an environment where players feel like they have a voice within the program. Coach Berg holds her players to high standards and expects effort, accountability, and commitment. Her coaching style may not be for everyone, and some players will connect with it more naturally than others. However, there is no question that she is invested in the success of her athletes and wants them to become the best versions of themselves both on and off the field. For prospective student-athletes considering Missouri Western, I would encourage you to understand the type of environment you are joining. If you are looking for a coach who will challenge you, push you beyond your comfort zone, and expect you to take ownership of your development, Coach Berg can provide that experience. While the journey may not always be easy, you will have a coach who believes in your ability to grow and who is committed to helping both the team and its players succeed."

"When Coach Berg stepped into the head coach role in 2021, it was under unexpected circumstances. Having just graduated herself, she was suddenly placed in the position with little experience coaching at that level. Despite the challenges, she worked hard to maintain professional boundaries between herself and the players, and I believe she did a great job. She takes her responsibilities very seriously and has truly given her best effort, especially considering the challenges and obstacles she's had to face along the way. Of course, like any coach, there are areas where improvement is possible. In particular, I think there's room for growth in her empathy and in addressing the physical health needs of players. However, it’s important to acknowledge that, as a player, I've witnessed some teammates exaggerate or even "milk" injuries, which makes it difficult for any coach to discern what’s genuine and what isn’t. As with any role, coaching is a continual learning process. No one is perfect, and Coach Berg has shown that she is passionate about both the game and Missouri Western. She has made a significant impact, and I’m confident that with time and experience, she’ll only continue to grow and improve."