Coach Rating: Kathryn Bzdafka at Davenport University

Women's Softball

Kathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

Mentally Abusive To Players

Date: April 13, 2025

By Parent

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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"As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to see the mental abuse Coach K and Coach Jackie had on the players. They welcome drama and seem to prefer a toxic environment instead of building a team as one. If you weren't a favorite or a snitch for them, they set you up to fail and make it miserable for you. It’s a blessing for the program that they were fired. It was not about the playing time or not working hard enough for the girls that quit, it was the mental abuse. For the girls who are new to the program or a favorite of theirs, you saw abuse…imagine if you were one of them? It could have been you the following year so be glad they are gone. I hope they NEVER coach again for the sake of the player and sport. "

0

Women's Softball

Kathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

The Panther's Record Doesn't Lie

Date: February 5, 2025

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Believes In You Dedicated To Players Passionate About Coaching Poor Communication Knows The Game

"No sport is worth staying and putting up with the kind of mind games Kathryn puts you through. Extra practice isn't going to help your team, Kathryn. In 2022 Panthers went 25-22. In 2023, 13-32. In 2024, they went 15-31. This means the team has won 53/136 games in the last three seasons under Kathryn. This brings their winning percentage to 39%. Please, if you're considering playing college softball, this is NOT the place to be. "

-1

Women's Softball

Kathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

Kathryn Bzdafka Needs To Be Fired

Date: February 5, 2025

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Believes In You Dedicated To Players Passionate About Coaching Poor Communication Knows The Game

"If I could give zero stars, I would. Kathryn creates an incredibly toxic environment that destroys players' confidence instead of building it. She belittles athletes and uses mentally abusive tactics that make the game unbearable. Instead of motivating players, she tears them down by avoiding confrontation, blames loses on individual players, and goes out of her way to embarrass girls in front of the entire team for absolutely no reason instead of speaking to them in private. MANY talented players (24 in the last 3 years of Kathryn and Jackie being coaches at Davenport to be exact) have quit because of the emotional toll and sheer unhappiness she makes everyone feel. If you care about your mental health and love for the game, stay far away from this program."

2

Women's Softball

Kathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

Mental Health Isn't A Joke, Kathryn

Date: February 4, 2025

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Believes In You Dedicated To Players Passionate About Coaching Poor Communication Knows The Game

"Embarrassing coach. Avoids eye contact and prioritizes other players BLATANTLY, and she will deny this because she doesn't see a problem with it. The team culture is so poor and also an embarrassment to Davenport University itself. DU has failed its softball players for keeping this coach after an investigation was done because of REAL mental health abuse. 24 players have quit in the last 3 years of her and Jackie Barley coaching at Davenport. 2 players from the freshman class of last year remain playing for her. Only 8 from the previous year still remain playing. 12 NCAA reports and 18 personal statements against these coach meant nothing to the university as these coaches still hold their positions. Mental health isn't a joke and we are NOT faking it. Don't come here unless you want your college softball dreams to be taken from you by two grown women. "

2

Women's Softball

Kathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

Save Yourselves Recruits

Date: February 3, 2025

By Other

1.0

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Caring

Motivational

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1.0

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Believes In You Dedicated To Players Passionate About Coaching Poor Communication Knows The Game

"An embarrassment to the softball world. The only good reviews on this website are from girls she favorites or Kathryn and Jackie themselves behind a screen. Kathryn prioritizes herself in every way possible, from buying the most unhealthy snacks possible for the snack bag on away trips to being on her phone at practice and not saying a word to her non-favorites. Stay as far away from Davenport University Softball an anywhere else this woman coaches. "

1

Women's Softball

Kathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

Don't Come Here If You Love Playing Softball... You Won't After Playing For Either Of These Coaches.

Date: February 3, 2025

By Other

1.0

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Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

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1.0

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Believes In You Dedicated To Players Passionate About Coaching Poor Communication Knows The Game

"Playing for Kathryn Bzdafka has been the worst experience of my life. Seven of her players have quit from September of 2024 to the end of January 2025. This says a lot. The freshman class last year came in with a recruiting class of 11 girls... 2 of them remain playing for Kathryn. Kathryn is the worst communicator, "leader," and role model to young women. In November of 2024, 18 personal statements and 12 NCAA reports were written by past and current Davenport Softball girls who have previously or currently played for Kathryn and Jackie. The University held an investigation for these coaches, and decided to bring them back a month later. THIS is disrespecting your athletes. Since being coaches here (about 3 years,) 24 girls have either quit or transferred while playing under Kathryn and Jackie. That's a whole team. If I had the chance to go back and save my love for softball and own mental health I would NEVER consider coming here. "

1

Women's Softball

Kathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

The Exact Opposite Of A Good Coach

Date: February 3, 2025

By Other

1.0

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Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Believes In You Dedicated To Players Passionate About Coaching Poor Communication Knows The Game

""Does not believe in metal health - is ignorant and doesn't stand up for her athletes - short but sweet, not a great coach" "

0

Women's Softball

Kathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

The Definition Of True Narcissism

Date: January 31, 2025

By Other

1.0

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Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Believes In You Dedicated To Players Passionate About Coaching Poor Communication Knows The Game

"Says a lot when all the coaches at Davenport said her and Jackie need to be fired. No one cares about playing time, a player should not be treated like they are not a college athlete. Both coaches are the definition of a true narcissist if I ever met one. Narcissistic behavior can never be fixed. And one of the assistant coaches who is a former player is only coaching to get a free masters degree even though she does not like her and has always talked badly about them. Future DU commits are considering decommitting due to the ongoing abuse. And seeing the posts above if Jackie truly hurt her arm why would she have not gotten surgery at Michigan… that is one of the best medical hospitals in the United States and it would have been at no cost. Many athletes have came back from a torn labrum."

1

Women's Softball

Kathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

Davenport University Employs Abusers

Date: January 29, 2025

By Other

1.0

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Caring

Motivational

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Honest

1.0

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Believes In You Dedicated To Players Passionate About Coaching Poor Communication Knows The Game

"Stay away from Davenport University they do not support their athletes by allowing this abusive coach to remain coaching!"

2

Women's Softball

Kathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

Stay Away From Kathryn Awful Coach

Date: January 29, 2025

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Believes In You Dedicated To Players Passionate About Coaching Poor Communication Knows The Game

"Manipulative selfish coach. She will drain the love of the game from you. stay away "

2

Women's Softball

Kathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

Horrible Coach Poor Human Being

Date: January 29, 2025

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Believes In You Dedicated To Players Passionate About Coaching Poor Communication Knows The Game

"STAY AWAY FROM THIS COACH WHERE EVER SHE IS COACHING! "

0

Women's Softball

Kathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

The Most Childish Coach I’ve Ever Had

Date: January 28, 2025

By Other

1.0

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Caring

Motivational

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1.0

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Believes In You Dedicated To Players Passionate About Coaching Poor Communication Knows The Game

"I’ve had some pretty bad coaches, but none as bad as her. Not only did she have no reasoning behind her choices, she did a horrible job at creating a cohesive and effective team. Pitting players against each other and talking badly about other players behind theirs backs to their own teammates, like a child. I have never been in a darker place than the time when she was my coach. I would steer my worst enemy away from this coach. I try to block most of my time spent with her out of my memory. I hope she gets a taste of what she has served out to so many others. "

0

Women's Softball

Kathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

Remember Kathryn, God Is Always Watching

Date: January 27, 2025

By Other

1.0

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Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

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1.0

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Believes In You Dedicated To Players Passionate About Coaching Poor Communication Knows The Game

"For an individual who claims to be so devoutly religious, she is quite the hypocrite. To talk negatively about players to other players is disgraceful. To be spineless and not have the back of your own is disgusting. Maybe she should reconsider who needs to be the one to “go pray.” There are those who played every game who would agree. "

0

Women's Softball

Kathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

If You Want To Never Like Softball Again These Are The Coaches For You.

Date: January 27, 2025

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Believes In You Dedicated To Players Passionate About Coaching Poor Communication Knows The Game

"Kathryn Bzdafka and Jackie Barley should be investigated and fired immediately. 21 girls have quit the program in under a year. Recruits are threatening to decommit due to the mental abuse. Former players from other schools are coming forward with claims talking about the abuse. Players were going to counseling weekly and having dark thoughts because of the mental abuse. All these other posts on saying how she is a good coach is because herself or Jackie or her so called “favorites” are writing those. Coaches would lock certain players out of the lockeroom and only allow certain players to access. Many players had to use broken equipment and lopsided balls. I suggest as long as those two are still coaching that you look elsewhere. If you want to hate softball then these are the coaches for you. It is absolutely disgusting what is going on at Davenport University. There was also an investigation about the abuse going on with players. The school did not fire her when there were over 25 claims from former players on the abuse. Jackie Barley is also a liar and claims she played for The University of Michigan and she quit the beginning of fall of her freshman year due to an “arm injury”. She then went on to Central Michigan and ended up being kicked off the team for bad behavior. Former players had close friends or relatives that played with her that claimed this statement was true. She was also never listed on the past rosters."

0

Women's Softball

Kathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

A Disappointment To The Game Of Softball

Date: January 27, 2025

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Believes In You Dedicated To Players Passionate About Coaching Poor Communication Knows The Game

"This “woman” and her assistant are a pure liability to the NCAA. The only lesson to learn from this coach is how to be a mental abuser, narcissist, and a coward. She has no respect for the game of softball or her players. She is behind the times in the world of fast pitch softball and extremely outdated in the world of coaching. She is weak minded and makes it a goal of hers to shut down anyone with confidence. Her players are not humans to her, just pawns in her sick game of mental abuse. The worst part is- if she was not coaching softball she would be an educator. Maybe softball should keep her around just to save the youth."

0

Women's Softball

Kathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

Poor Coaching Values Metal Abuse

Date: January 27, 2025

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Believes In You Dedicated To Players Passionate About Coaching Poor Communication Knows The Game

"Not sure how anyone could call themselves a coach when they abruptly leave a team with no explanation that’s only because she knew people were catching on to her. Mentally abusing….Manipulating players against each other. I have nothing but time to leave a a daily one star review ; ) this woman needs to be fired. "

0

Women's Softball

Kathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

This Coach Needs To Be Investigated

Date: January 26, 2025

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

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Believes In You Dedicated To Players Passionate About Coaching Poor Communication Knows The Game

"I am the mother of an alumni player, and this coach destroyed my daughter as a college athlete she’s manipulative mentally abusive and a Bully and needs to not be coaching anymore! "

0

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