"As a parent, sending your first child off to college is one of the most emotional milestones you face, especially when that journey involves Division I athletics, where the headlines can sometimes be unsettling. From the very first conversation I had with Coach Jabs, he earned my trust. He spoke with honesty, clarity, and genuine care. Not just about performance in the pool, but about the well-being and growth of the young people he coaches. My daughter has faced her fair share of challenges during her time at ECU, and Coach Matthew Jabs has supported her through every step. His guidance has gone far beyond swim practices and competitions; he’s been a steady, encouraging presence through the ups and downs of college life. But from one parent to another, I can say with confidence that ECU Swim and Dive is a program where your child can truly thrive, both athletically and academically. They will be part of a team that feels like family, supported by coaches who genuinely care."

"I personally cannot wait for this next season to begin and for Coach Jabs to finally have a team that respects him. Jabs will go out on a limb for these ladies, supports them, encourages them, and heaven forbid… even correct them when necessary. He’s committed to making them better people and it’s clear that some just aren’t up for becoming better in the pool or life. "

"Coach Jabs is an absolutely amazing coach and person. He believes in every single one of his swimmers and will do everything in his power to make us better athletes and people. He is motivational and he respects those who respect him. He is honest and will tell you that you have to put in the work to become better, not complain every practice and hide behind social media to try to “better” the program. This program is amazing and full of amazing girls who love and respect each other. While every experience at ECU is different mine has been amazing and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I love Jabs, I love this team, and I love ECU and anyone would be lucky to be able to be able to go to a school like this. "

"I can say as a swimmer who is fairly new to the team, Jabs has created a home for not only me as a swimmer, but as a person. In the last year, I have improved immensely with his coaching. Not only have I grown as an athlete, but I have grown as a teammate and person on his pool deck. At the beginning of my college career, I struggled a lot with the adjustment to the new environment. Jabs was always there providing me with an abundance of resources and reassuring me of the progress I was making. With his support, I am able to call ECU Swim & Dive my FAMILY. Now Division 1 swimming is not for the faint of heart and it takes a massive amount of dedication and commitment to be successful. Some would say Jabs chooses favorites, but I believe that is a circumstance in every program. The individuals who show up and give their all every single day are praised for their efforts. Jabs sees the potential in every athlete that jumps into his pool and pushes them to be the best version of themselves, especially in the classroom. He follows up on academics, personal issues, and schedule conflicts with more patience than the average individual is capable of. His knowledge and passion for the sport of swimming rubs off on the best of his athletes and has contributed to the teams success. I’m so grateful I get the opportunity to swim under his coaching."

"Coach Jabs is one of the best coaches a division 1 swimmer could ask for. He treats each individual on his team with respect regardless of how they treat him. Each swimmer is given the same chance to succeed, but only a few take advantage of it and work hard, while the others will make excuses and run the coaches name into the ground because of their own lack of discipline, and hard work. Jabs door is always open to anyone, and he is always willing to listen and hear anyone out no matter what the situation might be. What he has built at ECU is something very special, and meaningful to many many people who have pride in this school. Jabs is honest, direct, and will always have your back, even out of the pool. Whether it’s recommendation letters, connections for jobs, or advocating for you when you need it, he is always there to help. Im proud of this team, and can’t wait to see what the future holds, especially with the amazing group of girls we will have this next season! "

"Before college swimming I was on the verge of walking away from the sport for good. My hs experience with the sport was defined by a coach who consistently abused his power using manipulation and fear as tools for control. Practices were filled with anxiety, not motivation. Every swim felt like a performance for approval rather than something I did because I loved it. That all changed when I came to ECU. From the beginning, Jabs created an environment that felt safe and comfortable. It’s clear that he genuinely cares about his swimmers not just as athletes, but as people. He pushes us in ways that help us grow without tearing us down. The contrast between my past and my experience with Jabs is night and day. I came back stronger, happier, and more confident than I ever thought I could be & I can’t thank him enough for making my D1 experience better than I ever could’ve expected."

"Great coach. Jabs is very direct and will push you because he believes you can do great things. As long as you work hard and show up you will do great under his coaching. Very honest and direct with all concerns. "

"Jabs is truly an amazing coach, he always puts his swimmers first, and is motivated to make them better each and every day. He is a large part of the success of the ecu swimmers and has supported the team in every way. He supports swimmers through their hard days, and worst times. He’s supported me through my hardest moments in and out of the pool. I could never imagine this team without him. "

"Jabs has always been there for those who come to him. He is a great coach who pushes you to your limits and believes the best in you. He always wants what’s best for individuals as well as the team. Jabs has always shown his true side, whether good or bad like any other person would. He comes to practice everyday ready to make us better and hold high expectations doing so."

"As an athlete who has multiple experiences with toxic programs and coaches, I can confidently say that Jabs and the ECU program is FAR from toxic. Jabs does nothing but support and motivate his athletes to be the best they can. He communicates with athletes directly, exactly what he expects from them, and holds them accountable to these expectations. Can he be tough? Absolutely. Being tough is simply the nature of D1 athletics and the sport of swimming. If you don't have a coach willing to be tough on you and hold you accountable, then you won't improve, which is a concept that Jabs understands. Jabs is trying to create an amazing program and team culture at ECU, which I am incredibly grateful to be a part of. This program and Jabs have played a major part in shaping me into the person I am today and have also helped me rediscover my love for the sport of swimming."

"Matthew jabs is a great coach. He definitely has his flaws as EVERYONE does but when it comes to swim coaches he is the best. I have never had a coach that cared just as much about his athletes in the pool as out of it. He pushes us all to be the best. The team definitely has drama but what Division 1 team of 25+ women doesn’t. At the end of the day ECU women’s swim and dive is like a family. There’s no where else I would have rather gone."

"Despite some of the things you may have read, I hope people don’t rush to judgment based on the words of individuals who may not have shown the commitment, work ethic, or integrity required to thrive in a Division I program. College athletics is tough… mentally, physically, and emotionally. If you're not ready to do hard things, Division I swimming is not for you. Jabs was one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. His impact on me went far beyond the pool. He was a mentor who guided me through both the highs and lows—not just in swimming, but in life. Before I came to ECU, I didn’t have a great relationship with the sport, but that changed with the girls I met and his guidance. His door was always open, whether I needed to about swim, school, or even boy problems… he was always there ready to listen and give advice. When it came to training, yes, he pushed us, but only because he believed in what we were capable of. He never asked more than he thought we could handle, and his expectations came from a place of genuine belief in our potential. Sure, the sport can be exhausting and mentally draining at times and we might not always succeed every time we hit the water…that’s just the reality of being a collegiate swimmer. But even in the thick of it Jabs found ways to make us laugh or even crack a smile. I’m incredibly thankful for everything he did for me and for the amazing teammates who became a sister or life long friend. "

"Truly the best D1 can get. Wouldn’t be the person or swimmer I am today without him. He has dealt with some of the most disrespectful athletes but still managed to stay professional and mature. If his athletes don’t like him then it’s because they weren’t fit for the lifestyle and accountability that division 1 athletics requires. "

"Contrary to apparently popular belief he is a great coach. He is honest with you and direct. He loves hard workers and rewards those who put into the program. Has always been upfront and caring to those who care back. Compared to other D1 schools he is VERY generous when it comes to slacking work effort. If you want a great and honest coach come here!"

"Jabs is a good coach. He can be tough on you but honestly I don’t know another college coach that cares about his athletes the way he does. If you want someone who motivates you, holds you accountable, and holds you to a high standard jabs is the guy. I wouldn’t be the person or athlete I am without him. "