Appalachian State University

"The parents and players on this roster can attest to the toxicity of this program. This is a coach, who beyond seeming to not understanding the fundamentals of the game at this level, (the team often looks like a recreational soccer team on the field with little to no possession and total boot ball), shows little to no care for the players as humans. There are clear favorites, and performance doesn't seem to matter, with players on the bench who are more talented than those on the pitch, and blame consistently passed out and on to players who are not to blame during film, but aren't on her favorites list. The majority of players can speak to the fact that Aimee will strip your love of the game, all while trying to strip your self worth. Even at practice it's evident that everyone is unhappy right now and just feels torn down. When arriving at this program it was with optimism of what it was based on what was told during the recruiting meeting. It is far from that. From poor choices in player leadership, to unthinkable leadership provided by the coaching staff, the negative reputation coach Haywood has earned among her past and present players and other coaches holds true. Coach Haywood is often cold and mean. There are days you'll pass by her and she'll acknowledge you and others where she'll ignore you completely. It depends on the mood of the day. You'll play one minute, then be stripped of all playing time for games on end with no conversation, no explanation, and if you dare ask, you'll be told how selfish you are and that you aren't "Chopping wood and carrying water". Her favorite phrase to anyone who dares to question her. She'll tell you her door is open, then use the conversation you have with her against you in practice as an example to the entire team without naming you in the example, but everyone knows. The signal that you shouldn't dare question her, or have your own thoughts. If you ask about improvement or playing time, you're told you're selfish. There are double standards with favored players, and extreme favor among a select few, who can do anything they want both on and off the field, even in direct violation of team rules. All the players know, but also know not to say anything that would shed light on it bc these players are the coaches favorite regardless of game performance, practice performance or even effort given in training. Players are routinely seen crying after the games. For some this earns them more playing time, for others it's seen as selfishness. It doesn't seem normal to always have crying players at the end of the match, and no other team seems to have this, but so many are emotionally exhausted and spent from the daily negativity and being worn down. It's not just about not playing, it's about how you're treated. The emotional health of many players is suffering and either the university doesn't know, or doesn't care. If you are looking for a program where skilled players play, your performance is a factor in playing time, or you want a healthy emotional environment, THINK TWICE and DO YOUR RESEARCH before choosing App State Soccer! You will regret that your years of hard work landed you here, playing a lower level of soccer than you might want, and a coach who makes you feel like she has an even lower personal regard for her players. "

"Sad to report this coach too ruined my experience as a college athlete. I am no longer playing and left after my fall season. "

"Rod West knows various aspects of football but doesn't know how to develop players. Coaching athletes at any level is not his strong point. Most of the cornerbacks he recruited ended up in the transfer portal, and if picked up, went to smaller programs. Therefore, Rod West's theory of the attributes of a cornerback has been proven to be incorrect. The cornerbacks that didn't end up in the transfer portal were self-developed. It wasn't because of any development from Rod West. As a matter of fact, one of his recruits played as a Freshman and was still making the same mistakes as a Junior. He was a starter and contributed to games being lost. Hopefully, that player will have a future coach that can develop him to help his team win games. In addition, I witnessed Rod West lie on players to other coaches. Very disturbed by many of his behaviors."

"Trying to decide if I will return in the fall. Truly trying to stick it out with this coach and her style. Shes not well liked and has stripped the love of the game from so many of us. It’s annoying that she thinks she’s making it fun when in reality she shows zero interest in us as players. Our social media is good but it’s not real. College should be fun. My friends at other schools are having fun while playing soccer. Pretty sure it’s just a personality that I don’t enjoy. Why waste another year when I could play somewhere else easily and enjoy doing it? She’s just not what I expected at all unfortunately and will most likely look to switching schools soon. "

"As a transfer to Appstate during coach Haywood's first year, I was looking forward to a community of high level players paired with a coach that seemingly would be a good fit for what I was looking for. The experience I felt the first several months was nothing short of terrible. This coach with a good record, and a college degree in leadership made it clear she was in charge and made her first year absolutely miserable for the entire team. As I look back, I believe 19 girls left the program (I do know a couple were let go,) but the rest left out on their own. Her way of making the soccer experience misery day after day, practice after practice, made it obvious I was not going to stick around and be used like a paid employee on staff that she never got to know. She has no personality, she's cold, she sticks to herself, she doesn't care about getting to know her players at all. Everyone knows it. It's no secret. The staff knows it, the head office knows it. They complained, I complained, the office and other coaches complained but she's a new female coach so I'm sure that has something to do with it.If you are considering this university and program I would ask questions...I would go back to old rosters...look at old social media, search the hashtags and see for yourself...a few leaving is always the case. THere were several of us that transfered in and each of us (yes ALL) of us left. Message those that aren't there anymore...see what happened and do yourself or your kid. Also- the social media is fun- looks exciting-Looks like they love her. They don't. Note players on that current team are graduating WITHOUT taking their 5th or Covid year now... OR graduating early (or recruits that have decommited because they know/found out what happens behind the scenes.) Don't disregard this as a disgruntled student athlete. She ruined it for me. Took my love of soccer away. I hope she grows in her position. I hope she learns to treat players with respect and learns how to effectively coach a division one program. It's evident her ways are not working. Kids leaving a school as fun as AppState speaks volumes. DO YOUR HOMEWORK! t"

"Coach Curcio coached my son in track and cross country for four years. My son had severe medical issues, and Coach Curcio helped him do his best while taking great care of him. I could not have entrusted him to anyone else for such long trips and travel so far from home. I highly recommend Coach Curcio. He brought out the best in my son and so many others! He is the best!"

"Coach Curcio will support you from the day he meets you, and for the rest of your life. He’s cares for you long after you’re done scoring points for his teams."

"He’s great to work with! He cares and it shows, I love Coach Al!"

"This coach is now coaching at App State women's soccer. She was at Queens before. In a nushell, RUN AND HIDE. This coach does not care about players and treats them poorly. Expect to be belittled, minimalized and treated like a third class citizen. She could not name two interesting facts about each player. She strolls through the locker room with her head down and doesn't make eye contact or even chat with the players....not even a greeting like, good morning etc. She will not communicate with you about why you are not playing and what you need to work on to get more minutes. Have heard the players in the 2022 and beyond seasons hate her and club coaches are saying to stay away from the program. Word will soon be out on this coach. Do yourself a favor, look elsewhere to have a positive player/student experience. You wont find it under her leadership or lack thereof. "

"Poor coaching, will not say a word about form to you for multiple practices at a time, not willing to communicate, does not strive to be a better coach. Good for a poor athlete looking to become a less than mediocre athlete. "

"Coach Schwartz is a great guy and a family man. His kids are adorable and he always makes the travel experiences for the team fun. He has a lot of intensity and wants to win as bad as the team so if you want someone who is determined be sure to talk to him. "

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"Meg is super knowledgeable and skilled when it comes to FH. She is very dedicated in improving App's program. Meg is a really honest individual and doesn't hold back. She is new to the head coaching role and is still learning the ropes. However App's FH program with Meg's coaching will be incredible in the years to come. Fitness has become a HUGE factor in the program. Get ready to run. Thick skin, dedication and a strong mentality is necessary under her coaching."

"He's very helpful if you seek him out to answer questions about training and the sport in general; but, if you expect him to provide input freely or shower you with praise, it won't happen as he is a bit reserved."