Women's Lacrosse

Emilia Ward

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Central Michigan University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Needs To Grow Up And Develop Empathy.

Date: March 17, 2025

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.1

1.0

1.1

Tags

"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."

0

Women's Softball

McCall Salmon

Women's Softball Head Coach

Central Michigan University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Amazing Coach, Mentor, And Role Model

Date: December 10, 2024

By Other

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

4.5

5.0

Tags

Accessible Cool Direct Intense Honest

"I love coach McCall as a coach because she really values every single one of her players and does her best to develop us not only on the field but prepares us to become better women overall. She is very honest, which is what you need in a coach, even in tough situations but in the end we always know what she wants from us. She really emphasizes building up our team culture every year and believes that this is a very important aspect of growing as a team as a whole. I am so thankful that she is my coach."

0

Men's Football

Mike Cummings

Men's Football Coach / Offensive Line

Central Michigan University

NCAA DI - FBS • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Passionate, But Dishonest And Unpleasant.

Date: September 30, 2024

By Other

1.4

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

3.0

1.0

Tags

Intense Old School Mentality

"There is no doubt that Mike Cummings is knowledgeable of the game and is very passionate about the sport, but he stands as the most unpleasant coach I've ever had the misfortune of meeting. Cummings is an Offensive Line coach but will verbally attack players of other skill positions he does not oversee for no real reason at all other than to assert some sort of perceived dominance. In the three years I knew him, I watched him make disparaging, offensive and homophobic remarks about players that go beyond the game. If this was intended as motivation, it was completely lost on me as well as my teammates. As a recruiter, Cummings is self interested. He will make sure the guys he recruits see playing time over the individuals he did not recruit. He will push to move his lackluster recruits up the depth chart for his own self interest even if it's a detriment to the team. In preseason conditioning tests, if he did not like you, he would falsify your marks in the hopes that you get penalized by the head coach for not meeting physical performance standards. If he could find any reason to run you off the team if he didn't like you, he would try to do it. I was also witness to him verbally attacking a campus staff member who had little to do with the football program - which was completely uncalled for and extremely unprofessional. I've known players to transfer out due to the fact that he they just don't want to play for or even share the room with him. When your antics outweigh your skillset, some reflection is needed. I hope Cummings take this as constructive criticism. Cummings is old school and I'm sure he's strong enough to take the feedback. I doubt he will ever read this and I'm not sure at his age he will be willing to change but I do want student athletes to be prepared for his style of coaching and realize there are better coaches and motivators. I sincerely hope he has evolved as a coach and a person. "

0

Women's Lacrosse

Emilia Ward

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Central Michigan University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Go Anywhere Else. She's Not Worth It.

Date: September 22, 2024

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.1

1.0

1.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Old School Mentality Respectful To Players

"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."

0

Women's Lacrosse

Emilia Ward

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Central Michigan University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Go Anywhere Else. She's Not Worth It.

Date: September 22, 2024

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.1

1.0

1.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Old School Mentality Respectful To Players

"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."

0

Women's Lacrosse

Emilia Ward

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Central Michigan University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Cmu Head Coaching Reviews

Date: April 14, 2024

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.1

1.0

1.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Old School Mentality Respectful To Players

"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. "

0

Women's Lacrosse

Emilia Ward

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Central Michigan University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Rip Chippewa Lax. Cmu Will Become U Of Michigan Mt Pleasant

Date: March 27, 2024

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.1

1.0

1.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Old School Mentality Respectful To Players

"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. "

0

Women's Lacrosse

Emilia Ward

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Central Michigan University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Coach Ward's Should Be Fired Immediately The Players Deserve Better!

Date: March 19, 2024

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.1

1.0

1.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Old School Mentality Respectful To Players

"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. "

0

Women's Lacrosse

Emilia Ward

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Central Michigan University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Unstable , Horrible Leader And Role Model

Date: March 16, 2024

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.1

1.0

1.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Old School Mentality Respectful To Players

"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."

0

Coed Golf

Kevin Jennings

Coed Golf Head Coach

Central Michigan University

NCAA DI - FBS • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Do Not Play For Kevin Jennings Ever.

Date: February 25, 2024

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Old School Mentality

"Jennings is a bully and a control freak. Would rather sabotage a players career because of a disagreement than see it from another point of view. Was put on Administrative Leave in the fall season (2023) but was brought back much to the disappointment of many of the players. Has a long history of players only lasting one season with this coach. Great talker and will sell Ice to an Alaskan, but over all a bad guy in most settings and demands players to answer him with a Yes Sir or No Sir. Will make you do it his way or it is the highway - regardless of how talented a player is. Stay clear but if you go - buyer beware. "

0

Women's Lacrosse

Emilia Ward

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Central Michigan University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

One Of The Worst Coaches I Have Experienced.

Date: February 17, 2024

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.1

1.0

1.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Old School Mentality Respectful To Players

"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. "

0

Golf

Rob Wyman

Associate Ad For Sport Administration & Communications (sport Administrator: Field Hockey, Golf)

Central Michigan University

NCAA DI - FBS • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Slob Wyman Sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Date: January 22, 2024

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

"Rob is awful to work with in any and all capacities. "

0

Women's Lacrosse

Emilia Ward

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Central Michigan University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Reviews Speak Their Truth

Date: December 11, 2023

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.1

1.0

1.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Old School Mentality Respectful To Players

"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."

0

Men's Football

Tavita Thompson

Men's Football Coach / Tight Ends

Central Michigan University

NCAA DI - FBS • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Game Changer And Motivator, A Renaissance Man.

Date: November 29, 2023

By Other

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Knowledgeable Motivational Develops Team Beyond The Field Knows The Game Passionate About Coaching

"Best in the business. Lucky to know him. "

0

Women's Lacrosse

Emilia Ward

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Central Michigan University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Not A Team Leader By Any Means

Date: October 26, 2023

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.1

1.0

1.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Old School Mentality Respectful To Players

"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. "

2

Women's Lacrosse

Emilia Ward

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Central Michigan University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

The Head Coach Has Not Been Able To Attract Or Retain Quality Assistant Coaching

Date: September 21, 2023

By Parent

1.8

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.1

1.0

1.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Old School Mentality Respectful To Players

"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)."

6

Women's Lacrosse

Emilia Ward

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Central Michigan University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

The Fall Of The Chips Is Imminent.

Date: June 19, 2023

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.1

1.0

1.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Old School Mentality Respectful To Players

"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. "

11

Coed Soccer

Brian Wiese

Coed Soccer Head Coach

Georgetown University

NCAA DI - FCS • Golden Valley | GVC

One Of The Best In The College Game

Date: June 1, 2023

By Other

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Accessible Cool Direct Intense Creates A Great Team Culture

"I’ve worked along side him at camps and seen him coach his team up close during the season. "

0

Women's Lacrosse

Emilia Ward

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Central Michigan University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Do Your Due Diligence Before You Commit.

Date: May 18, 2023

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.1

1.0

1.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Old School Mentality Respectful To Players

"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. "

17

Women's Lacrosse

Emilia Ward

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Central Michigan University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Develop Self Reflection And Player Development

Date: April 24, 2023

By Other

1.4

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.1

1.0

1.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Old School Mentality Respectful To Players

"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. "

15

Coed Golf

Kevin Jennings

Coed Golf Head Coach

Central Michigan University

NCAA DI - FBS • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Negative And Degrading Coach. Doesn’t Treat Players Equally.

Date: February 15, 2023

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Old School Mentality

"Coach Jennings is the total opposite style that he tells you during recruiting process. He is demeaning to athletes and treats service workers poorly. He is more like a bully boss. He confuses the athletes and plays favorites. It is not a team culture nor one where an athlete can grow as a young adult and athlete. "

0

Women's Soccer

Jeremy Groves

Women's Soccer Head Coach

Murray State University

NCAA DI • Appalachian Athletic Conference | AAC

Overworked Athletes And Under Appreciated Them

Date: December 23, 2022

By Other

2.6

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.8

4.0

3.8

4.6

4.8

Tags

Direct Intense Accessible Cool Honest

"Although he is very knowledgeable and honest, he is one of the most abusive coaches I’ve ever had. I was frequently singled out and told I was never built to play college soccer. I struggled with injuries and was ridiculed every time I picked up a new one because he thought it was fake and made the whole team think it was fake. I was overworked so much that I picked up injuries immediately after getting over others. Doesn’t care about your body and overworks players like crazy, picks favorites, and cares about fitness a lot more than technical ability. All of the good qualities of this coach are taken away by the classic “grind til you die or get out” mentality that he projects. Mental health doesn’t exist I guess."

0

Coed Soccer

Jeremy Groves

Coed Soccer Head Coach

Central Michigan University

NCAA DI - FBS • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Date: March 25, 2021

By Verified Athlete

4.4

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.8

4.0

3.8

4.6

4.8

Tags

Direct Intense Accessible Cool Honest

""

0

Women's Softball

McCall Salmon

Women's Softball Head Coach

Central Michigan University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Date: July 11, 2020

By Verified Athlete

4.8

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

4.5

5.0

Tags

Accessible Cool Direct Intense Honest

"Coach Salmon is very knowledgeable and truly cares about her student-athletes. She makes sure that you, as a player, are taken care of physically and mentally through the season and off-season."

0

Women's Soccer

Keyton Wheelock

Women's Soccer Head Coach

University of Louisiana (Monroe)

NCAA DI • ECAC Hockey

Date: August 7, 2019

By Verified Athlete

4.8

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

4.8

5.0

4.5

Tags

Accessible Cool Direct Intense

""

0

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