Colorado State University (Pueblo)

"Sierra Cardenas It seems that there are issues with Sierra Cardenas and her approach to coaching. Coach Sierra engages in manipulative tactics, falsehoods, and creates a negative atmosphere for the players. Additionally, she berates and belittles them, which is highly worrisome. She talks negatively about the players to other players, which is not conducive to a positive team environment. She allows her captains to make decisions about team starters and have a say in punishment, which may not be fair to all players. Furthermore, she seems to have a preference for certain players, allowing them to behave without consequences while being quick to suspend others. Furthermore, the assistant coach, Frankie LaManna, has been described as having an unacceptable temper and using inappropriate language towards the girls. His behavior contradicts what he tells them to do and has caused tension within the team. It is worth noting that we have had five assistant coaches in the past five years, all of whom were more knowledgeable than Sierra and Franky combined. This situation is causing some distress among the players. Sierra holds a master's degree in Applied Sports Psychology, while Frankie has a PhD. in Psychology. It feels as if they’re conducting a study using our players(daughters) as subjects. As it appears that they manipulate the girls against each other by contradicting their instructions and then punishing them for following those instructions. Regrettably, my daughter's self-assurance has suffered as a result of playing under Sierra's coaching, and I would not recommend her coaching style. The frequent turnover of assistant coaches indicates a toxic environment, and Franky's presence has only exacerbated the situation. Given the turnover we've experienced with assistant coaches in recent years, it is crucial that we prioritize the best interests of our female students in athletics. I believe it is essential for the school administration to address this situation promptly, and ensure that a new coaching staff provides a positive and supportive atmosphere for our players. I would not advise sending your daughter to play for these two coaches. It has caused mental anguish for my daughter. I wish I would have known this sooner but too late for my daughter since she is done and trying to move forward with a more positive program. I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the excellent facilities and overall quality of CSUP. The resources available to the students greatly enhance the learning experience. However, I wanted to remind you not to let the enticing words sway your decision regarding playing for this program. It's important to remain cautious and make decisions based on careful consideration rather than being persuaded by what we want to hear. If the school fails to take appropriate action and replace these two coaches, it may negatively impact the development and well-being of your daughter. "

"If you care about your daughter’s well being and mental health don’t let her commit to this team. Don’t get me wrong the girls on this team are incredible people but, the leadership sucks! Assistant coach has some of the worse anger issues and temper I have ever seen. Sierra Cardenas is a horrible coach and an even worse human being. She played favorites and has no idea how to coach soccer. She lets her thoughts spiral and always thinks that people are plotting against her. Both of these coaches are psych majors but, they themselves need to see a psychologist for the behavior that they display. This team has a history of inappropriate relationships between staff and players that was never looked at which I believe is a safety issue. If this school cares about it’s female athletes it would get rid of this coaching staff to protect it’s female athletes. "

"Disappointing can begin to explain my experience playing soccer for Sierra at this college. There are a multitude of reasons for her to no longer coach at this level, but here are a few. The first is low soccer IQ. To be a college soccer coach, you need to understand the game of soccer, have reasonable expectations for players, and finally play producing players, not just favorite players. This is evident not only in our record for this year and years past but also in the display put on in this year's playoff game: no understanding of what to do, terrible subbing, and overall poor performance for a highly winnable game. Not only does she have little to no soccer IQ, but she states that she is a master's degree-prepared psychology major. However, she is not implementing topics used in undergraduate psychology, such as empathic communication and understanding. Not making girls feel apart of the team unless they are starters and just an overall lack of communication. Not to mention the five assistant coaches in 5 years, the most recent being a Ph.D.-prepared psychologist with a concerning problem with emotional regulation and overall emotional immaturity, leading to multiple yellow cards and a red card in the most pivotal game of the season; a deficit for the entire team. It is embarrassing to see what this team has become; they have great potential but with no help from the coaching staff whatsoever. I would never recommend a soccer player come here if they wish to become a better player, understand the game, or have an enjoyable college soccer experience. I suggest looking elsewhere for your college soccer experience unless a new coaching staff is hired. "

"He is a very knowledgeable coach with high standards and expectations of his athletes. Easy to get along with and wants to have a good relationship with all of his players. If you need anything he will help you with it or find a person that can help you. The mental health of his players is a high priority, so if needed you can go to him, ask for help, and even have a mental health day to reset and recharge. He is pretty flexible with different work and class schedules. I highly recommend having him as a coach if you want to improve as a player and have a good college experience."

"Turned down pro offers to become a juco coach. Not a huge fan of not taking a chance to play pro Indy ball (I’m jealous I never did), but works just as hard if not harder as a coach where he can make the largest impact long term. It’s not easy to get into a spot to be a hitting coach of a good program, so I don’t blame him jumping at it when he had the chance. Wherever he goes he expects greatness and creates a culture not satisfied with status quo, but still approachable and communicates 1 on 1 for different personality types. "

"turns below average colleges into National Champion contenders with his personality, recruitment, motivation and assistant Coach Nick Blackwell"

"Worst coach I’ve ever had in my 13 years of playing this sport. The more I’ve gotten to know Sierra the more I’ve discovered how manipulative and cruel she could be. Ask almost any player she has coached at csu pueblo and they will tell you that during their time they did not improve whatsoever and have actually gotten worse. This is the case for so many athletes because of sierras low soccer iq and lack of knowledge on coaching. I don’t think I learned anything in my five years here at csu pueblo or improved in my ability to play soccer whatsoever. She loves soccer and loves coaching. Just because you love something does not actually mean you are good at it sadly. She will lie straight to your face just to tell you what you want to hear. In individual meetings all she does is talk shit about the girls on the team and gets girls to also talk poorly of each other creating toxic relationships within the team. "

"Potter would show up consistently late to practice. Drills are so disorganized, confusing, and it’s like she’s making everything up on the spot. After games if we lost she would cry and go to the neighboring bar Thunder zone to drink. She is so cruel and mentally abusive half the team from last year has went to the school to complain about her, and quit the team when they didn’t do anything. For fundraising she made us sell beer around our necks at the Colorado state fair for concerts, demolition derbies, and the Mexican rodeo where we were groped. Girls left crying that night as men grabbed our bodies and even ripped out one girl’s piercing. We had insane bruises on the back of our nexts from carrying at least 20 beers at a time. We reported this to the school and they assured us this wouldn’t happen again, yet I saw they did it again this year just added a mens team to partner with the girls. She promoted a culture of division where she constantly accused people of lying and pinned girls against each other. A huge drinking culture is promoted on the team and a former player who would drink with the team is now an assistant coach. Players live with potter and share rent at her house while they’re on the team. When potter knew players were going to report her to admin she would bring them gifts to bribe them out of punishment. After conditioning that our trained trainers would conduct, she would make us run more as she didn’t think it was enough work. No trainer wanted to work with her since she disregarded and disrespected them everyday. All in all this is just a fraction of the mental and physical abuse she has inflicted on this team and no one should ever have to play under her again. "

"I love the game of soccer. Always have and always will. However, Sierra Cardenas made me hope for the day of my last game. It is so heart breaking and it makes me feel shameful that I let this coach ruin the game for me. I was so over playing for CSUP but more specifically, for her. She’s a terrible coach. THE WORST I have ever had and that’s crazy to think that she was my coach at the highest level I will play. It blows my mind that she still has a job given her completely obvious lack of knowledge about the game. During my time playing soccer at CSUP, Sierra was manipulative, provided false hope, and never had the best intentions for me. Her game is to rip you apart mentally by playing these head games, and then when you’re at your breaking point and speak with her about it, all of the sudden she sees such a fire and “oh, you’ve been doing so well in practices lately.” Blah, blah, blah. She just keeps you hanging on. Since my sophomore year, in Fall 2019, I thought about transferring every day. Not transferring is the one thing I will regret for the rest of my life. She threw away my college career and self-esteem during my time playing under her. Sierra is not a fair coach. I completely understand that college soccer is a different level of play than any freshman ever has played coming in. I completely understand that your spot needs to be earned. What I don’t understand is why she plays obvious favorites and does not give other players a fair look. I never once was given a fair shot. She locks in her favorites from the previous years, and I think, from interactions with parents and families. College soccer is not political, however, Sierra makes it. There has been CLEAR favoritism just because a family had a beautiful home and we stop to have dinner there, or because they are a Pueblo native and have a name in the town. And the very worst part is, is that she calls on those favorites to run the team and make big decisions for her. She doesn’t understand the game well enough to even do her office work. This team fell apart when Pascale went to a different school, because Pascale was responsible for EVERYTHING. Sierra can’t do it. This job is way above her knowledge and pay grade. (Not meaning to be rude, just speaking the truth.) I would really like to see a different coach coach this team. This team has not improved, it’s done the opposite. She just doesn’t have the capability to change it. Practices were never productive-way too much standing around and her speaking. She would hold us to a high standard with showing up early, being prepared, and making sure we had what we needed to be successful that day, and if we didn’t meet that standard, we were running or paying for it some way. She does not hold herself to that same standard. She would a show up late to lifting in the morning with no consequence, we would do the same slow, 14 year old level drills, weekly, because she doesn’t know how to coach or plan a productive practice, and there is no consequence. Please let this be heard. I don’t wish my experience playing soccer at CSUP on anyone…I’ve had to mention these thoughts and concerns to prospective players who have asked me my opinions about the school and soccer, and I’ve no choice but to be honest. She needs to go. "

"From the start of season no changes were made to help the success of the team. Every game plan was us mimicking whatever team previously won against our opponent because the coaching staff couldn’t utilize the teams players. Favoritism was the main problem amongst the team, and it effected our record immensely. Sierra coaches emotionally and not logically, as she doesn’t play the players that produce, she plays the players that she has the most emotional connections to. There were also inappropriate relationships happening between players and coaching staff that affected the chemistry and trust amongst the athletes and coaching staff. She will avoid you if you are not part of the starting lineup and practices would not include you. She would keep the team over scheduled practice time almost every practice, and the majority of the time we were sitting around the whole training session as she talked to specific players. There is no fair opportunity on the team, if you produced in games or practice your play time would be cut regardless. Many girls who have shown they can produce in practice were not even seeing the field this season, and the amount of goals we scored overall showed it. I do think that in order for this team to be successful we need a coach who is dedicated to our success as a whole team, and is going to turn this program around."

"Sierra puts a lot of time into her job, and that is about the only good thing I can say about her. Coach spends a lot of time talking about how we are a family and we have a great culture. However, that is not the case. Unprofessional and inappropriate relationships between coaches and players caused a great divide among the team this past season. When it comes to soccer IQ, coach has little to none. Practices are ineffective and involve too much standing around and her talking. She asks her favorite players about what she should do and who she should play. We have great players but cannot find success because she brings players’ confidence down and does not play people based on their talents. Many girls came in this season with a fire, and lost it because she literally sucks it out of you. She gives false promises to players and benches them with no explanation, or a poor one if you address her about it. The leaders named by coach do not have leadership qualities, and were only chosen because they are her favorites and can do no wrong. If we do not have a different coach next year, I know many girls will not be returning. We want someone who is professional, knowledgeable, inspiring, motivational, and a leader. "

"Collegiate sporting is what some young people thrive to achieve and it should be an experience that helps them grow as a player as well as a person. It’s unfortunate that the worst coach in my daughters career has been her last, Sierra. I have never met a more narcissistic individual “leading” young lives to such low self esteem levels and mental health issues. These young ladies have endured a tumultuous, humiliating and devastating season to the point where most of these young women are questioning if they want to continue to play the game they love. Sierra has not only ruined this team in their individual playing abilities but she has deeply damaged the relationships and trust levels that the young women have with one another and their ability to play together as a team. The University owes it to these young women to have a fresh start with a new coaching staff in 2023, they deserve to have the experience that collegiate sports should offer. "

"The coach talks a good game regarding team culture and family. In reality she plays favorites and is only positive and supportive to the favorites that week or month. Otherwise, she is cold and dismissive to non favorites. She seems to have little understanding of the game specifically strategy, or player assessment. "

"Honestly the worst coach my daughter has had in her many years of playing soccer. Sierra crushed my daughters self esteem and even love for the game. Would have expected a coach who is more mature, knowledgeable, and fair in the treatment of all team members. Especially at a collegiate level. She definitely had favorites who could do no wrong and others who were emotionally and mentally beaten down by her. Team leaders (not coach) were often making line ups for games and other team decisions, creating a division in team unity. Coach and assistant coach were too friendly off the field with some players, making an uncomfortable environment all around. Concerns about this were addressed by team, nothing done. Very unprofessional. Players afraid to speak up knowing they would be punished. Players often benched with no explanation. Completely disappointed on many levels. Believe the best thing for team moving forward is to find a coach who encourages and uplifts the girls. Who can lead and unite team. Who can bring out the best in each player. And who can communicate expectations and give valuable feedback on performance. These athletes have practiced and trained years and years for this college experience. And they deserve better!"

"Sierra is a kind person and loves the game! She cares about her job and it’s very apparent. I don’t necessarily think she should be coaching this level of soccer yet. I don’t think the coaching staff as a whole has enough experience to help this team succeed and it showed this season. "

"Coach Sierra is a very passionate coach. she loves her job and dedicates all of her time and energy into coaching and the team. however, I have seen the short stick of her favoritism more often than not, with both myself as a player and past players. she does tell you what you want to hear and then never truly communicates what exactly your role is and how to excel in it. she has her set favorite players who are like devils advocate and so if you are one of her favorites, then you pretty much run the team and not in a good way. I think how poor the team chemistry on the team is is slightly due to her favoritism but large in part due to the lack of addressing of certain players with attitude problems. coach turns a blind eye to the attitudes and wrong doings of her favorite players and creates a hierarchy of ‘importance’ on the team that affects the team as a whole. I think she can be either an amazing coach or an awful coach depending on how much she likes you."

"cares about her players more than any other coach I have met. loves the game and loves coaching. "

"I was very disappointed in the coaching. I came to this school to play competitive collegiate soccer and was extremely let down in my experience. Sierra is passionate about the sport but I think she would be better suited for a junior college. Her soccer IQ is low, she gives out playing time based on who she likes, and the team has not improved under her coaching and if anything has gotten worse. Her trainings resemble more of a highschool level practice with very low intensity and are usually not helpful. If you ask for constructive criticism - she can’t come up with a real answer. I truly don’t think she understands the game well enough. Again, she’s a nice person but don’t think she’s suited to be coaching D2 soccer. She also brought on an assistant coach that has zero coaching experience and is younger than some of our players. There is no reason why a D2 team should have such an inexperienced coaching staff. I’m really hopeful that we will have a new coaching staff next season including a new assistant coach. "

"Not knowledgeable about soccer, terrible with formations and personnel. Picks favorites and is more of a friend then a coach."

"Honestly a very low soccer IQ probably the lowest of any coach I’ve had which was disappointing at the collegiate level. I don’t think my ability improved at all during my time here if anything I got worse. She is passionate about coaching and loves the game which is all I can really say for her. She is very evasive and will tell you whatever you want to hear in order to get you to leave her office happy. "

"She came in and changed everything about the way we played and the culture. She will beat around the bush and avoid conversations. She tried to have captains make big decisions about who was playing and how to punish players."