Delaware State University

"I did not attend the schools listed but i was unfortunately coached by him at a division II school. I would have to agree with all other ratings of Bruce. He is a decent recruiter, had great players play for him and not actually improve under his coaching. The inaporopriate comments and “team bonding” games were outright disrespectful and degrading. I am disappointed that there were so many after us to have similar experiences. The one that got me was hiring my high school classmate that had significantly less experience in the sport or even any experience competing at level above high school and less then 4 yrs of club. Expecting the team to respect someone we all have more knowledge than. The favoritism was obvious, the manipulation was consistent. I could go on and on. Terrible coach…period!"

"Terrible coach. Been investigated by NCAA, on probation twice. Girls come out of that program not wanting to ever ride again. Abusive both mentally and physically."

"He is currently the head coach for East Tennessee State University, and there has been nothing done about anything that has happened, despite their being several reports made by players, parents, and others. This coach has consistently, over the course of the volleyball season, torn down the young ladies that play by telling them they suck and don’t deserve to see the court. He has cause anxiety for the women that play, as well as said several inappropriate to the players. He has asked several girls what their stripper name was, and has shared inappropriate things with them socially. He is constantly body shaming them, or belittling them, and overall is mental abusive. He has also neglected to feed girls that are sensitive to certain foods, or food groups, telling them to “just drink water”. How this horrible man is still a coach is absolutely terrible, and reflects poorly on any school that hires him or continues to have him as a coach. The players have brought all of this to the attention of the school and had a sit down meeting with someone from Title IX, and they said that there isn’t anything there and their record isn’t bad enough for him to be fired. The fact that he is still a coach there tells me that they don’t care about the players. "

"I had to select Delaware St because ETSU is not available as an option. I attended a East Tennessee State University women's volleyball game tonight to support my friend's daughter who is playing there. I heard many parents disgruntled with the outcome and blaming the coach for some poor decisions with subs and player placement. I asked my friend's daughter about things after the game and was blown away by her feedback on the coach. She didn't agree with the coaching decisions, but what was the worst part, was when she started telling me about the sexual harassment and inappropriate comments that the players are getting from the coach. The players have filed a complaint with the AD and President of ETSU but nothing has happened to the coach and his actions continue. The players are scared to push their complaints too public, as they fear retaliation or being "black listed" to other programs. How can a university not address these players concerns?? How can a coach get away with sending inappropriate texts to players? How can the coach say to a player who is throwing up from being sick, "so how pregnant are you" and rub her stomach? Belittle and body shame a player telling her she is fat? There are even more examples but players don't want their individual stories shared in public. Players are talking to counselors and trying to receive mental assistance for the verbal degradation the coach is doing but still nothing is happening. Does a winning percentage outweigh the mental health and well being of these young ladies? This isn't even my daughter and I'm furious about what she and other players have had to endure. I hope the word gets out about this coach and something can be done! He should be investigated and each player given the opportunity to safely share their experiences and allow the coach to justify his actions. "

"Great coach to have and she is super supportive. Unlike what the other comments have said, they don’t understand math and she hasn’t had many wins but it is 16 throughout her time. She cares greatly for her players and will do anything for them to support."

"Doesn't sub, players exhausted. Always sitting on sidelines instead of coaching. Absolutely the worst coach in division "

"Has been coaching for 7 years but has only won 4 games in that entire time? Something doesn’t seem right."

"Literally the worst coach ever. Does nothing to motivate the players on her team. Simply sits on the side lines every game. Tells players one thing but does another. She shouldnt even be allowed to coach a kids soccer team let alone a college soccer. HORRIBLE!!!!"

"It's shocking to think that someone like this is allowed to work with young, impressionable female athletes. His abuse has caused players to mentally break to the point of self harm ideation, depression and severe anxiety. Not only has he downplayed injuries and coerced players into playing through pain, but he's also resorted to physical aggression, I saw him push a player and scream in her face. He’s a miserable person who should find a mediocre job that matches his coaching skills. Any organization that continues to employ or support this coach is perpetuating a culture of abuse and neglect. I’m sincerely sorry if you have the disservice to play for this demon spawn “coach”. "

"He has little to no knowledge about the sport and judge if he likes you or not. "

"I’ve never had a coach who was so manipulative and just disrespectful. He never believes a player is injured and blames them for “choosing to take themselves out of the game” even if they have medical confirmation they are injured. He never tells the team the full story of what is happening, instead he lies about everything. He blames other people in the department for his choices so he doesn’t seem like a bad guy, even though we all know it was his decisions. He does not actually coach or help players play at a higher level. He instead resorts to name calling and degrading when people don’t do things the exact way he likes. The assistant coach is the only one who actually fixes technique or gives you tips to fix your errors. Bruce ruins players. He is a great recruiter, which is the only reason for the team’s recent success. But when those players get here, they are never as good physically and mentally. Like all coaches, Bruce has his favorites, but he takes it to a different level. When he has his couple favorites, they are the only ones he will focus on. He’ll keep them for at least an hour after practices to talk to them and even have them come in before practices. He acts so shocked when a new player has to fill this spot as if he doesn’t only focus on that select few. "

"Bruce Atkinson....the absolute worst!! His goal was to mentally break down every player. Loved to line us up from best to worst and laugh at the last player in line. Always threatened our scholorships & forced us to play with injuries. DO NOT EVER HIRE THIS "COACH.""

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"I have never had such a manipulative and cruel coach in my life. Kills everyone's confidence regardless of how mentally strong you are. Had 20 teammates quit or transfer while I played for him and 8 different assistant coaches do the same."