"I wish I could say my experience ended positively, but being injured completely changed how this coach treated me. Once I got hurt, it felt like I stopped existing — he no longer spoke to me, didn’t include me in team activities, and made it clear that being injured somehow made me less worthy. I wasn’t given the same team gear as others and, despite showing up to every practice and home meet after my surgery, I wasn’t recognized with a senior plaque after four years of commitment. What made it harder was that I was still required to complete all of my volunteer hours and responsibilities, even though I was no longer given the same respect or inclusion as the rest of the team. It was painful to realize that his support and care only extended as far as my ability to compete. I truly loved my sport and my team, but this experience left me feeling unseen and dismissed at a time when I needed understanding the most."
"If you’re thinking about coming here the school is great, but you will not develop as a player under this coach. Ruined everyones season, self esteem, and confidence. Does not make an effort to build a relationship with all players, and very disorganized. You will not be treated fairly. She will not be honest with you and talks about players but never says it directly to the players face. Her Communication is terrible. I do not feel valued or important to the program due to her lack of building a relationship with players and honesty. Overall she damaged everyone’s spirits this season. I would like to mention the teams culture is amazing and all the players are so nice, players definitely bonded over the ridiculousness we had to deal with this season "
"Lycoming head coach now. Horribly toxic. Shows blatant extreme favortism. Enjoys bullying, swearing at and humiliating players. Screams at referees to the point it’s embarrassing. Keeps some players down not ever giving them a fair chance to prove what they can do. Mentally and emotionally abusive causing anxiety and depression. Holds players to different standards. Some have to be perfect while others can mess up constantly. Not a healthy environment. "
"Being one of your biggest fans, I always hoped you would follow in Kristalyn’s steps and coach my daughter at Tecumseh. I’ve followed every step of your career. Proud of the woman you have become and the role model you are for my daughter. "
"It’s no surprise that Coach Jackie gravitates toward tough, gritty, never-out-of-the-fight players and teams—who wouldn’t? Her entire playing career was built on that kind of culture, and her teams consistently brought home wins, titles, and rings at every level she’s played at. Watching her grow into a professional coach while remaining deeply caring and committed has been incredibly rewarding.
Jackie is an extremely knowledgeable coach, with a resume full of players who have earned outstanding accolades both on the field and in the classroom. She’s passionate, resilient, and genuinely invested in the success and development of her athletes—not just as players, but as people. A great person and an even better leader."
"Coach Barley is the kind of leader every team hopes for. Her dedication to the sport of softball is unmatched—whether it's early morning practices, late-night game planning (I’ve been there with her), or going the extra mile for her players, she brings 100% every day.
More than just a coach, she’s a mentor and a role model. Her work ethic and passion have not only improved players' skills on the field but also shaped their character off it. Many of us can say with confidence: she’s made a lasting difference in our lives.
"
"As someone who started for Jackie (and Kathryn,) it sucks for me to write this but it's true. They both made me do their dirty work and get gossip from inside the team and report back to them. They also indirectly said I should "watch who I hangout with" but they were referring to their own players on the team.
I thought the manipulation and mental games were "tough coaching" and making us "mentally stronger" but it was abuse plain and simple. She made us feel like our worth as people depended on how we performed on the field. If you messed up—even once—you were ignored, humiliated, or punished. I watched teammates get completely torn down emotionally for things that should’ve been treated as teachable moments. She played mind games constantly like turning us against each other, favoring people one day and freezing them out the next. It wasn’t about developing athletes or helping young women grow. It was about control, ego, and power.
Looking back, I’m honestly embarrassed I let myself believe that kind of behavior was “normal” or okay. If you're a parent considering this program, think long and hard about the kind of environment you're putting your daughter into."
"Best coach I’ve ever had and I still stay in contact with her after 9 years. She fueled the love of the game for me. A great coach, friend and mentor. "
"Jackie is a manipulative fraud who capitalizes on harming her athletes. Not many people transferred out of the University of Michigan under Coach Hutch, but she did. Why? Partying and not enough play time for her. If you even try to coach anywhere, best of luck staying there because the girls who's dreams were crushed by you because your lack of intelligence and coaching ability will make sure you don't stay there for long. I hope you sleep well at night knowing you were FIRED from your last coaching job because of mental health abuse. I hope you're embarassed that 30+ players who you have coached came forward and wrote a person statement, filled with the abuse and harm you have done to them over the years. I hope you never coach anyone ever again. Nobody deserves anything you put them through. Oh, and it's not just girls who were on JV going against you. Your favorites and starters wrote things against you right under you and Kathryn's nose. Nobody likes you, we don't care. "
"Professionally speaking it’s sickening the ethic violations Davenport University allows to happen. Even more sickening railroading coaches to hire a friend back. Great coaches that didn’t have a chance at Davenport! "
"Jackie and Kathryn are both embarassing women to the sport of softball. If you see they're are coaching anywhere- run. Good luck coaching anywhere else, you will never hear the end of this, and people deserve to know what you did to us. "
"Love you Coach!!!! You always had the best van!! I’ll never forget all of our laughs, how fun practice was, van trips to practice at 5am, and our adventures on spring trip in Arizona! Grateful to have played for a coach that allowed us to be US!!! Even though all of us freshies at the time probably annoyed the crap out of you haha! "
"Best coach I’ve ever had! I still use the drills I learned from Coach Barley. I’m so happy I got to learn from her at AC. The funnest season I had in my career and the best season I had hitting! "
"When I first met Coach Barley I was not tough on the field. I was immature and I was mentally weak. Instead of belittling me and making me feel bad about myself Coach Barley took me under her wing. She believed in me and we put in a lot of work outside of practice. This made the biggest impact on my growth as a player and person. I was not the most talented player on the field but being tougher created the ability to overcome adversity quicker and I soon found myself as one of the best hitters in the conference. Coach Barley creates confident, gritty players but at the end of the day it all starts with the player and the willingness to grow and learn! A relationship isn’t a one way street! I was excited to see Coach Barley post so many drills from her infield group this year. Those were my favorite memories in all the work we put in together. Many laughs and memories made! She makes the game and repetitive reps fun. I’ve used many of the drills with my high school girls and have seen a lot of improvements so far this year!"
"Coach Barley’s career in Division 2 at 3 colleges that were not only rebuilding programs but had limited resources:
1. Freshman of the year, First team all Region and increased batting avg.
2. Player of the year, Pitcher of the year, First Team All American, Regional Player of the Year, multiple school records broken, 3 All Region players, including development of a powerhouse SS.
3. Player of the Year (back to back in 2 different conferences) broken d2 conference batting avg, multiple all region players.
I’ve followed Coach Barley’s career since the beginning and this doesn’t even state the program records she’s helped break in other divisions she’s coached at.
The ultimate student of the game. Watching her coach through the years, her demeanor with her athletes haven’t changed! She treats everyone with respect and treats her players like young adults capable of making their own decisions. Any school would be lucky to have her on their team because she is a difference maker. Coach Barley should be more demanding and honestly meaner in my opinion but I don’t think the level of athlete is capable of handling that type of coaching. I think she should move to a level that has more athletes with the understanding of the complexity of the sport and the willingness to relentlessly work! But she’s a wild card, she loves coaching players and making them better!"
"The amount of life lessons I’ve learned from Coach Barley that I’ve applied to my military career is abundant. Coach Barley taught me what mental toughness is all about and actually how to enjoy doing hard things and how to have fun doing hard things. This not only helped me on the field but in boot camp as well as I graduated top in my class. I accredit many lessons I learned from Coach Barley with my performance in my career and I’m incredibly grateful that she was my coach. I did not play all the time in my career but I loved being a part of the TEAM! Coach Barley is not mean, I’ve never heard her yell one time or negativity talk to any player on our team. Coach Barley is unique and doesn’t have to be loud or excitable. She is always calm and provides great insight on the mission at hand. All qualities I’ve tried to mimic in my professional career. "
"Jackie is the best coach I’ve ever had. It’s hilarious how her retweeting what the best coaches in the country do is so triggering to people that I’ve personally seen not be able to catch or throw and have to be begged to work hard. Being around this program I’ve never heard Coach Jackie talk negatively to any of us. Honestly, I wish she would have said more but I understand why she didn’t because people at this school can not be held accountable for anything they do. She constantly encourages and gave us mental cues that have helped many of us. Idk how anyone can possibly claim Coach Jackie does not care about mental health. She invested out of pocket for mental health training for us. I loved every minute of our defensive groups and learned so much from her. She’s a truly special person and coach and I hope she never has to be around such miserable people again!!! Forever grateful to have learned from such a knowledgeable person. To the people that craved her attention and didn’t want to work hard or do what they were supposed to do I feel sorry for you because you missed out on knowing a special person and coach!!! "
"Jackie Barley- the coward you are. Retweets things on Twitter about her own "coaching style" (obviously positive things) yet never spoke to her players at practices/games and hid behind Kathryn. Jackie thinks mental health is a joke and kids these days need to "toughen up" but in reality she really does emotionally and mentally abuse her players in ways she could never comprehend. It's funny because she never spoke up at practice yet had manipulative tactics to get in your head. I hope you are never hired to coach anywhere ever again. You don't deserve it and impressionable kids and players need to be saved from being around you. "
"Phenomenal player & person on and off the field in high school and in college. Proven winner at every level she played. Watching Jackie practice with the varsity team when she was 11 I knew she would be something special to this game. Jackie made every team that much better because she wasn't just a player on the field she was another coach. Following her coaching career and success she’s had at the high school level, breaking hitting records at Adrian, starting a program from scratch and beating top 10 opponents with all freshmen, having a freshman of the year, setting all kind of records at Malone and having back to back player of the years and Davenport’s first ever player of the year. I’m very proud to have coached her and to see how she has grown throughout the years and how she continually gives back to the game. Rebuilding a team is really challenging and I know she will find a way through. I only wonder why Davenport’s assistant AD hasn’t taken a stand for Jackie as she has first hand witnessed how special she was on the field and to this game. Just know there’s so many people that are so proud. Find your people and win some games- no easy task in one of the hardest conferences in the country being the only private school with clear deficiencies. Always rooting for you kid. "
"JB you have made such a profound impact on my life that has helped me become the mom and wife I am today. You’re kind, compassionate and pushed me to be the best player I could be. God knows I was frustrating at times and probably let you down a lot but you never gave up on me and always pushed me to be the best I could be. You’re quiet but wise and truly are unapologetically you. Instilling confidence in me that empowered me to be a leader and helping me have the courage to know I was capable of overcoming hard things. I will forever cherish our conversations and laughs. A true players coach that allowed me to make my own decisions and choices but gently pushed me in the right direction to becoming the strong, confident, woman I am today. "
"Jackie Barley is a disgrace to this sport. Just because you were good in high school doesn't mean it'll transfer over into a coaching aspect. Jackie won't say anything in practice and offers no instruction, and does not speak unless spoken to. A pathetic coach who ruins the experience of college softball and dreams of many young women. Run far away from this University and this coaching staff. "
"A Lenawee County Legend. 3x player of the year. Phenomenal player turned coach. Watched her Coach third base and call pitches for the Onsted Wildcats. Watched her coach the team defensively and offensively as the assistant. Then watched the head coach win coach of the year. Jackie has never cared about awards (she has a lot of them) she cares about her players. Watching her beat Tecumseh and coach third base was legendary. Will always be a big fan. Some players that were great aren’t good coaches but this one is a special one. "
"If people knew what actually happened to Jackie they would probably feel pretty bad for trying to bash her past but then again they probably wouldn’t because that’s who they are. I’ve been following her career in softball since she coached my daughter in High School. Being a softball coach was always God’s plan for her. It’s what she was meant to do. Jackie was a big reason my daughter’s team set the school record for wins and won a conference championship. Jackie would disagree with this statement completely as she always has said players win games. Grateful for her. "
"Best coach around. I’ve always told her she’s too good of a coach for D2, D3 and NAIA but I know she gets the most joy coaching and growing struggling athletes into strong, confident versions of themselves. She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself and I will love her for that forever. f you’re an underdog this coach will set your heart on fire. "
"Some of the most fun times I’ve had were on the field with Coach Jackie. She’s a great teacher and is actually pretty funny if you get to know her. I still to this day enjoy her social media posts as she has always highlighted players on her team. Keep being you Coach Jackie! "
"Coach Jackie is an incredibly knowledgeable coach and an even better mentor. Day in and day out, she dedicates her time and energy to helping us improve, constantly pushing us to be the best versions of ourselves. Her care for each of us is evident in everything she does—she genuinely wants to see us succeed, both on and off the field. So what if she’s not the most talkative? That’s simply not her personality, and it’s unfair to expect someone to be something they’re not. You can’t force someone to change an inherent part of who they are. What truly matters is the effort and expertise she brings to the table, and those of us who recognize that know we’re lucky to have her."
" Coach Jackie’s character is exceptional, and Davenport University is fortunate to have her on their coaching staff. Her deep understanding of the game and background as an outstanding player enriched our team dynamics. Jackie’s dedication to the sport and to us athletes was evident, and she maintained a realistic approach to our development. I am so lucky that she invested her time and energy to make not only myself but my teammates better athletes. "
"Jackie was by far one of my favorite coaches I ever had. She lets you be your unique self/unique talent. She does a lot of research to find ways to enhance your abilities defensively and offensively. They do not hold your hand and let you make adult choices within your career. Your playing time is dependent on your work ethic, attitude, and effort. If you don’t bring that to the table then look somewhere else. D2 college sports are not a given playing time. PUT IN THE WORK AND SHOW UP. College sports are not participation awards. HIGHLY recommend them as your coach if you want to be pushed and excel in your talents. "
"Coach Jackie saw something in me nobody else did. She went above and beyond to make sure I was prepared and confident playing a position I never played before. You get out what you put in with Coach Jackie. She doesn’t beg people to buy in. She has a quiet sense of humor and when you spend time with her you understand why everyone who works hard and loves the game is drawn to her. She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Also great van driver! "
"Best in the game. Coach Jackie re-kindled my love for softball in every aspect. I've never met a Coach who believes in her players more than we believe in ourselves. A coach who is dedicated to make us the best version of ourselves and is willing to share her knowledge and passion at any time of day. Most selfless coach and person I have ever met, so blessed to expierience a coach like her in my career. "
"Coach Jackie is a very knowledgeable coach, and Davenport is so very lucky to play for her. I am grateful to say I played for such an amazing coach who has shaped me into a great player and person. "
"Jackie is a coach that will pour into you as a player as long as you show that you want to put the work in. I’ve never been more confident as a player than with her. She spends so much time researching the game to make her players the best they can possibly be. "
"If you don’t work hard, you go through the motions, and are not coachable this isn’t your coach. Jackie won’t beg, yell or put you down if you don’t listen- she will probably just move on to players that want to be coached and work hard. I refound my love for the game being coached by her. Jackie is passionate and a great leader of women. The most humble coach I’ve met as she does not brag or boast about all of her accomplishments. She does promote hardworking players- never taking credit for helping them achieve their goals and accomplishments. A true players coach. "
"One of the best coaches I’ve ever had. Extremely knowledge of the game as I expected she would be as a former All American player. A true players coach. Great on field instruction and drills. Understanding, caring and nice. She has a quiet, confident demeanor and has instilled so much confidence in me that has carried over into my career. Thankful. "
"One of the best coaches I have ever had. Very knowledgeable and passionate. She will not beg you to be coachable but if you are - the sky is the limit for you and your game. She helped me so much with hitting and helped make me a better fielder, player and person. You don’t have to be loud, yell or scream to be a “good” coach and she embodies that. Her presence and calm demeanor elevated my play. Grateful to have been coached by her. "
"AC Jackie from the moment you walked on campus at Adrian everyone knew you were a star. Literally like a rock star on campus, news paper articles I was skeptical that you could live up to the hype. You did and then some. You made my career more enjoyable and I miss our daily laughs and conversations. I coach high school ball now and still do the same drills you guys did with us. Those moments I will forever cherish. Hard work combined with passion can create something special. You were the coolest coach and I will forever cherish our van rides, your jv coaching as well as varsity. You literally bring a smile to my face. "
"Coach Barley has always been a student of the game, always learning and open to trying new things. She doesn’t claim to have all the answers and is wise beyond her years. It’s been a pleasure watching her grow throughout her career and when I see players she has coached winning awards I’m not
surprised. I believe she has had players win in all major categories as well as setting school records at multiple schools. Top notch human. "
"Hit the best I ever had in my career with you. I know you tell me it was all me but you truly don’t know how much you changed my game. Blessed for you and thankful for you Coach Barley. You made my last season enjoyable and fun. We increased our win percentage and batting avg dramatically. Freshman of the year, let’s goooo but mostly made softball a joy for me again.
"
"She knows her college playing career was a fraud. She never lived up to the potential she thought she had. Also not many players EVER transferred out of Michigan under Hutch so that says a lot as well as transferring from Central after. She should really remove Michigan out of her twitter bio she didn’t earn it there. "
"Davenport is lucky to have this coaching staff. Having JV being the only private school in the conference and most expensive is crazy. Since I left Davenport the recruiting classes have been extremely large to accommodate having 2 teams. The previous coaching staff didn’t recruit very well and I saw with my own eyes how entitlement was soon going to be the determinant of the program. You get what you put in. You don’t get to play because you “want” to. It seems if players would have taken the developmental approach of getting better seriously they could have approved but it seems they wanted to take the easy route. Just because you get to college doesn’t mean the work stops. Both coaches are incredibly knowledgeable of the game and are fun to be around. Jackie can still probably hit better than me hehe It is a delusional thought to think either coach is a disgrace to the game. I thought the transfer portal was set in place for these reasons. Don’t like your experience or a coach - transfer. "
"JB - best ss I’ve ever watched play, special talent. Older JB great coach and person. Anyone is lucky to be coached by you. Jealous people will hate, like always, keep people YOU. "
"If you want to get better at softball, Coach Jackie is the coach for you. Player development is her strong suit and I’m convinced she could take a player full willing to work hard but lacking and make them something special. She is 100 percent a players coach that allows athletes to make their own adult decisions. If your decisions are to not put in the work or listen then probably enter the transfer portal because Jackie will be too busy helping the student athletes that want to be there and put in the work. Isn’t that how it should be? "
"I’m sorry you’re going through this. You don’t deserve it. Thanks for always being there for me. I miss you. & “it’s too damn hot for a penguin to just be walking around here.” "
"Never talks to players but sure likes to talk on social media. Just overall doesn’t talk to anyone besides over text because she is too afraid of confrontation. Spineless. Claims she played at Michigan but didn’t even last a whole year there so she never played and was never listed on roster. You can say you played if you lasted a whole season at a school. "
"People have literally no idea what Jackie has been through in her life. The trauma and struggles. The mental fortitude and mental strength she has shown with such trauma is nothing short of admirable. If you knew Jackie in High School you know the FUN, loud, outgoing person she once was. The hardworking, competitive, stellar athlete that was a light in every room she was in. A relentless hard worker with unmatched swag and grit. Although it was sad to see her demeanor understandable change by something no one should ever have to go through. The love of coaching & the pure love of softball and every other sport she excelled at is unmatched. I’ve watched her turn pain and trauma into strength and purpose. Being a coach at institutions that are rebuilding their program is extremely difficult. They often times bring a lot of undeserving hate to people that are merely just trying to create change because that is what they were hired to do. Jackie is the furthest thing from malicious or even mean.
"
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