Missouri Western State University

"When Coach Berg stepped into the head coach role in 2021, it was under unexpected circumstances. Having just graduated herself, she was suddenly placed in the position with little experience coaching at that level. Despite the challenges, she worked hard to maintain professional boundaries between herself and the players, and I believe she did a great job. She takes her responsibilities very seriously and has truly given her best effort, especially considering the challenges and obstacles she's had to face along the way. Of course, like any coach, there are areas where improvement is possible. In particular, I think there's room for growth in her empathy and in addressing the physical health needs of players. However, it’s important to acknowledge that, as a player, I've witnessed some teammates exaggerate or even "milk" injuries, which makes it difficult for any coach to discern what’s genuine and what isn’t. As with any role, coaching is a continual learning process. No one is perfect, and Coach Berg has shown that she is passionate about both the game and Missouri Western. She has made a significant impact, and I’m confident that with time and experience, she’ll only continue to grow and improve."

"Some people have had animosity towards Coach berg because of the terrible culture and attitudes the coach before her (Benz) created. Benz was let go for sleeping with a student, that should tell you enough. Coach berg works hard day and night to help the team get better and create a better culture and environment than where it used to be. This team is like a family and a safe space. She has great lacrosse IQ and plays and drive to push the girls to be better. She also works with the team to strengthen and improve our mental game since it’s a big portion of the game. Say what you want about her because you’re mad that you didn’t get your way, she is a solid coach and does what is best for the team. "

"I committed to this school because I wanted to be a part of an amazing opportunity and start a program from scratch. The school itself has awesome facilities and every start-up has its own issues. I truly believe that Coach Berg thinks she is doing the right thing but she's not. Coach Berg does not have the knowledge to coach at the collegiate level. She has no lacrosse IQ and had multiple division 1 transfers benched during her first year as a coach. She plays players who don't even know how to catch or throw a ball (but can run) along with players who sit out the whole year but only play during the games..? She doesn't even have plays for her offense and runs defensive drills where her players crash from low to high. She has a hard time with criticism, multiple players have tried asking her to explain her knowledge and she gets irritated and ignores them. It's really unfortunate because she has so many talented players (thanks to coach Benz) that won't have the year that they had like last year because every school in the GLVC knows how to play defense on them. This is where coach Berg should be coaching them but unfortunately, like last season, doesn't know how to do so. In order to be a good coach and gain respect, you have to be the bad guy sometimes. Coach Berg acts more like a friend and none of the girls have respect for her. Coach Berg would pull players into her office and talk shit about other players. At the Division 2 level, your coach should know the basics about the game/drills and be coaching you. Missouri Western was a different school two years ago, the whole athletic department is falling apart as well as the academics but that's a whole different story. Good luck to all of the girls this season I hope you all do amazing things, but without a good coach it will be a struggle."

"This coach is limited in knowledge, doesn’t listen to her players and is unwilling to take criticism of any sort. She also tries harder to be a friend and cool coach than any sort of responsible adult in a position of power. She is only in her current position because the head coach before her was let go, she doesn’t have the experience or knowledge to really lead a team. She doesn’t know the game well enough to use her roster nor does she respect or trust her players to do their jobs. She has benched skilled players due to past injuries, started a player that shows up to practice drunk, and continues to allow a racist player on her team. She continually talks trash about her players to other players, and makes fun of one specific athletes odor rather than having a conversation with her. The school will do nothing about any of this. So I urge anyone thinking of playing lacrosse for Berg to not do so. It was the worst decision of my life and I am glad to be away from her."