Women's Softball

Hillary Smith

Women's Softball Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

Embarrassment To Softball

Date: June 29, 2026

By Parent

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

"This coach and her husband had the police called on them recently at a travel tournament due to their outlandish rude behavior toward umpires and other coaches. They should be banded from coaching anywhere. No reputable university should employ someone who exhibits this type of behavior. Can you imagine how student athletes are treated behind closed doors? Everyone should stay clear from the both of them. They are an embarrassment to any university and to the game of softball. Ask any umpire or coach in Connecticut. They are not growing a great team but developing a poor reputation. "

0

Women's Softball

Hillary Smith

Women's Softball Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

Not A Great Coach

Date: June 28, 2026

By Athlete

1.6

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

2.0

1.0

3.0

1.0

Tags

Intense Knowledgeable Believes In You Develops Team Beyond The Field Motivational

"Was not going to leave a comment, but after reading some of the reviews you can tell who actually played for coach Hillary and who takes lessons. Because there is a big difference. As a player I saw her bully some players, break them down mentally. This past season players left during winter break. She separated us into groups. One group (mine) hardly ever practiced with the team, was not coached just told to hit of tee. Was no practice plan. When asked for extra practice we were ignored. And there were days when we were just sent to lift weights. If you pay her for lessons, i guess she is good at that"

0

Women's Softball

Hillary Smith

Women's Softball Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

Not A Good Coach

Date: June 23, 2026

By Parent

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Intense Knowledgeable Believes In You Develops Team Beyond The Field Motivational

"The truth is simple: Quinnipiac University softball team succeeded because of Xen Penny, the new hitting coach, and in spite of Hillary Smith. Her coaching style is toxic, hostile, and built on tearing players down. She creates chaos, not leadership. Any program that cares about its athletes should stay far away from her. "

0

Women's Softball

Hillary Smith

Women's Softball Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

Not A Good Coach At All Run

Date: June 23, 2026

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Intense Knowledgeable Believes In You Develops Team Beyond The Field Motivational

"Suddenly everyone is speaking up for her. Coincidence, I think not. If they were family and wanted to help your daughter, why is there a dollar amount attached? Family helps out of love, not for financial gain. Don't take lesson or pay and see how much they care? They are rude and disrespectful. I appreciate a strong hard coach, but disrespect is never accepted. If you don't pay - you don't play. You don't get feed back. She bullies and body shames you. Her husband is just as bad. Pretends to be all in. They are great manipulators. Wait until next week. "

0

Women's Softball

Hillary Smith

Women's Softball Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

Wake Up

Date: June 23, 2026

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Intense Knowledgeable Believes In You Develops Team Beyond The Field Motivational

"Obviously she has reach out to parents to try to save her job. If you notice they all mention lessons - certainly they paid for. This tactic of contacting players parents to speak on her behalf is what she does when her back is against the wall. I hope no one is falling for this especially when you all realize you have been lied to. When you all see how she is scamming you. Don't confusing paying her to like you with her actually caring. "

0

Women's Soccer

Dave Clarke

Women's Soccer Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

Great Coach!

Date: June 18, 2026

By Athlete

4.8

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

4.0

5.0

Tags

Intense Direct Accessible Cool Knows The Game

"Dave was exactly what I was looking for. He gets straight to the point and cares about athlete development. He also pays great attention to personal wellbeing and academics. He leads every session and game with an intensity that motivates everyone to work hard."

0

Men's Baseball

John Delaney

Men's Baseball Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

Motivated As To Achieve A Winning And Positive Environment.

Date: June 16, 2026

By Athlete

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Cool Accessible Intense Direct Believes In You

"I haven’t stepped on campus and been a player for him yet. However, throughout the recruiting process and visits to campus he has been extremly supportive. His passion for the game and coaching is unmatched. He is there for you whether it is something academically or for athletics. I am super excited for the opportunity to play for a coach like him. He is a players coach, his knowledge and skills on and off the field are extremly valuable. "

0

Women's Softball

Hillary Smith

Women's Softball Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

More Than A Coach

Date: June 16, 2026

By Parent

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Intense Knowledgeable Believes In You Develops Team Beyond The Field Motivational

"We have been fortunate enough to have known Hillary and the Smith family for the past few years. Our daughter began taking lessons with them and later joined their travel team as well. The growth we’ve seen over that time has been incredible. Her progress has been recognized by coaches and players across many platforms, but most importantly, we’ve watched her confidence flourish. The Smiths have helped shape her development in so many ways, both on and off the field. They have invested not only in her softball skills, but also in her mental approach to the game, her softball IQ, and even her understanding of nutrition and overall athletic development. Thanks to their guidance, she is more than ready for the next level of play—not just because of her skill set, but because of the confidence, knowledge, work ethic, and mental toughness she has gained along the way. We are incredibly grateful for everything they have done to help her grow as both a player and a young woman."

0

Women's Softball

Hillary Smith

Women's Softball Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

Beyond The Noise: The Real Impact Of Coach Hillary’s Leadership

Date: June 16, 2026

By Parent

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Intense Knowledgeable Believes In You Develops Team Beyond The Field Motivational

"Mrs. Hillary has been an absolute game-changer for my daughter as a youth softball pitching coach. From day one, the turnaround has been remarkable, not just in her pitching mechanics, but in her intrinsic drive to improve. Mrs. Hillary sets an elite standard, and she inspires her athletes to rise up and meet it. My daughter works incredibly hard in every practice and game because she is genuinely motivated to be the best version of herself, both on and off the field. As a parent, I am deeply grateful for her intense, focused coaching, her constant stream of constructive feedback, and her unwavering commitment to helping these young athletes chase their next-level goals. My daughter is a two-sport athlete with plenty of opportunities to skip off-season workouts, but she refuses to miss a single day. She isn't just putting in the work for the sport; she’s doing it for the culture Mrs. Hillary creates. To achieve excellence, you have to surround yourself with excellence, and that is exactly what Mrs. Hillary provides. If you are content with just getting by, this isn't the place for you. Mrs. Hillary’s field is reserved exclusively for those chasing greatness."

0

Women's Softball

Hillary Smith

Women's Softball Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

A Coach Who Pushes Players To Be Their Best

Date: June 16, 2026

By Athlete

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Intense Knowledgeable Believes In You Develops Team Beyond The Field Motivational

"Coach Hillary Smith was a pleasure to play for during my time as a student-athlete. She creates a highly competitive environment in both practices and games that challenges players to be their best every day. Her expectations are high, but they push athletes to develop both their skills and confidence on the field. She emphasizes hard work, accountability, and competing at a high level, which helps prepare players for success throughout their careers. At the same time, she genuinely cares about her athletes as people, not just as players. She is invested in their growth on and off the field and wants to see them succeed in all aspects of life. The culture she builds encourages competitiveness, teamwork, and personal development. I am grateful for the opportunity to have played under her leadership."

0

Women's Softball

Hillary Smith

Women's Softball Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

Coach Hillary

Date: June 16, 2026

By Parent

4.2

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

1.0

Tags

Intense Knowledgeable Believes In You Develops Team Beyond The Field Motivational

"My daughter takes lessons with Coach Hillary. She has come so far with pitching and that is thanks to Hillary and my child’s hard work. She gave her a book on nutrition as she wasn’t eating properly before her games and it’s been so helpful. When Hillary is away with her own team, she gives her drills and exercises to work on. Very blessed for all she has taught her."

0

Women's Softball

Hillary Smith

Women's Softball Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

Second To None! Coach Hillary Is The Best!

Date: June 16, 2026

By Parent

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Intense Knowledgeable Believes In You Develops Team Beyond The Field Motivational

"Coach Hillary has been one of the greatest blessings in my daughter's softball journey. We feel incredibly fortunate to have Coach Hillary leading our team. As a pitcher, my daughter has reached new heights under Coach Hillary's guidance, developing not only her skills on the field but also the mindset needed to succeed at the next level. What sets Coach Hillary apart is how deeply she cares about her players as people. She has provided my daughter with invaluable advice about recruiting, work ethic, attitude, grit, and all of the qualities necessary to become a successful college athlete. Beyond softball, my daughter trusts Coach Hillary completely and often seeks her advice about life, school, and the challenges that come with growing up. As a parent, there is no greater compliment I can give a coach than to say my daughter views her as a mentor and role model whom she feels comfortable confiding in. The confidence that Coach Hillary and Coach Horace have shown in my daughter has helped her grow in ways I never could have imagined. The Smiths have had a tremendous impact on my daughter's development, both on and off the field. They have challenged her, supported her, and helped her believe in herself. The lessons she has learned from them extend far beyond softball and will stay with her for years to come. I simply cannot say enough about the positive influence Coach Hillary and Coach Horace have had on our family. We are grateful every day to be part of this team and feel incredibly lucky that our paths crossed with theirs. The Smiths are not just our coaches they are FAMILY. #TRIBE4LIFE"

0

Women's Softball

Hillary Smith

Women's Softball Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

Best In The Business!

Date: June 16, 2026

By Parent

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Intense Knowledgeable Believes In You Develops Team Beyond The Field Motivational

"We are incredibly blessed and grateful to have met Coach Smith when my daughter was just 9 years old and beginning her softball journey. At the time, Coach Smith had recently moved to Connecticut from Florida after spending time coaching at UCF. She worked with my daughter in those early years before my daughter eventually came under the tutelage of Coach Smith’s husband. Today, my daughter is a 14 year old high school freshman who has earned All Conference and All-State honors. While those accomplishments are exciting, they are the result of the values Coach Smith and her family instill in their athletes: hard work, discipline, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. What makes the Smiths so special is that they teach far more than softball. They emphasize the life skills necessary to succeed long after the final game is played - toughness, resilience, hard work, and perseverance. Unfortunately, many of these lessons have been lost in today’s pay-to-play travel softball culture. Coach Hillary and the entire Smith family have become family to us. They represent everything coaching should be: selfless mentorship, genuine care for their athletes, and an unwavering commitment to helping young people become better players and, more importantly, better people. They are the standard that all coaches should strive to embody. I trust my daughter’s path with her without any hesitation. "

2

Women's Softball

Hillary Smith

Women's Softball Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

Awful Coach. Awful Human Being.

Date: June 16, 2026

By Parent

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Intense Knowledgeable Believes In You Develops Team Beyond The Field Motivational

"How this woman coaches a D1 program, I’ll never know. My daughter and family has been involved in the travel circuit for years. I have NEVER seen the type of behavior I witnessed from this “coach” over this last weekend. She coaches some team called Tribe softball. Her husband who assists her literally pushed our coach on the field and tried fighting him. She stands behind the backstop when the opposing team is hitting and screams on to the field the entire time. 100% disrespectful to the batter. They played antics after antics during every game. They bully the umpires, break rules and literally every single team at the tournament hated them. It’s so sad for the girls under their care. This woman should be fired from ANY coaching position and should NEVER be allowed near ANY kids ever again. What an absolute scum bag!"

-2

Women's Softball

Hillary Smith

Women's Softball Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

Positive Experience

Date: June 14, 2026

By Athlete

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Intense Knowledgeable Believes In You Develops Team Beyond The Field Motivational

"Coach Hill is an outstanding coach who creates a welcoming and family-like atmosphere for everyone on the team. She is incredibly knowledgeable and is open to conversation whenever support or guidance is needed. Her positive attitude, encouragement, and genuine care for her athletes make a lasting impact. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from Coach Hill. "

2

Women's Softball

Hillary Smith

Women's Softball Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

Mental Abusive Bully

Date: June 13, 2026

By Other

1.4

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

3.0

1.0

Tags

Intense Knowledgeable Believes In You Develops Team Beyond The Field Motivational

"Hillary Smith has bullied scholarship athletes out of her program after lying to their faces about their opportunities to get them on campus. She prevents players from practicing, chews players out for requesting feedback and creates a horrible team dynamic. Do not play for her, do not hire her, and do not interact with her "

-2

Women's Softball

Hillary Smith

Women's Softball Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

Competitive Coach For Hard Working Players

Date: June 12, 2026

By Athlete

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Intense Knowledgeable Believes In You Develops Team Beyond The Field Motivational

"Coach Hill cares deeply about the program and her players to create a winning environment. She runs practices that are intense and competitive and gives players many opportunities to prove themselves, which is not given at all D1 programs. She is very knowledgeable about the game, which shows especially when working with infielders and pitchers. Players who are gritty and willing to work hard on the field, in the weight room, and in the classroom will thrive in the atmosphere Coach Hill has created. She makes sure every player knows they have a role on the team and creates a family-like culture. When difficult conversations need to be had, she is honest and direct as she wants to get the best out of her athletes. Being coached by Coach Hill has made me more confident, tough, and has pushed me past barriers I thought I had. College softball is not easy, but I found a renewed love for the game playing for Coach Hill at QU. "

2

Women's Softball

Hillary Smith

Women's Softball Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

Family Like Atmosphere

Date: June 11, 2026

By Athlete

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Intense Knowledgeable Believes In You Develops Team Beyond The Field Motivational

"Coach Hill has been a huge part of the final chapters of my softball career and I wouldn’t change anything for it. Coach hill has not helped develop me as a player but also as a person and I am beyond grateful for the experience and lessons she has taught me. I have had many ups and downs in softball but Quinnipiac has lead me to end my career on a positive note. Coach hill is a coach that will always allow you to communicate with her and have this hard conversations when they are needed. College softball is hard but my experiences at Quinnipiac have made them so worth it because of the memories, friendships, and experiences I have been able to get out of it. I have created sisters and another family that will be with me forever. "

2

Women's Softball

Hillary Smith

Women's Softball Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

Great Coach That Expects And Creates Greatness

Date: June 11, 2026

By Athlete

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Intense Knowledgeable Believes In You Develops Team Beyond The Field Motivational

"Coach Hill is a coach you want your athlete to play for as she will help them gain confidence in their game, knowledge and ability to overcome tough obstacles as an athlete and person. She is very knowledgeable about the game and develops players IQ and confidence on the field. Her passion for coaching and the game of softball translates into her ability to motivate her team to strive for and achieve greatness. She has continued success every year she has been a head coach which shows her resilience and dedication to the team and it's culture. Every year, QU's record got better and their ability to compete with top teams was a new standard. She is really good at raising the bar and expecting a lot out of her players. This in turn, makes them successful both on and off the field. Looking back I am truly grateful to have had her as a coach as she motivated me to be better in all aspects of my life. She helped me realize I am my only limit and that I can push myself to do things I originally did not think I could do. She always believed in me, even when I did not believe in myself. She helped build my character by being tough and realistic, even when I did not want to hear it. I am truly grateful to have been coached by her and am a better person, athlete, and player because of her. "

1

Women's Softball

Hillary Smith

Women's Softball Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

Great Coach, Builds A Fantastic Program

Date: June 11, 2026

By Athlete

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Intense Knowledgeable Believes In You Develops Team Beyond The Field Motivational

"Coach Hill was definitely a tough Coach, but coached in that manner because she cares and believes in the best for her players. Played under Coach Hill for 4 years and took a lot of adjustment to get used to the intense college practices and coaching, but it 100% made me a better player and better/tougher person. Yes, she will make you run and yes, she will have a hard conversation with you if it is warranted, but that is what makes her a great coach. In the moment, I didn’t enjoy some of the conditioning and hard practices and boot camps, but looking back it was those moments with Coach Hill where I really gained my confidence and grit. She really does care about her players, and strives to win. It’s a tough job especially with a big roster of women who may not get to play, and there may be some criticism from them, but in all she really does care about the program and it feels like a family. I was so grateful for the experience I had and am grateful for all the bonding Coach Hill set up for the team outside of the games and practices. She’s a tough coach who knows how to test her players for greatness. She puts in a lot of hours to her job and has been allowing the team to continuously do better performance wise for the past 6+ years. It’s a hard battle, and she is a great leader through the great and bad times a team may face. Thankful for having Coach Hill as my coach for my last years of my softball career, and thankful for all the lessons she taught me throughout that I continue to look back on and take with me throughout my professional career now. "

1

Women's Softball

Hillary Smith

Women's Softball Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

Horrible Coach

Date: April 10, 2026

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Intense Knowledgeable Believes In You Develops Team Beyond The Field Motivational

"Hillary Smith is a terrible coach and horrible human being. She is not a person you would want to send your daughters to play for. She creates a toxic environment and is detrimental to her players mental health. "

1

Women's Softball

Hillary Smith

Women's Softball Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

Do Not Play For Her

Date: March 11, 2026

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Intense Knowledgeable Believes In You Develops Team Beyond The Field Motivational

"Now she is a travel team coach with impressionable young girls. Her husband and her are scamming the organization. You should not play for her and she should be fired. Game time is not given to the top 9 players but to whoever she likes and favors. She body shames the girls weight. She is very abusive and University has been put on notice for years and have done nothing . Instead she is told about complaints and the team gets punished for speaking up. The team does not perform as they should because again she only favors players who take paid lessons from her husband, babysits her children or suck up to her. She is mentally abusive, body shaming, degrading and should not be around young girls. University needs to interview. "

1

Women's Rugby

Becky Carlson

Women's Rugby Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

It’s Easier To Write Bad Things Than Have A Conversation It Seems

Date: November 25, 2025

By Other

3.8

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

4.0

3.0

Tags

Intense Accessible Direct Cool Cares About Academics

"I mean reading all these are silly I wouldn’t say she manipulated anyone "

0

Women's Field Hockey

Nina Klein

Field Hockey Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

Amazing Person And Coach, Wants You To Succeed And Is Really Supportive With Everything You Do

Date: November 25, 2025

By Athlete

4.6

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

4.0

5.0

4.0

5.0

Tags

Accessible Believes In You Creates A Great Team Culture Develops Team Beyond The Field Great Communicator

"She was always there, kind person and good coach. Dedicated to what she does and respectful, nothing bad to say."

0

Women's Rugby

Becky Carlson

Women's Rugby Head Coach

Quinnipiac University

NCAA DI • New Jersey Athletic Conference | NJAC

Emotionally Manipulative Coach

Date: June 11, 2025

By Verified Athlete

2.2

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

2.0

3.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

Tags

Intense Accessible Direct Cool Cares About Academics

"Coach honestly made my experience at QU unpleasant. She emotionally manipulated players and tears the team apart from the inside out. She controls EVERY aspect of players lives outside of rugby. She told players who had serious injuries/surgery that they were faking it and lazy. If you accept and offer to play here and aren’t her favorite, be ready for emotional warfare. "

0

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Quinnipiac University

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