Women's Softball

Dawn Simmons

Women's Softball Head Coach

University of Lynchburg

NCAA DIII • The Sun Conference | TSC

Most Winningest Odac Softball Coach

Date: October 20, 2024

By Other

4.8

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

4.0

Tags

"Very Motivating, Funny, and Positive person. She Shares a great team culture. She has reached over 700 wins as a coach. "

0

Coed Volleyball

Hannah Givens

Director of Volleyball

University of Lynchburg

NCAA DIII • The Sun Conference | TSC

Beware Of This Coach, She Does Not Know What She Is Doing

Date: April 16, 2024

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication

"Mentally abusive and too emotional. Volleyball IQ was minimal and things she had the players doing was not of college Calibur. Middle school coach at best."

0

Women's Lacrosse

McKenzie Rafferty

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Florida Institute of Technology

NCAA DII • Western Water Polo Association Men | WWPAM

Experienced, Knowledgeable, And Passionate Coach

Date: November 1, 2023

By Athlete

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.4

3.1

3.5

3.2

Tags

Knowledgeable Respectful To Players Poor Communication Motivational Disorganized

"Reading through these reviews pains me because of how amazing Coach Raff really is. Some of these people are obviously weak and blame their inability to play at the collegiate level on their coach. Complaining about playing favorites over you only means that they were better than you (which made them a favorite in the first place). These one-star reviews make me laugh because it shows the type of person you are. Hiding behind a screen trashing a person who’s trying to make you a better one. Coach Raff has a great Lax IQ and knows the game inside and out. You don’t play at the Division 1 level just because. I only had two years with her but wish I could have had her as my coach for all four. I loved how I could talk about anything with her and we shared some amazing laughs and memories together. Miss you Coach Raff!"

4

Women's Lacrosse

McKenzie Rafferty

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Florida Institute of Technology

NCAA DII • Western Water Polo Association Men | WWPAM

Transfer Immediately If She Is Now Running Your Program.

Date: October 23, 2023

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.4

3.1

3.5

3.2

Tags

Knowledgeable Respectful To Players Poor Communication Motivational Disorganized

"Abusive, hostile, racially incentive, homophobic, created a culture of hate and derision. Retaliation is a common practice by this person. Would never let this person around any athlete or child. Was fired, after extensive investigation by university and title IX office. No program at any level should allow this person to be in a situation where she is responsible for the development of other people. She is petty and small, she has a terrible lacrosse IQ. Lynchburg should have done there homework. The ssc had also received complaints about her. Coaches in her conference thought she was a joke for her lack of knowledge about the sport. "

-1

Women's Lacrosse

McKenzie Rafferty

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Florida Institute of Technology

NCAA DII • Western Water Polo Association Men | WWPAM

If You Want To Play Hard, Develop And Compete Coach Raff Is For You!

Date: May 5, 2023

By Other

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.4

3.1

3.5

3.2

Tags

Knowledgeable Respectful To Players Poor Communication Motivational Disorganized

"My daughter has played under Coach Rafferty for 4+ years. I believe she has developed a strong program with a very positive culture. She really cares for her players, but also makes her expectations clear and holds players accountable - and that's not for everyone. If you want to play hard, develop and compete - Coach Raff is for you!"

9

Women's Lacrosse

McKenzie Rafferty

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Florida Institute of Technology

NCAA DII • Western Water Polo Association Men | WWPAM

A Select Few Ruin A Program

Date: May 4, 2023

By Other

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.4

3.1

3.5

3.2

Tags

Knowledgeable Respectful To Players Poor Communication Motivational Disorganized

"The 2022-2023 women's lacrosse season was sabotaged by a few team members and their families who intentionally denied and interfered with the team's ability to participate and benefit from the program. These individuals and their families created a severely hostile environment that paralyzed the team through many ways other than making accusations of the coaches. This well known group of women bullied, intimidated, harassed, created an implicit bias, discriminated and generated an abusive environment to alter the conditions of the team, making it impossible to succeed on the field. A select FEW destroyed the team on and off the field. This is a TITLE IX VIOLATION. Since the coaches have been released, these select few have intensified the hostile environment by turning on teammates- dialing up their intimidation, bullying and harassing them. This program is not a safe, healthy and inclusive environment. These few women are advertising their agenda and damaging Florida Tech as a university. The Florida Tech Athletic Director and his staff need to thoroughly investigate and uncover the true climate of this program. There are many members of the team who enjoy with the program and yet are currently unprotected, unaccounted, unheard and unrepresented. "

44

Women's Lacrosse

McKenzie Rafferty

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Florida Institute of Technology

NCAA DII • Western Water Polo Association Men | WWPAM

Thanks Coach For The Positive Influence Which Will Last A Lifetime!

Date: May 4, 2023

By Other

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.4

3.1

3.5

3.2

Tags

Knowledgeable Respectful To Players Poor Communication Motivational Disorganized

"My daughter told me about this site and how the newly self appointed "leaders" of the team are telling the girls to come on this site and trash the coach. I am appalled! We can thank these "self appointed leaders" for causing division on the team and for destroying its culture. Coach Rafferty really helped my daughter become a better player and I know her positive influence on my daughter will last a lifetime! And, THAT is the measure of a great coach! Thank you Coach Rafferty!"

29

Women's Lacrosse

McKenzie Rafferty

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Florida Institute of Technology

NCAA DII • Western Water Polo Association Men | WWPAM

Constant Poor Behavior Towards Players And Poor Conversation To Other Teammates!

Date: May 4, 2023

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.4

3.1

3.5

3.2

Tags

Knowledgeable Respectful To Players Poor Communication Motivational Disorganized

"Would pull her top players to put in the athletes she thought of as “less valuable” to prove what a loss is. Gave up constantly on the team. Would talk poorly about players to other players, I mean come on, if you’re still defending her it’s simply because you were the player hearing about your teammates. Give. It a break and grow up, recognizing bad coaching is a part of getting better as an athlete and it’s a shame to see people supporting her still."

-21

Women's Lacrosse

McKenzie Rafferty

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Florida Institute of Technology

NCAA DII • Western Water Polo Association Men | WWPAM

Wow Calling Out Teammates!

Date: May 3, 2023

By Other

3.8

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.4

3.1

3.5

3.2

Tags

Knowledgeable Respectful To Players Poor Communication Motivational Disorganized

"I won’t question your experience with this coach; however, it does seem like a mixed bag. What is sad and telling is that many of the negative reviews turned from coaching experience to devaluing your teammates. Suggesting their talents are less than yours, suggesting team captains are unworthy, playing the worst players on the team due to favoritism, and “…play attackers that only care about their own stats”- that’s a strong accusation. What’s this say about YOU? Remember, it’s likely that your AD, parents and teammates see your comments. YOU want a team environment, but you likely created hostility. Not a good look and unfair to your teammates. "

9

Women's Lacrosse

McKenzie Rafferty

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Florida Institute of Technology

NCAA DII • Western Water Polo Association Men | WWPAM

The Real Coach Rafferty Experience

Date: May 2, 2023

By Verified Athlete

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.4

3.1

3.5

3.2

Tags

Knowledgeable Respectful To Players Poor Communication Motivational Disorganized

"Coach Rafferty was a great coach. She truly cared about me as a player. She really knows what she’s talking about in the game of lacrosse. She also does so much for us as athletes. She plans a lot of team bonding events for us that are amazing! I loved the galentines day parties most. I think that stuff goes under appreciated. She also is super understanding how hard the school is and gives us an academic and a mental health day each semester. I enjoyed my time as a player for Coach raff. She made me a better player and person. It’s sad to see what is happening at FT. "

19

Women's Lacrosse

McKenzie Rafferty

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Florida Institute of Technology

NCAA DII • Western Water Polo Association Men | WWPAM

A Good Coach Can Change A Game, A Great Coach Can Change A Life

Date: May 2, 2023

By Other

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.4

3.1

3.5

3.2

Tags

Knowledgeable Respectful To Players Poor Communication Motivational Disorganized

"Coach Rafferty has been a great Coach for our daughter throughout the time she played for her. We, as parents, trusted her with our daughter and always felt she was in good hands. We have 3 other daughters and would love for her to coach them as well!"

14

Women's Lacrosse

McKenzie Rafferty

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Florida Institute of Technology

NCAA DII • Western Water Polo Association Men | WWPAM

The Real Experience With Coach Rafferty

Date: May 2, 2023

By Other

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.4

3.1

3.5

3.2

Tags

Knowledgeable Respectful To Players Poor Communication Motivational Disorganized

"Coach Rafferty has grown so much over the years as she was a coach at Florida Tech. She has learned and developed a coaching style where she shows how much she cares for her athletes and their mental health. Checking in constantly and making sure everyone is doing well both academically and mentally. She is available anytime anyone needed her and had an open door policy. I would reccomend her to anyone as a coach where she has shown me as one of her athletes that she cares and wants me to grow better as a lacrosse player and a person. Throwing her athletes parties for each holiday, giving us days off when she feels that we need it, and incorporates drills in our practices that we need to work on in games. She gives us the opportunity to talk to her if we need individual feedback on our performance. "

15

Women's Lacrosse

McKenzie Rafferty

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Florida Institute of Technology

NCAA DII • Western Water Polo Association Men | WWPAM

Losing Seasons & Team Culture, Don’t Be So Naive!

Date: May 2, 2023

By Verified Athlete

2.4

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.4

3.1

3.5

3.2

Tags

Knowledgeable Respectful To Players Poor Communication Motivational Disorganized

"Being brutally honest, she isn’t the world’s worst coach but she is no where near being a player’s coach or an impactful coach for any athlete. As a starter and someone she was respected by for many years, if you weren’t a perfect favorite, you meant nothing. Every coach will have favorites, it’s a fact, and it’s completely easy to just let it go. However, when you don’t respect your players opinion and care enough to support the team, then you shouldn’t be a coach and it proves through her last losing seasons. The leaders from previous years were well rounded and weren’t just her friends they were players who respected the team and led by example. Her last few years she displayed a team culture that was not fun to be in and made the team undoubtedly weak in competition. You have to be fair to her knowledge and understand she did know what she was talking about but that’s just not quite enough to be a coach. Just because you’re a starter or you’re daughter played as much as you wanted her too, definitely does not make Rafferty a good coach and simply makes you look naive to the team culture. "

-7

Women's Lacrosse

McKenzie Rafferty

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Florida Institute of Technology

NCAA DII • Western Water Polo Association Men | WWPAM

A Lifetime Of Lessons And An Impactful Coach

Date: May 2, 2023

By Other

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.4

3.1

3.5

3.2

Tags

Knowledgeable Respectful To Players Poor Communication Motivational Disorganized

"I sat in the stands and watched every game....I don't know what you people are talking about! What I do know is that parent behavior in the stands was embarrassing. You complain when Coach Rafferty makes a player change and you complain when she doesn't. You cant have it both ways. This is college lacrosse. Stop with the Mommy/Daddy ball and stop embarrassing our program with your blatant lies. All you have to do is watch the game film to see her coaching and talking to the players. I am thankful for the impact she made on my daughter and the lessons she instilled will last a life time. Thanks Coach Rafferty!"

15

Women's Lacrosse

McKenzie Rafferty

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Florida Institute of Technology

NCAA DII • Western Water Polo Association Men | WWPAM

Coach Raff And Her Awful Coaching Ways

Date: May 2, 2023

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.4

3.1

3.5

3.2

Tags

Knowledgeable Respectful To Players Poor Communication Motivational Disorganized

"Coach raff doenst know the game of lacrosse If a lacrosse stick smacked her in the face… she is absolutely clueless, is immature and one of the most boring people I ever met. Her coaching styles are brutal playing her favorites no matter what. No in game adjustments whatsoever. Absolute garbage coach. Likes playing low comp to feel good ab herself only to get absolutely embarrassed by every team in conference . How she got this job to begin beats me man. But I wouldn’t hire her if my life depended on it."

-14

Women's Lacrosse

McKenzie Rafferty

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Florida Institute of Technology

NCAA DII • Western Water Polo Association Men | WWPAM

Farewell Coach Mc Kenzie Rafferty

Date: May 2, 2023

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.4

3.1

3.5

3.2

Tags

Knowledgeable Respectful To Players Poor Communication Motivational Disorganized

"I mean you don’t need anything but statistics to reveal just how bad of a coach McKenzie Rafferty. She became head coach in 2019. In 2018 Florida Tech had a record of 17-3. In 2019, Florida Tech had a record of 7-9. Quite the discrepancy… Additionally, for this season and last season Coach Rafferty would only inflate her team’s statistics by playing low-level d2 teams, causing her team to get stunned in conference play with the significant increase in level of competition. Florida Tech women’s lacrosse will greatly benefit from a new head coach."

-13

Women's Lacrosse

McKenzie Rafferty

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Florida Institute of Technology

NCAA DII • Western Water Polo Association Men | WWPAM

Clear Definition Of Someone Not Meant To Be A Coach

Date: May 1, 2023

By Verified Athlete

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.4

3.1

3.5

3.2

Tags

Knowledgeable Respectful To Players Poor Communication Motivational Disorganized

"Absolute worst coach I’ve ever had. I finally quit my junior year after 2 and half years of plain mental abuse. After 10 years of playing, she drained the love of the sport for me and several others. My freshman year, the whole team was required to go around in a circle and read off their stats and explain why they were ruining the team. A teammate in my graduating class had 0 minutes of playing time, clearly upset and uncomfortable, was required to explain why her 0 minutes was “hurting the team”. She blames specific individuals for losses in front of the entire team. While watching film, she would pick on one person to the point where the only feeling walking out of there is defeat and worthlessness. After this, she will completely give up coaching you, as if she did in the first place. Rafferty will completely lie to your face about not playing and tell you the same hopeful script she tells the other non-favorites: We see you working hard, and we will put you in where we need you. This coach plays her favorites through injuries and sickness over giving the non-favorites a chance. Her version of “chance” is the last two minutes of the game after the starters are gassed, where there’s no momentum and your legs are cold. The team culture is directly impacted from the toxic coaching. The captains the team voted for were completely ignored, simply picked the two favorites who worshiped the ground she walked on. This favoritism led to a lot of team tension and jealously. There’s no coaching, it was all giggling and mocking my teammates and I. In one of the games, I got excited once I heard my name and several of us on the sideline to finally get some playing time. Only to hear as you run onto the field she and the assistant coach saying they were putting the s*** players in to see what a s*** game looks like. If you want to lose complete self worth and love for the game, play for her. The only individual growth you will have is to be a cheerleader on the sidelines while watching your teammates have the chance you never had. Even though they were being worked into the ground with no changes in game play made. I will forever support my teammates, just from the freedom of the bleachers instead of under the control of a manipulative “leader”. There are so many horrid experiences I could share but all in all: WOULD NOT RECOMMEND even to my worst enemy. "

-14

Women's Lacrosse

McKenzie Rafferty

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Florida Institute of Technology

NCAA DII • Western Water Polo Association Men | WWPAM

Would Highly Recommend This Coach! (To My Worst Enemy)

Date: May 1, 2023

By Verified Athlete

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.4

3.1

3.5

3.2

Tags

Knowledgeable Respectful To Players Poor Communication Motivational Disorganized

"I hesitate to say that I would only recommend playing for Coach Rafferty to my worst enemy, because I dont think anyone deserves the mental manipulation, anxiety, depression, and fat shaming that comes with playing under her. Coach Rafferty sabotaged our season by not coaching during games (she would only say our starting lineup and nothing else) and by playing favorites. She would matchup our worst 1v1 defender with the opposing teams fastest and best drivers which costs us games. She would play attackers that only care about their own stats. In fact the only statistic you need to excel in to receive playing time is time spent in the coaches office. Many practices were spent doing sprints after losses even if you didnt touch the field. After a one point loss, she yelled at a freshman in front of the whole team blaming her for the loss. She made us read our stats in front of the whole team and explain why we had turnovers and how we are causing the team to lose. On the quiet bus ride home from a loss her and our assistant coach made fun of multiple people on the team making comments like “You transferred from a D1 school but you dont know how to play defense?” instead of helping the athlete become better she put her down and made similar comments about others as she went down the stat sheet. This was a common theme, talking about how her players were not good enough, but doing nothing to teach them to be better. You would think after consecutive losing seasons in conference you would change the practice plan, but nope! We did the same practice for years and i watched my teams growth be stunted. If you think youre program has hit rock bottom and can’t possibly get worse, hire this coach as she will surprise you with her efforts. "

-12

Women's Lacrosse

McKenzie Rafferty

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Florida Institute of Technology

NCAA DII • Western Water Polo Association Men | WWPAM

If You Want To Play College Athletics And Become A Better Player, Do Not Play For Her.

Date: May 1, 2023

By Verified Athlete

1.6

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.4

3.1

3.5

3.2

Tags

Knowledgeable Respectful To Players Poor Communication Motivational Disorganized

"Playing for coach raff has made me a worse player than when I came. I am a dedicated and highly coachable athlete, but I literally receive no feedback or communication in an average practice. She continually plays the worst players on the team due to her favoritism which has cost us our last season. We will never be successful with her as a coach and playing for her has drained all of my love for the sport. "

-6

Women's Lacrosse

McKenzie Rafferty

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Florida Institute of Technology

NCAA DII • Western Water Polo Association Men | WWPAM

A Wonderful Experience For My Daughter

Date: April 30, 2023

By Other

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.4

3.1

3.5

3.2

Tags

Knowledgeable Respectful To Players Poor Communication Motivational Disorganized

"What a wonderful experience my daughter has had at Florida Tech with Coach Rafferty. She is an experienced coach who has improved this team year after year. She instills accountability in each player and my daughter has thrived under her leadership. Thank you for teaching my daughter the value of hard work. As in any sport, it is the coach’s responsibility to determine playing time. It is the player’s responsibility to earn that playing time. "

5

Women's Lacrosse

McKenzie Rafferty

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Florida Institute of Technology

NCAA DII • Western Water Polo Association Men | WWPAM

Right Time To Make A Change

Date: April 30, 2023

By Other

1.8

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.4

3.1

3.5

3.2

Tags

Knowledgeable Respectful To Players Poor Communication Motivational Disorganized

"Coach Rafferty’s performance can’t NOT be defended especially with regards to in game adjustments and playing the most game ready capable athletes on the team. When a team has 5 losses ..3 in the conference where they had a scoreless quarter(s) and 3 goals in the 2nd half..and NO lineup or substitutions are made it’s on the coach..Especially when there a MULTIPLE players of superior talent sitting..The stats of conference play don’t lie..she’s leaving the program with ZERO class of 2024 verbally committed athletes..there is pattern of not replying HS players emails and calls from club recruiting coordinators from Nationally known programs. "

-9

Women's Lacrosse

McKenzie Rafferty

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Florida Institute of Technology

NCAA DII • Western Water Polo Association Men | WWPAM

Reasons You’d Love Rafferty

Date: April 30, 2023

By Other

1.2

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.4

3.1

3.5

3.2

Tags

Knowledgeable Respectful To Players Poor Communication Motivational Disorganized

"If you wanted a coach to never talk to you and only whisper and giggle about things you’re doing wrong then you’d love Coach Rafferty. Whether it was conditioning where no matter how fast you ran you were too slow or if it was at practice where she stared at you blankly without feedback, Raff was not transparent and only watched and cared for her favorites. She encouraged complacency by only playing the same girls every game no matter their mental or physical, and when the game wasn’t going our way she would fully blame the team and not implement changes when she had the chance. Overall, doesn’t show respect to her players and it shows"

-14

Women's Lacrosse

McKenzie Rafferty

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Florida Institute of Technology

NCAA DII • Western Water Polo Association Men | WWPAM

Very Professional And Responsive

Date: April 30, 2023

By Other

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.4

3.1

3.5

3.2

Tags

Knowledgeable Respectful To Players Poor Communication Motivational Disorganized

"As a referee, I have seen Coach Rafferty coach her team in a very professional manner. She is organized, patient and responsive during games. However, some of the parents on her team have displayed horrendous behavior from the stands and it is unfortunate that the Florida Tech Athletic Department did not see fit to address their unsportsmanlike behavior. This should not be a reflection on the coach but on the administration who lets this behavior go unchecked."

15

Women's Lacrosse

McKenzie Rafferty

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Florida Institute of Technology

NCAA DII • Western Water Polo Association Men | WWPAM

Thank You Coach Rafferty! You Gave The Players Everything They Needed To Be Successful!

Date: April 30, 2023

By Other

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.4

3.1

3.5

3.2

Tags

Knowledgeable Respectful To Players Poor Communication Motivational Disorganized

"Coach Rafferty made such a huge positive impact on my daughter’s experience at Florida Tech and improved the program overall. She gave my daughter confidence and made her a better player. She built great comradery among the team and focused her attention on improving skills both tactically and strategically. When she first got to Tech the team couldn't play a zone defense. She improved both the defense and the offense and created an environment that led the team to beating a top 10 team in the country and leading D2 schools in multiple statistical categories. Her lacrosse acumen is amazing and she makes adjustments to allow the team to be competitive in every game. She gives the players everything they need to be successful. The rest is on the player…the students of the game who are willing to learn and work hard on their craft have benefited tremendously from Coach Rafferty. Players who don’t want to learn and who don’t want to work hard should just quit…they are ruining this program. "

25

Women's Lacrosse

McKenzie Rafferty

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Florida Institute of Technology

NCAA DII • Western Water Polo Association Men | WWPAM

Best Coach I Ever Had! Expectations Are Clear!

Date: April 30, 2023

By Other

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.4

3.1

3.5

3.2

Tags

Knowledgeable Respectful To Players Poor Communication Motivational Disorganized

"Best Coach I ever had! Coach Rafferty is a player's coach. She does not play favorites. She plays players who put the work into their sport. She is clear in her expectation that we hone our craft and put the work in and she gives us everything we need to improve our play. Her one on ones are amazing and can improve your game if you actually show up to them! If you don't do the work don't expect to play. It's on you."

15

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