University of Southern Indiana

"I was really rooting for this coach to redeem himself at some point. Unfortunately, he fell short in EVERY department despite waiting multiple years/seasons 'coaching' our child and our diminished expectations. Factoring in this being a newer D1 program establishing itself, Coach Kainer lacks the know how, the desire and commitment and, most of all, the integrity for this school's program to be successful. He consistently plays favorites with his athletes and offers no apology or excuses for his behavior. In fact, he often remarks that he is 'in charge' and doesnt have to 'answer' to anyone for his decisions or conduct because he is the coach. He does not conduct himself progessionally in an effort to connect with his athletes. He openly mocks and remarks to his swimmers (in ALL environments and company) about his displeasure with their ability, their attitudes and even their physical appearances. Yes parents, I repeatedly heard remarks about both female and male swimmers being 'FAT', 'UGLY' and 'STUPID' season after season after season. What's more, this man is no 'looker' himself and has never put up times as a swimmer or results as a coach that give him any room to cast judgment or criticize. When it comes to day to day training, his swimmers would be better served by TikTok or Instagram sets from peers or semi-professional athletes in comparison to the effort and attention he offers. His knowledge of technique and skill is laughable, especially since he himself was a distance swimmer and/or backstroker depending on the context of the conversation. He cancels practices and team events on a regular basis despite not having any other job outside coaching or other obligations like children, family or hobbies. Exemplary behavior, hard work amd honesty are not recognized. When it comes to feam culture, he criticizes his swimmers for not getting along better or practicing positive team mentality and encouraging each other while he stands poolside, arms crossed, sulking his swimmers do not measure up against other conference teams. He regularly forgets or disregards education is one of the key components for these athletes being there unless he is being recognized for his swimmers having commendable GPAs. As a parent, he ESPECIALLY feels no need or desire to communicate with us, discourages our involvement with any team functions and is audibly ungrateful for donations, monetary or otherwise. As I'm sure most parents of swimmers have learned, we are part of a community and enjoy being involved and care deeply about not only our kids' performances in the pool but also each other. We have taught our kids that hard work, honesty, and integrity are key components to success not only in the pool but outside of it in life! Coach Kainer may claim these are fundamentals of his program but I am yet to see him practice or honor any of them. And while I'm sure it has crossed your mind once or twice already reading this review, 'why doesn't this parent just pull their kid from the team and quite complaining already'... I don't think you'd argue, swim parents are dedicated and after decades of being involved in any and all capacities year round, its easier said than done to just walk away. Our kids were raised swimming, from early ages and even earlier mornings practicing and competing, traveling and bonding year round, and eating, sleeping and breathing SWIM. We all realize that our kids will one day no longer compete an will hopefully continue the cycle with children of their own but, every component of this is lacking from Coach Kainer's program, especially for a D1 program. We really hoped he shared our passion for the sport and had our child's best interest at heart in the end. He did not and, I'd hate to see another parent AND swimmer suffer through this same process we endured and be left with as much disappointment as we have. "

"Had the privilege to work w him for over 4+ years. He always put the student athletes experience first. I know I would entrust him w my daughter if she played anymore."

"Plays mental games and encourages players to "rat out" other team mates. Horrible environment "

"Cameron Kainer is not a good coach. He is misleading, disorganized, and does not live up to his promises. He appears to care about academics but does nothing to actually help anyone. He has poor communication when it comes to weekly schedules and meet itinerary. Coach Kainer blatantly displays favoritism with certain people and it is obvious who he does not like. If you are looking for a good program where you can grow I would not recommend this school."

"Coach Cam is great with his team members, very caring and dedicated to his team. He has created a family feeling among his team (men's and women's swim & dive) and has given great leadership to a brand new team at USI (only in its second year.) We are very happy to have him in this position!"

"I’d venture to say of the most caring and knowledgeable names in the sport of college cross country. Great at getting talent that has struggled with obstacles such as injury proneness or being undertrained in high school and maximizing full potential. Would recommend to any young athlete."

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"Coach Kunkle treats all of her players well, and she's always willing to do anything for her team. I love how she's not close minded and is willing to listen to any of us. She treats us all like her own."

"Coach Kunkle creates a light, fun environment for her team. She is intense when she needs to be, but takes pride in being able to have fun and acknowledging the effort given by her team. She treats us all like her own and always will go out of her way for us."

"Takes good care of us "

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