Youngstown State University

Lacrosse

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI •

Inviting And Welcoming

Date: February 1, 2026

By Parent

5.0

Overall

Team Dynamic

Host Interaction

Coaching Staff Interaction

Coach Player Interaction

Got To Know Team

5.0

Tags

"When we went for the tour it amazed us all! Beautiful surroundings and this campus is easy to navigate. We were invited to a bbq and football game where the team could bond and parents could mingle. Very inviting atmosphere!"

Lacrosse

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI •

Beautiful

Date: February 1, 2026

By Parent

4.4

Overall

Cleanliness

Availability

Up To Date

Cool

5.0

4.0

5.0

3.0

Tags

4.9

Weight room

4.3

Locker room

5.0

Training room

4.9

Film room

5.0

Practice Facilities

5.0

Game Day Facilities

"YSU new lacrosse field indoor as well as outdoor are both beautiful facilities! Tressel spared no expense for these accommodations to this new team and it shows !"

Women's Lacrosse

Rob Harris

Head Women's Lacrosse Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Disheartening To His Team

Date: February 1, 2026

By Parent

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Intense Disorganized Old School Mentality Direct

"Unfortunately this coach started out on the wrong foot immediately. He berated his team in front of others and would scream horrible words to refs and other coaches as well. He seemed to never be present and thought by screaming would motivate his team. Girls do not respond to that kind of coaching, they shut down! Unfortunately my daughter had a terrible senior year with him as a coach and for the first time she didn’t enjoy her sport! "

Women's Lacrosse

Halle Kotulock

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Respectful

Date: February 1, 2026

By Parent

3.8

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.0

4.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

Tags

Dedicated To Players Believes In You Cares About Academics Knowledgeable Positive Person

"Although thrown into this role unexpectedly she did well to help her team gain positive team culture. She was young but worked hard and actually listened to her team."

Women's Lacrosse

Kendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Unprofessional

Date: February 1, 2026

By Parent

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Intense Honest Believes In You

"This coach was so rude and condescending to her players as well as had some girls play that were not up to the challenge. She was seen drinking with some team members and decided to have a relationship with one of the teammates! How unprofessional!! Which describes her behaviour exactly!"

Lacrosse

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI •

Great Place To Go To School!

Date: February 1, 2026

By Athlete

4.0

Overall

Team Dynamic

Host Interaction

Coaching Staff Interaction

Coach Player Interaction

Got To Know Team

4.0

5.0

3.0

4.0

Tags

"Athletes were all super nice as well as coaches"

Lacrosse

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI •

Facilities Are Awesome!

Date: February 1, 2026

By Athlete

5.0

Overall

Cleanliness

Availability

Up To Date

Cool

5.0

Tags

4.9

Weight room

4.3

Locker room

5.0

Training room

4.9

Film room

5.0

Practice Facilities

5.0

Game Day Facilities

"Facilities are excellent "

Lacrosse

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI •

Awesome Facilities

Date: February 1, 2026

By Athlete

4.6

Overall

Cleanliness

Availability

Up To Date

Cool

5.0

4.0

5.0

Tags

4.9

Weight room

4.3

Locker room

5.0

Training room

4.9

Film room

5.0

Practice Facilities

5.0

Game Day Facilities

"I love the facilities is it one of the reasons why I choose this school "

Lacrosse

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI •

Fun Visit Experience At Ysu

Date: February 1, 2026

By Athlete

4.0

Overall

Team Dynamic

Host Interaction

Coaching Staff Interaction

Coach Player Interaction

Got To Know Team

5.0

4.0

3.0

Tags

"Fun visit and got a feel for what life would be like at YSU"

Lacrosse

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI •

Picture Perfect Facilities

Date: February 1, 2026

By Athlete

4.2

Overall

Cleanliness

Availability

Up To Date

Cool

5.0

4.0

Tags

4.9

Weight room

4.3

Locker room

5.0

Training room

4.9

Film room

5.0

Practice Facilities

5.0

Game Day Facilities

"Perfect and has all you need!"

Women's Lacrosse

Elizabeth Mettler

Assistant Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

Set In Her Ways.

Date: February 1, 2026

By Athlete

3.4

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

4.0

3.0

4.0

2.0

Tags

Direct Disorganized Poor Communication Intense Understanding

"Gritty and wants to win. "

Lacrosse

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI •

Great Visit

Date: February 1, 2026

By Verified Athlete

4.3

Overall

Team Dynamic

Host Interaction

Coaching Staff Interaction

Coach Player Interaction

Got To Know Team

5.0

4.0

5.0

Tags

"The official visit was very organized and ran smoothly. The schedule was clear, and everyone I interacted with was welcoming and inviting. It made the program feel professional and supportive."

Men's Baseball

Shane Davis

Men's Baseball Assistant Coach / Pitching / Recruiting Coordinator

Youngstown State University

Easy To Get Along With

Date: January 28, 2026

By Athlete

4.2

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.0

5.0

3.0

5.0

Tags

Direct Motivational Believes In You Easy To Get Along With Fair

"Pushed me to be a better player as a freshman. Showed true care in my development."

Women's Basketball

Melissa Jackson

Women's Head Basketball Coach

Youngstown State University

Would Recommend!

Date: January 28, 2026

By Athlete

4.4

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

4.0

5.0

4.0

5.0

Tags

Accessible Cool Intense Cares About Academics Dedicated To Players

"At times, she can be intense but it’s only when we need it. She really cares about us as people and how are lives are going to turn out outside of basketball. "

Women's Lacrosse

Liza Oakley

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

Liza Oakley Has No Coaching Skills.

Date: January 28, 2026

By Athlete

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Intense Direct Honest Knowledgeable Believes In You

"Never gave kids the opportunity to prove themselves to her, also only played a certain players sister so she would stay at ysu…. yikes"

Women's Lacrosse

Liza Oakley

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

Great, Knowledgeable Coach!

Date: January 28, 2026

By Athlete

4.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

4.0

Tags

Intense Direct Honest Knowledgeable Believes In You

"Sees talent, helps grow players, and teaches team get better each day."

Women's Lacrosse

Liza Oakley

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

Good Coach

Date: January 28, 2026

By Athlete

4.2

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

4.0

5.0

4.0

Tags

Intense Direct Honest Knowledgeable Believes In You

"Very hard on her players but always wants what’s best for them and for them to become the best player they can be. She is very easy to communicate with and cares about getting to know her players "

Women's Lacrosse

Liza Oakley

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

Overall A Good Coach Who Fosters A Good Team Environment

Date: January 28, 2026

By Athlete

4.4

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

4.0

5.0

Tags

Intense Direct Honest Knowledgeable Believes In You

"Good coach who works hard to ensure athletes are working hard and knowledgeable on lacrosse systems"

Women's Lacrosse

Liza Oakley

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

Understanding

Date: January 28, 2026

By Athlete

4.2

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

4.0

5.0

Tags

Intense Direct Honest Knowledgeable Believes In You

"She’s very understanding, stylish, and is honest with you! "

Women's Lacrosse

Elizabeth Mettler

Assistant Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

Extremely Unfair And If You Are Not One Of Her Favorites Then You Won’t Play In Practice

Date: January 28, 2026

By Athlete

2.4

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.0

2.0

1.0

5.0

Tags

Direct Disorganized Poor Communication Intense Understanding

"She is very direct, extremely unorganized, during the whole fall we bearly conditioned and didn’t learn much. She has her favorites and if you’re not one of them then you are playing in practice. She never tells us if we are doing a good job and is constantly rolling her eyes "

Women's Lacrosse

Liza Oakley

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

Great Leader

Date: January 28, 2026

By Athlete

4.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

4.0

Tags

Intense Direct Honest Knowledgeable Believes In You

"Very caring and knowledgeable. Cares deeply about players, culture and school."

Women's Lacrosse

Rob Harris

Head Women's Lacrosse Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Horrible Coach, Worse Person

Date: January 28, 2026

By Athlete

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Intense Disorganized Old School Mentality Direct

"Genuinely the worst person I have ever met. I played for Rob during my senior year of college. After 3 years of complete coaching chaos - quitting, firing, hiring, and re-hiring, I had faith that Rob was being brought it to completely change the program and the culture and allow me to enjoy my final year of college. But it quickly became apparent that it was the complete opposite. I had never been more excited after my final game to never play lacrosse again. Not only did he really have no knowledge for the women's game, he was also just an awful person. Vulgar, aggressive, hostile, and horrible are the best ways I can describe Rob. "

Women's Lacrosse

Liza Oakley

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

Rebuilding A Team

Date: January 25, 2026

By Parent

4.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

4.0

Tags

Intense Direct Honest Knowledgeable Believes In You

"Coach Oakley is working to create a positive, cohesive environment from one that was very broken. It is going to take some time. "

Women's Lacrosse

Rob Harris

Head Women's Lacrosse Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Inconsistent

Date: January 25, 2026

By Parent

1.6

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

3.0

2.0

Tags

Poor Communication Intense Disorganized Old School Mentality Direct

"Coach Harris too often said what was on his mind without filter. Players never knew which coach was going to show up on a day to day basis. "

Women's Lacrosse

Kendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Favorites Played

Date: January 25, 2026

By Parent

1.8

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

5.0

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Intense Honest Believes In You

"If she believed you were on her side, you played. If she thought you would turn her in, you sat on the bench. "

Women's Lacrosse

Julia Frombach

Assistant Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

Promising Signs Ahead

Date: January 25, 2026

By Parent

4.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

4.0

5.0

3.0

4.0

Tags

Fair Positive Person Respectful To Players

"She is still early in her career and growing into her voice as a leader, but the progress is clear. With the right support around her, things are moving in a positive direction, and the future of this program looks very promising."

Lacrosse

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI •

Top Tier, Modern, And Impressive

Date: January 25, 2026

By Parent

4.8

Overall

Cleanliness

Availability

Up To Date

Cool

5.0

4.0

5.0

Tags

4.9

Weight room

4.3

Locker room

5.0

Training room

4.9

Film room

5.0

Practice Facilities

5.0

Game Day Facilities

"The facilities are phenomenal and consistently up to date. It truly feels like an environment comparable to a Power 4 program."

Women's Lacrosse

Elizabeth Mettler

Assistant Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

Improving With The Right Support

Date: January 25, 2026

By Parent

3.6

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

4.0

3.0

4.0

Tags

Direct Disorganized Poor Communication Intense Understanding

"She has been good so far. I wish there had been more willingness to stand up for what was right with the previous staff, but now that she is supported by a stronger staff, things seem to be moving in the right direction."

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI •

An Incredible Visit And World Class Facilities

Date: January 25, 2026

By Parent

5.0

Overall

Team Dynamic

Host Interaction

Coaching Staff Interaction

Coach Player Interaction

Got To Know Team

5.0

Tags

"The visit was great. The athletic facilities and amenities are incredible, and anyone would be lucky to attend and compete here."

Women's Lacrosse

Rob Harris

Head Women's Lacrosse Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Potential Without Leadership Is Failure

Date: January 25, 2026

By Parent

2.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.0

2.0

1.0

3.0

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Intense Disorganized Old School Mentality Direct

"He had real potential to become the coach this team needed, but without mentorship or guidance, he failed to grow into the role. He ultimately crashed and burned, and he showed an inability to empathize with his players, the very people he was responsible for leading and protecting."

Women's Lacrosse

Kendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

A Coach Who Knew The Game, But Failed Her Players

Date: January 25, 2026

By Parent

2.6

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.0

2.0

5.0

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Intense Honest Believes In You

"My daughter was negatively impacted by this coach. While she understood the game, she did not put her players or the team first, and her leadership consistently failed to prioritize their well-being and development."

Lacrosse

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI •

Incredible Facilities

Date: January 22, 2026

By Parent

4.4

Overall

Cleanliness

Availability

Up To Date

Cool

4.0

5.0

4.0

Tags

4.9

Weight room

4.3

Locker room

5.0

Training room

4.9

Film room

5.0

Practice Facilities

5.0

Game Day Facilities

"The Watson and Tressel Training Site is an amazing indoor facility available to all turf sports. Being able to play early spring lacrosse games indoors as well as practice during the winter is vital to the program. Farmers National Bank Field (outdoor field) had new turf put down in late 2024. "

Women's Lacrosse

Rob Harris

Head Women's Lacrosse Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

He Loves His Drone More Than His Athletes

Date: January 22, 2026

By Athlete

1.2

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

2.0

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Intense Disorganized Old School Mentality Direct

"They say that finishing your collegiate career would be difficult but Coach Rob made it extremely easy. As a player of his for two years, I went from being hopeful that he would bring joy back to the sport after past bad coaching experiences to him joining the long line of manipulative, unprofessional, disrespectful, dishonest, and selfish coaches. Not only to me but to the many other athletes on the team. Parents, fans, and other teams would see this as he would belittle his team not only behind closed doors but also infront of everyone. I have never felt so unwanted. I have yet to pick up my stick since leaving and don’t think I ever will. Nobody deserves that, especially a bunch of young females. "

Women's Lacrosse

Liza Oakley

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

More Than Just A Good Coach

Date: January 22, 2026

By Athlete

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Intense Direct Honest Knowledgeable Believes In You

"I feel as if I’m learning every single day regardless of what I’m doing. I’m motivated to get better and she does an amazing job at not only being a coach but being a phenomenal one. Everything we work on and she teaches me and the team makes us better everyday."

Women's Lacrosse

Liza Oakley

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

Great Coach

Date: January 22, 2026

By Athlete

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Intense Direct Honest Knowledgeable Believes In You

"Came in and helped turn our program around. Has a great attitude and keeps our practices intense but still positive. "

Women's Lacrosse

Rob Harris

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

Erratic, Manipulative, And Actively Damaging To The Program

Date: January 20, 2026

By Verified Athlete

1.2

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

2.0

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Intense Disorganized Old School Mentality Direct

"Rob Harris’s leadership was defined by instability, poor communication, and a complete lack of accountability. He was a master manipulator who used mixed messages, emotional pressure, and mind games to control players rather than lead them. He regularly berated players in front of the team, creating a culture of embarrassment and fear instead of development. His behavior was often manic and erratic, and he hated it when players challenged him or showed any form of pushback or independent leadership. He also made the team listen to how difficult his life was as a white male in this profession, which was completely inappropriate and unprofessional. Instead of taking responsibility for his actions, he blamed his medication for emotional outbursts and gave the team the silent treatment when things did not go his way. Communication around roles, expectations, and logistics was chaotic, and after losses, he sought validation from players rather than providing leadership. The environment under his leadership was toxic, demoralizing, and exhausting, and he created a culture that actively drove people away from the program. Thank goodness he was fired."

Women's Lacrosse

Halle Kotulock

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

The Backbone Of The Program During Its Hardest Years

Date: January 22, 2026

By Verified Athlete

4.6

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

3.0

5.0

Tags

Dedicated To Players Believes In You Cares About Academics Knowledgeable Positive Person

"Coach Halle went through an unbelievable amount of adversity and was treated extremely poorly by the first head coach I played for. Despite being berated, criticized, and undermined on a daily basis, she stayed positive and did the best she could with the limited support and resources she had. When the program went through its second coaching transition, she was the one constant. Honestly, without her, I don’t think the program would have survived that period. She showed up every day for the players when the people above her were failing us. It was also hard to watch last year’s staff treat her poorly instead of mentoring and supporting her development, especially since they would not have even had a program to inherit without her holding things together. I’m extremely grateful for her and for everything she did to protect and support this team during the worst years of instability."

Women's Lacrosse

Julia Frombach

Assistant Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

Positive Addition Who Is Still Growing Into Her Role

Date: January 22, 2026

By Verified Athlete

4.2

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

4.0

5.0

4.0

Tags

Fair Positive Person Respectful To Players

"She has been a good addition to this new era of Youngstown State lacrosse. She comes from a program that also dealt with instability, and since she is fresh out of college, it’s clear she is still learning how to fully step into her role as a coach. As the year has gone on and we’ve all gotten more comfortable with each other, things have steadily improved. I do wish she were more demanding and more confident in what she brings, because her vision and critiques are actually very valuable and the team would benefit from her fully owning that voice. Overall, she’s trending in the right direction, and I’m excited to see how this staff continues to grow and work together this year."

Women's Lacrosse

Liza Oakley

Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

A Tough, Supportive Coach Bringing Structure Back To The Program

Date: January 22, 2026

By Verified Athlete

4.6

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

3.0

Tags

Intense Direct Honest Knowledgeable Believes In You

"She stepped into a very difficult situation and inherited a team that has been through a lot of instability, so there were definitely growing pains in the fall. Even with that, it’s clear she is very knowledgeable, competitive, and wants to win. I do wish there had been more consistent proactiveness with academics and some organizational areas, but it is also her first season, so some of that is understandable. In practice, she is direct, intense, and demanding, but also supportive and holds everyone to a high standard. She brings structure, accountability, and clear expectations, which the program has badly needed. Overall, I’m optimistic and excited to see where she takes the team this season and moving forward."

Women's Lacrosse

Elizabeth Mettler

Assistant Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Mid-American Conference | MAC

Good Intentions, But Not Enough Presence Or Advocacy

Date: January 22, 2026

By Verified Athlete

3.2

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

4.0

2.0

Tags

Direct Disorganized Poor Communication Intense Understanding

"She has been on staff through two coaching changes, but as a volunteer she has not been around consistently. Because she coaches the goalies, that lack of consistency has made it hard for them to get steady feedback and real development. When she is there, she is positive, encouraging, and genuinely helpful. However, last year when serious issues were happening in the program, she stayed quiet. I understand the power imbalance and her volunteer status, but the team needed adults to speak up and advocate for us, and she did not. Overall, she seems well-intentioned, but her limited presence and silence during important moments made her impact much smaller than it should have been."

Women's Lacrosse

Kendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Favoritism, Division, And A Complete Breakdown Of Team Culture

Date: January 22, 2026

By Verified Athlete

2.6

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

2.0

1.0

3.0

5.0

2.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Intense Honest Believes In You

"Playing under this coach was the beginning of a serious downward spiral for our program during my freshman year. The environment was defined by favoritism, secrecy, and internal division. Our class spent the entire year trying to figure out what was actually going on because there were clearly two different sets of rules and two very different versions of the truth being told. Whatever was happening behind the scenes, it completely poisoned the team culture. Eventually things became so hostile and dysfunctional that administrators had to be present at practices just to prevent confrontations between teammates. I have never been part of a team that divided, fractured, and deteriorated that badly that quickly. Even though I was not personally targeted, the leadership failure was obvious. Instead of protecting the team and setting clear standards, this coach allowed personal dynamics and favoritism to come before the well-being of the players and the program, and the damage to trust, culture, and morale was massive and long-lasting."

Women's Softball

Brian Campbell

Women's Softball Head Coach

Youngstown State University

No Knowledge, No Development, No Transparency

Date: January 21, 2026

By Athlete

1.6

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

4.0

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication

"Does not care about intangibles, does not enforce a standard, different players get different versions of him. "

Women's Lacrosse

Rob Harris

Head Women's Lacrosse Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

He Balled In Front Of 3 Sophomores Begging Them To Like Him.

Date: January 20, 2026

By Athlete

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Intense Disorganized Old School Mentality Direct

"I was a sophomore in college when Rob brought my teammates (3 other sophomores) and I in for a secret meeting where he balled his eyes out in front of us asking if we liked him. As a 19 year old seeing a middle aged man cry about the way he was viewed was uncomfortable, confusing, and wildly inappropriate. Aside from the crying, during this meeting he begged us to lie to the AD, and tell them that the accusations about him (made by our teammates and friends) were not true. Following this meeting with the 3 of us he called our entire team in the locker room to apologize for his behavior using his traumatic childhood and mental health medications as an excuse. Following the team locker room meeting we practiced where he proceeded to be what I believe to have been the most violent version of himself. Getting into players faces, singling out certain players, cursing and calling us various names. This is just a few days that highlight the true hell that playing for Rob Harris is. "

Lacrosse

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI •

Top Tier Facilities With A Real Commitment To Constant Improvement

Date: January 20, 2026

By Verified Athlete

4.8

Overall

Cleanliness

Availability

Up To Date

Cool

5.0

4.0

5.0

Tags

4.9

Weight room

4.3

Locker room

5.0

Training room

4.9

Film room

5.0

Practice Facilities

5.0

Game Day Facilities

"Youngstown State’s athletic facilities are well-maintained and consistently improving. The athletic department is clearly committed to investing in upgrades and keeping everything looking modern, clean, and professional. What I appreciate most is that improvements are not just talked about; they actually happen. From training spaces to locker rooms and common areas, there is a real effort to keep everything functional and looking brand new. The WATTS indoor facility is incredible and is a huge selling factor for the program, especially in the winter. Being able to train and practice inside instead of shoveling snow or canceling sessions makes a massive difference for development, preparation, and overall morale. The biggest strength is that the administration is proactive rather than reactive. Continuing to update and modernize spaces as technology and training methods evolve will only make the facilities even better, but overall, the commitment to improvement is obvious and appreciated."

Women's Basketball

Melissa Jackson

Former Women's Basketball Head Coach

University of Akron

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Date: March 25, 2021

By Verified Athlete

4.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

4.0

5.0

3.0

5.0

3.0

Tags

Accessible Cool Intense Cares About Academics Dedicated To Players

"She is a leader who wants everyone involved. "

Coed Soccer

Brian Shrum

Coed Soccer Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI - FCS • Skyline Conference

Date: March 21, 2021

By Verified Athlete

4.8

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

4.0

Tags

Accessible Cool Direct Intense Knowledgeable

"Overall good coach and very knowledgeable "

Women's Lacrosse

Rob Harris

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

Abuse All Around. Great Job Du

Date: November 28, 2025

By Athlete

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Intense Disorganized Old School Mentality Direct

"A coach with an ANGER problem. Myself and many teammates reported his abusive behavior to the AD and admin and THEY DID NOTHING. THEY did not care at all. An absolute monster that was constantly mentally and emotionally abusive to us. Degrading in every way. Destroying the love of the game of most. Why did no one care? Why did no one listen? Why were we forced to be abused and forced to put up with it? Why were silenced? Was it because this was a male coach? Did no one care about our sport? Did we not do enough for this school? I don’t get why we weren’t treated like people. Why did we have to go through actual abuse without anyone caring? Why wasn’t there an investigation? Why wasn’t this looked into? Many athletes at this school do flat out lie about their coaches and experiences. Because of playing time, liking drama, being lazy, their parents, etc. BUT It’s sad that lies overshadow actual TRUTH and a coach who ACTUALLY abused us was treated like a KING. I graduated from DU but let me tell you I’m NOT a proud alum. I hate everything this school stands for. Abusive men are catered to, money is thrown around to shut people up. Being a good person puts you in last place. I’m also convinced this school shouldn’t even be allowed to give out degrees with how illiterate you can be and still get a passing grade. If I had a chance to do it all again…. I wouldn’t have stayed. A place like this drains and kills your soul . I should have never put up with the abuse by this coach. The daily screaming in my face was not worth it. I would give zero stars if I could. "

Women's Lacrosse

Rob Harris

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

“What Were Your Parents Thinking When They Had You” Rob Harris

Date: August 6, 2025

By Athlete

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Intense Disorganized Old School Mentality Direct

"I was one of the girls unfortunate enough to be a player Rob chose to be the outlet for his anger issues. No matter how many hours I practice I was consistently verbally berated and made fun of in front of teammates. He normalized the abusive culture he created and often bragged about countless failed attempts previous players made to address his behavior and get him fired. He decimated the confidence and love for lacrosse of many other girls. l For years I believed I was deserving of the way he treated me. That I was somehow bad enough at lacrosse to warrant the belittlement and jokes he made at my expense. It wasn’t until I watched one of my teammates, another one of his targets, excel following Rob’s departure from Davenport that I realized we were never the problem. When I heard he was coaching at YSU I had hoped he changed for the better. As many reviews prior to mine have stated, this was unfortunately not the case. I am writing this review not to slight Rob, but to warn others of his long standing pattern of abuse. I hope he moves away from coaching women’s lacrosse in the future and gets the help he needs."

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Youngstown State University

His Ego Is Too Big To See That He Is Taking Down An Entire Team.

Date: November 10, 2025

By Athlete

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

"He creates the worst team environment. In his eyes you are an athlete-student. If you want to get any degrees that has any kind of difficulty he will not understand why you have responsibilities outside of swimming. To him you are just an item that scores him points at meets and don’t have a real life outside of when he sees you. He doesn’t know your name and doesn’t want to you are better off with no coach at all than him. "

Coed Swimming & Diving

Kelsey Reagan

Coed Swimming & Diving Assistant Coach / Swimming

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI - FCS • Skyline Conference

She Is The Type Of Coach That Will Acknowledge When You Did Well At Practice And Will Keep It To Herself If You Did Poorly.

Date: November 10, 2025

By Athlete

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Cool Honest Easy To Get Along With Great Leader Knows The Game

"Best coach I had in my swimming career. She Is will to work with you on what you need to succeed and is open to trying new approaches when things don’t work out how you want. "

Women's Lacrosse

Rob Harris

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

Biggest Regret Of My Life Is Davenport. Don’t Duit

Date: October 24, 2025

By Athlete

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Intense Disorganized Old School Mentality Direct

"The Associate Director of Athletics put Rob on a pedestal. Meanwhile he was abusing our entire team at Davenport. It’s sad this university stands up for manipulative abusers. You would think Rob was the gold standard of coaching. Associate Director of Athletics let him get away with EVERYTHING and silenced anyone that was trying to tell the truth. If you’re a truth teller. A good person. Believe in hard work. Davenport University will eat you apart. Literally, I’ve watched this school turn some of my closest teammates into absolute monsters. Entitlement and laziness is the gold standard. But hey atleast we all looked good in all of our gear! "

Women's Lacrosse

Rob Harris

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

Great Coach And Proud To Be Part Of The Program

Date: August 6, 2025

By Athlete

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Poor Communication Intense Disorganized Old School Mentality Direct

"Rob was the best coach I had and had great relationships with everyone. Awesome coach and person. "

-2

Women's Lacrosse

Rob Harris

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

Tried To Tell You All The Truth

Date: August 6, 2025

By Athlete

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Intense Disorganized Old School Mentality Direct

"I told Ronda of Rob’s absue of us girls and she did nothing about it. In fact she praised this man every chance she got. She’s a terrible administrator that allowed this coach to abuse us. Kinda weird she is so protective of male coaches. "

Women's Lacrosse

Rob Harris

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

Praying For His Children

Date: August 6, 2025

By Athlete

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Intense Disorganized Old School Mentality Direct

"This man child is a monster. He treated players horribly just to satisfy his own ego. I was a goalie that played for his club and college team. On my club team he made a girl leave for tying her shoes (sorry sally you deserved better). I got concussed and he pressured me to come back to playing early by telling me over and over "those sheets should be all zeros by now". I couldn't take the pressure and lied to my athletic train telling her I was ready to come back. I got concussed again a week later and he treated me like I was making everything up because he spent an entire month in Africa on his honeymoon. he left everything to his assistant coach for an entire year basically. his wife is also something else. I decided to leave a month before the end of season and he was to focused on the remotes for the TV in the room to understand this wasn't a fun little get together. When I told him I was done and just didn't even want to play anymore he told me if I left I'd become a drug addict. I honestly just could not continue to watch him treat the people I cared most about horribly ever single day. he averages losing at least one goalie a year. note for the man himself; 0-16. hope you cant afford your coffee anymore."

Women's Lacrosse

Rob Harris

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

Best Coach I’ve Ever Had

Date: July 12, 2025

By Other

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Poor Communication Intense Disorganized Old School Mentality Direct

"Best coach I’ve ever had "

-2

Women's Lacrosse

Rob Harris

Head Women's Lacrosse Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Do Not Play If Rob Harris Is The Coach

Date: June 19, 2025

By Parent

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Intense Disorganized Old School Mentality Direct

"Rob was horrible to the players. My daughter was so excited to start her college career and ended up wanted to quit because of him. He was verbally and mentally abusive. He would continuously swear and berate the players in front of parents, teammates and anyone else who was in ear shot. His coaching staff was afraid of him and would not advocate for the team. Horrible. DO NOT PLAY ANYWHERE HE IS A COACH. He is not a leader and promotes a culture that causes animosity between his players and staff."

Women's Lacrosse

Rob Harris

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

Worst Experience For Our Girls

Date: June 6, 2025

By Parent

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Intense Disorganized Old School Mentality Direct

"He was the worst. He made my daughter doubt herself and brought her self esteem down to a very low place. It was crazy how the staff backed his every move. Glad to see he is gone but too late for us. "

Women's Lacrosse

Rob Harris

Head Women's Lacrosse Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Thank God He Was Fired From Coaching At Ysu!!!

Date: May 9, 2025

By Parent

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Intense Disorganized Old School Mentality Direct

"Horrible person. Toxic. Dishonest. Turns teammates against each other. Meddles in players personal lives outside of lacrosse. Karma caught up to him!"

Coed Lacrosse

Elizabeth Mettler

Coed Lacrosse Assistant Coach

Notre Dame College

NCAA DII • United East Conference | UEC

If Ignorance Was A Coach

Date: December 17, 2024

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Direct Disorganized Poor Communication Intense Understanding

"If I could rate coach Mettler nothing, I would. But, the experience I had with this coach ruined my career forever. She is by far, the worst coach and human I have ever met. Her ignorance blinders her. She is guided through emotion, and anger. The title of “Coach” shouldn’t even been her title. Her arrogance ruined many athletes love and drive for a sport. She speaks unkindly to her players and says awful things about the players family. She is greedy and not worth any athletes time. At a certain point, a person must let go of their past, and move on. I’m afraid she will be forever hung on her past as a player. Sad. "

Coed Lacrosse

Elizabeth Mettler

Coed Lacrosse Assistant Coach

Notre Dame College

NCAA DII • United East Conference | UEC

Honestly She’s Just Not A Good Person At Heart Which Tore The Entire Team Down.

Date: December 17, 2024

By Other

1.2

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

2.0

1.0

Tags

Direct Disorganized Poor Communication Intense Understanding

"Was my coach for three years and created drama every season. Seems to be emotionally unstable, would tell us it’s okay to make mistakes as long as we learned but two seconds later would be screaming at us for making mistakes. When she became head coach practices were so unorganized and she would barely give feedback until she got pissed. Would talk bad about players on the side lines and refused to change after being confronted about it. We ended up quitting and instead of being honest and reflecting on what happened, she lied and ruined multiple opportunities for players to play at other schools. Overall she fostered a negative environment and seems to be very selfish. Always putting her emotions over her players. Did not seem to care about our well being just wanted to win. Most people don’t understand why we quit because she lies about it but the real reason is we refused to put up with being treated like that any longer. Especially with our school already closing we wanted to cherish the time we had together and create memories but instead she beat us down every chance she got. "

Coed Lacrosse

Elizabeth Mettler

Coed Lacrosse Assistant Coach

Notre Dame College

NCAA DII • United East Conference | UEC

The Worst Coach Of All Time Mettler

Date: December 17, 2024

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Direct Disorganized Poor Communication Intense Understanding

"Coach Mettler is an embarrassment of a coach. Genuinely, the worst coach I have ever had and witnessed. She is the reason why I quit this sport after playing for 16 years. Her lack of sympathy and basic respect is what led to her entire team walking out on her and their last season together, and whatever fake story she is spreading about that situation is blasphemous. She knows the truth. "

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Youngstown State University

Poor Leadership And Coaching

Date: July 27, 2024

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

"Claiming he was fostering a competitive environment, but only created an uncomfortable, anxiety filled, and damaging environment, ruining many swimmers love for the sport, including mine. I was consistently put down by him and the team he created. He does not treat his men and woman’s teams equally, favoring the men’s heavily, practices catered towards the men’s team only. He has a very large ego which causes his to be blind to the mistakes me has made and refuses to fix them. Smith claims to support athletes with mental heath issues, but only has punished them by removing them from travel meets and from practices. He does not support individual athletes, unless favored by him, at all. His coaching style was average at best, little knowledge on new techniques. Only looked to increase physical strength rather than improve technique in order to improve times. Often blames the athlete for not improving instead of looking at what he could change for practices to cater to their needs."

Women's Lacrosse

Rob Harris

Head Women's Lacrosse Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Would Give Him Zero Stars If Possible.

Date: July 4, 2024

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Intense Disorganized Old School Mentality Direct

"It is almost impossible for this man to be positive and uplifting. There’s a difference between tough love and verbally abusive. He takes complete advantage of everything, including his position, as he has bragged about not losing his job. He has even been rude to other coaches and staff members. He said the team can go winless and he still won’t get fired, because this is a “buffer year” for him. Well guess what, they did go winless. He even publicly swears at them and it’s overheard by many. Always negative. Plain and simple, he is a narcissist. I would never recommend anyone to come to YSU and play for him. "

Coed Lacrosse

Elizabeth Mettler

Coed Lacrosse Assistant Coach

Notre Dame College

NCAA DII • United East Conference | UEC

Determined Coach And Strong Person

Date: June 1, 2024

By Other

4.4

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

4.0

5.0

Tags

Direct Disorganized Poor Communication Intense Understanding

"I loved my coach, I gained knowledge that will help me so much moving forward. It is brave to coach a team during a school closure, especially when other coach leaves the same year, and no one else would have wanted to try. Unfortunate ending but forever grateful. Definitely not a fair rating, it was a difficult year all around given the circumstances. Good coach."

Women's Lacrosse

Rob Harris

Head Women's Lacrosse Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Run Away As Fast As You Can!!!

Date: May 15, 2024

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Intense Disorganized Old School Mentality Direct

"My daughter played from Rob Harris at YSU. He is a horrible person. For someone who has a little girl, he treats his players poorly! He is abusive. He yells and screams at his players, is disrespectful to them, and does NOT care about their mental health. He has created a toxic environment at YSU. Do NOT EVER play for him."

Women's Lacrosse

Rob Harris

Head Women's Lacrosse Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

So Embarassing For Ysu And Difficult To Witness As A Parent

Date: May 7, 2024

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Intense Disorganized Old School Mentality Direct

"What an embarrassment to the YSU and athlete community. This coach was yelling, cursing and so rude to his players on his field that we could hear it from our field next to theirs. He left his field to come commensurate with the coach on the field we were at and continued his poor attitude in front of all of the athletes and fans. Who complains and whines like that in front of others? It appeared he was trying to shame his athletes but the poor reflection was only on him. Students considering committing to this program should be aware how he treats these young adults. If he is willing to behave so inappropriately in public, I can only imagine what he gets away with in private. I did not want to submit anything while their season was going on to avoid disrupting the athletes' but it should be publicly known how this coach behaves."

Women's Lacrosse

Rob Harris

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association | MIAA

Had High Hopes But He’s Definitely Out Of His League Tells His Players They’re Horrible And Doesn’t Know Why They Play Lacrosse

Date: April 17, 2024

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Intense Disorganized Old School Mentality Direct

"He is now coaching at Youngstown state which is a D1 program he is very disrespectful to his players and I’d definitely out of his league he’s 0-14 at the moment and it doesn’t look good for the rest of the season "

Coed Lacrosse

Elizabeth Mettler

Coed Lacrosse Assistant Coach

Notre Dame College

NCAA DII • United East Conference | UEC

Worst Coach I’ve Experienced

Date: April 13, 2024

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Direct Disorganized Poor Communication Intense Understanding

"Terrible. That’s all. 27 of her players quit mid season. That should be alarming. "

Coed Lacrosse

Elizabeth Mettler

Coed Lacrosse Assistant Coach

Notre Dame College

NCAA DII • United East Conference | UEC

Worst Coach! Do Not Go There If She’s On The Staff!

Date: April 13, 2024

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Direct Disorganized Poor Communication Intense Understanding

"Terrible. Has only her interests at heart and doesn’t care who it affects. The team she previously coached for has lost their love for the sport. The entire team quit as a result of her inability to properly coach a group of young women. If given the chance to be coached by her run the other way, it’ll help you in the long run."

Coed Lacrosse

Elizabeth Mettler

Coed Lacrosse Assistant Coach

Notre Dame College

NCAA DII • United East Conference | UEC

Do Not Hire! Worst Coach, Worse Coaching

Date: April 13, 2024

By Other

1.2

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

2.0

1.0

Tags

Direct Disorganized Poor Communication Intense Understanding

"This is the worst coach I have ever had in my 15+ years playing a sport. Degrades athletes, lies, and causes people to lose their love for the sport. Cause an entire team of collegiate lacrosse players to quit due to her negligence."

Coed Soccer

Brian Shrum

Coed Soccer Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI - FCS • Skyline Conference

A Coach I Enjoyed Playing For During My Time. He Made Sure I Was Heard And Listened To What I Had To Say.

Date: May 3, 2023

By Other

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Accessible Cool Direct Intense Knowledgeable

"Brain cares about the players beyond the field"

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Youngstown State University

Short Man Syndrome With An Ego That's Taller Than Him

Date: May 3, 2023

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

"Only cares about himself and his reputation. Cares for men's team more than women's team since they are like his "sons" because he recruited the first group of men when they were reinstated and treats the women with disrespect unless they are his puppet and don't do anything wrong. He says failing is a part of life, but you can't fail when it is under his watch or time or energy. Does not communicate news or update in a timely manner and expects everyone to be on time for things / remember his 5 page emails word for word. He also says beginning of every year that the team as a whole will work on starts with each other / with the coaches once a week, that does not happen until 3 days before team departs for conference. Just saying, don't swim or dive under him unless you can win conference. "

Women's Lacrosse

Kendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Finally, The Team Can Start To Heal And Focus On The Game We Love!

Date: March 16, 2023

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Intense Honest Believes In You

"So grateful to YSU for removing this coach before she continued to destroy this team that has so much potential. Same ladies as last year's winners plus new and amazing freshman talent, so hopefully now that the coach is gone, we can focus on the game. This is such a testament to the danger of an insecure coach that divides friends and instills and perpetuates fear through gossip and hate. Go Guins, rally time!"

Women's Lacrosse

Kendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Clarkson Fired !!!.................................

Date: March 15, 2023

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Intense Honest Believes In You

"Received word today that Clarkson's reign of terror has ended - she was rightfully terminated, and most likely will not have an opportunity to ever have the "privilege" of coaching again. There is some players that will need to recover from Stockholm Syndrome but 100% of players will be better off in the long run. "

-2

Women's Lacrosse

Kendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

This Coach Will Ruin Your Daughter's College Experience

Date: March 13, 2023

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Intense Honest Believes In You

"Coach Clarkson has no business being in a position of authority around young adults. She appeals to a certain type of athlete but is a very negative role model for most young women. Unless you want your daughter to spend her college years being manipulated by a "coach" that doesn't understand the meaning of the role, do your student athlete a favor and encourage them to play and study elsewhere."

Women's Lacrosse

Kendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Attacking Teammates Says It All

Date: March 13, 2023

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Intense Honest Believes In You

"Reading through these posts it’s very clear that the culture is abusive and mean. This is about rating a coach from people who have had good or bad experiences and then you have two self proclaimed players attacking other people for their opinions. No one else attacks other players but these two posts. It’s very sad and indicative of the larger problem. "

Women's Lacrosse

Kendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Negativity Abounds In This Program

Date: March 13, 2023

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Intense Honest Believes In You

"It's very telling to see Clarkson's pet players trying to gas light others' experiences. Clarkson taught them well as that is one her few talents as a coach... gaslighting players that aren't her pets. The most recent 5 star posts are the perfect example of a toxic program. It's great that some players have had a positive experience.... but attacking others that don't share their opinion and accusing them of lying is totally in character for this 1 and 5 program going in the wrong direction."

Women's Lacrosse

Kendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Run Don’t Walk Away! She’s An Absolute Sycophant

Date: March 10, 2023

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Intense Honest Believes In You

"It’s pretty sad that the only adjective I can come up with for Coach Clarkson is certifiable. Okay, maybe add psychotic. I have never felt so badly for a group of girls in my life. I have been a player and a friend of this team and they are literally falling apart both in and off the field. Clarkson has blatantly lied to our faces and lied in writing. She is a narcissistic scared little girl who can’t ask for help and is so insecure that she doesn’t know anything other than to lash out. Like a threatened dog in the corner, when she is mad she comes out attacking at any cost. YSU should be ashamed to allow a mentally stagnant child to manage the lives of this women’s lax team. She needs serious mental help and should almost be criminally liable for the mental and emotional destruction of a group of stellar athletes and what began as a strong program. It’s hard to believe this is the same group of players that won the MAC. Now everyone is a wreck and quitting because of this sycophant. "

Women's Lacrosse

Kendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

If You're Good Enough To Play College Lacrosse, Don't Do It Here!

Date: March 10, 2023

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Intense Honest Believes In You

"Unless your dream destination to spend 4 of the most important years of your life is Youngstown, Ohio, avoid this program under this toxic coach. This program performs at a mediocre D3 level pretending to be a D1 program in the weakest D1 lacrosse conference in the country. If you want a shot at a cheesy ring for playing in an ugly conference on a team where all the players talk trash about each other and the coach does zero player development then this is for you. The captains are hand-picked by the coach to do her bidding as backstabbing minions. Playing time is determined by sucking up to the coach and NOT on work ethic or in-game performance (just look at the stats of some of the players that are playing most every game) The post season opportunities under this coach are about as bright as the quality of life in Youngstown, even in a very weak conference."

Women's Lacrosse

Kendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Caution To Potential Lacrosse Transfers To Ysu

Date: March 10, 2023

By Other

1.2

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

2.0

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Intense Honest Believes In You

"Clarkson tripped into the head coaching position and is immature. Not level-headed - often pulls red cards for behavior - is inconsistent, plays favorites. Is a total hypocrite. Should be fired for inappropriate language, treatment, and mental abuse. "

Women's Lacrosse

Kendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

One Statement That Say's It All...Trainwreck!

Date: March 6, 2023

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Intense Honest Believes In You

"Keep in mind, that the person that has raved about Clarkson is not a player (or even a parent). Unless you experienced what goes on behind the scenes under Clarkson from a player perspective, you have no business making any kind of positive coach reviews …(bones is that you???) Northwestern bench 24 – YSU 3, simply remarkable. lol Recruits – do your homework before you even think of signing an NLI to play lacrosse at YSU under Clarkson. She is a complete trainwreck. She will suck the life and your love of lacrosse out of you in a matter of weeks not months. "

Women's Lacrosse

Kendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Awesome Honest Knowledgeable Knows Her Game Leader Cares About Team Academics Etc

Date: January 23, 2023

By Other

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Intense Honest Believes In You

"I have known this program from almost the start of it ! Truly amazing teachers of the game team oriented cares about the players ! Family oriented just like YSU ! Outstanding 2nd year conf regular season champs remarkable !"

-7

Women's Lacrosse

Kendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Completely In Over Her Head. More Concerned About Not Embarrassing Herself Than The Well Being Of The Players. Thrives On Conflict.

Date: January 20, 2023

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Intense Honest Believes In You

"This coach has created a toxic program that will eventually implode. She has no ability to develop players and her idea of team-building/bonding is for players to get trashed at bars/parties. Team meetings consist of berating players and dropping as many f-bombs as possible and loves to play mind-games in lieu of actually being able to coach lacrosse. Likes to create internal conflict among players and has selected captains to act as her spies to report back on any player not drinking her kool-aid. Places no value on players that also care about academics. "

Women's Lacrosse

Kendyl Clarkson

Women's Lacrosse Assistant Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Amazing Outstanding Team On And Off Field

Date: January 16, 2023

By Other

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Intense Honest Believes In You

"Once in a lifetime coach honest caring team concept cares about her players great role model makes YSU look outstanding makes great student athletes great teacher! Easy to get along with and outstanding individual ! Very knowledgeable !"

-6

Women's Lacrosse

Kendyl Clarkson

Women's Lacrosse Assistant Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Mentally Abusive Coach...

Date: November 24, 2022

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Intense Honest Believes In You

"Coach Clarkson coaches through fear and intimidation. She is verbally abusive and berating while constantly dropping F-bombs and criticizing players instead of mentoring and coaching players as human beings. To be in good standing she dictates that your friends should only be on the lacrosse team and she does not want the lacrosse players to have friendships with players on other sports teams or have friendships with other students on campus. She claims players can't have any kind of social life and play D1 lacrosse and if you want any kind of social life transfer to a D3 school, which happens to be what she played in college. Her former wife, Theresa Walton, a D1 player in college, was the former head coach up until this summer and Clarkson originally got the assistant coaching position through nepotism as Walton's wife, then got the Head Coaching position when Coach Walton left to accept the head coaching job at ODU by blaming Coach Walton for any past issues on team and trying to take all the credit for the successes, including recruiting but the players on the team say Coach Walton was the lead coach that recruited them not Clarkson. After fall ball this season, she pressured players to voluntarily quit the team even via a text to her and she would respect that. If people she deemed as not all in, didn't match her her same level of "obsession" with lacrosse and did not voluntarily leave she was going to pull scholarships and/or cut them in the spring. Keep in mind these are the same players from last years 8-2 conference team. She is way over head after recently being named head coach, team is in total disarray and players are miserable under her abusive and threatening coaching style. She also plays favorites big time, so if a player wants to earn play time based on practice performance and merit, forget about it. She also crossed the line by "blank" shaming players in front of the team for hooking up with dudes on the football team, she said F-that and if it happens again your gone. Way out of bounds and none of her business... She also never hired an assistant coach coach all fall season, probably because she didn't want any other coach's eyes on how the program was being run or simply can't get anyone to work under her. There is much, much more to report but you get the idea..."

Women's Lacrosse

Kendyl Clarkson

Women's Lacrosse Assistant Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Outstanding ! Great Teacher / Coach Of The Gamee!E !

Date: September 6, 2022

By Other

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Intense Honest Believes In You

"I have watched program for a one year and a half! Great coaches and dedicated to these scholar athletes !"

-1

Women's Lacrosse

Kendyl Clarkson

Women's Lacrosse Assistant Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Passionate, Smart, And Dedicated

Date: August 31, 2022

By Other

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Intense Honest Believes In You

"I have been coached by 9 different head/assistant coaches throughout my collegiate career. None of them match the dedication, IQ level, and passion that Coach Clarkson has for the game of lacrosse and her team here at YSU. As someone who has experienced multiple season-ending injuries, my confidence was shaky at best when I got to Youngstown. My expectations were low based on previous experiences with coaches who lacked the compassion and knowledge to invest in their players, especially those who have struggled with adversity. Coming to YSU was the best decision I have ever made, especially as an athlete. I was blown away by the dedication Coach Clarkson shows her players. She is always at the field, running through plays, shooting drills, or going over film sets. Any question I had, she answered. I will always appreciate her honesty, as it never comes at the cost of being cruel. I played the best lacrosse of my entire career under her guide, and she helped me reach goals I never thought I'd hit, even before I had been injured. I cannot speak enough to her character and dedication to this game and this team. "

-1

Women's Lacrosse

Kendyl Clarkson

Women's Lacrosse Assistant Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

One Of The Best

Date: August 29, 2022

By Other

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Intense Honest Believes In You

"Coach Clarkson is one of the best coaches I have had throughout my lacrosse career. Before coming here my love for the game was struggling and I found it hard to love going to practice and putting in work for something my heart just wasn’t truly in anymore. Coach Clarkson helped me fall back in love with lacrosse again and is the main reason I want to return to playing. After suffering through a season ending injury this coach has had my back since day 1. She never stopped believing in my abilities and still to this day has never doubted me for a second. The reason why I have such a good head on my shoulders now is truly because of her. Not only does she care about you as an athlete but she also cares about you as a person too. Your mental health is never pushed to the side and respect is given to every player no matter what the case is. Team culture is encouraged through everything, and there is nothing that this coach has said that hasn’t been delivered. Her loyalty to this program and team does not go unnoticed especially by the girls on the team. She knows her shit and is willing to put in time for all of the girls that want to learn from her. She will dedicate her time for you weather it’s shooting, wall ball, film, or even just having a conversation. Not only is her knowledge of lacrosse power but her loyalty and dedication to helping you get better with that is what makes this coach as good as she is."

-4

Women's Lacrosse

Kendyl Clarkson

Women's Lacrosse Assistant Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Another Bad Coach At Ysu

Date: June 10, 2022

By Other

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Intense Honest Believes In You

"Equally as terrible of a coach as the head coach, Theresa Walton. Emotionally and verbally abusive and instilled a culture of fear and distrust between teammates and coaches. "

Women's Lacrosse

Taylor Marshall

Women's Lacrosse Assistant Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

Ysu Lacrosse Has The Worst Coaching Staff I Have Ever Seen.

Date: June 10, 2022

By Other

3.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

3.0

Tags

Cool Passionate About Coaching Players Coach Positive Person Respectful To Players

"Out of all the coaches on the YSU lacrosse staff, she was the best. She even saw how terrible the rest of the coaching staff was and rightfully decided to leave. "

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Youngstown State University

Date: January 20, 2020

By Verified Athlete

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

"If this man is your coach you should probably transfer. He has a massive Napoleon complex and lacks the ability to lead a division 1 program. He has the brain intelligence of a 6 year old boy and although he brags about his expertise, he shows no experience in dealing with the physical, emotional and mental health of his athletes."

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Youngstown State University

Date: January 20, 2020

By Verified Athlete

2.6

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.0

2.0

3.0

2.0

Tags

"Brad truly transformed the Binghamton program over his five years as a coach. The team improved in the classroom and the men we added to the America East conference. But, he has trouble connecting with his swimmers and managing his time. Many swimmers did not have much respect for him and it was hard to have a conversation with him."

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Youngstown State University

Date: November 13, 2019

By Verified Athlete

3.8

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

4.0

3.0

4.0

Tags

"Overall, I had a very great experience with Brad as my coach. He was a very caring individual when it came to our success in and out of the pool. I believe his success as a coach speaks for himself, considering Binghamton Univ. men's team had the 6th highest GPA in the country last year and performed well at Championships. "

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Binghamton University

NCAA DI • American Athletic Conference | AAC

Date: April 22, 2019

By Verified Athlete

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

"Brad Smith has the intelligence of a fully grown, if that, squirrel. He has a horrible case of Napeolan's Complex and can't let the fact that he is an angry little man go. A golden retriever could do a better job of managing a d1 team. "

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Binghamton University

NCAA DI • American Athletic Conference | AAC

Date: April 22, 2019

By Verified Athlete

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

"This man is the worst coach I have ever experienced in my entire life. My love for swimming went completely away once this man began coaching me. I was a student athlete struggling with my mental health and I reached out to him for help, and he told me to quit and get a therapist! He is unqualified, unintelligent, rude. "

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Binghamton University

NCAA DI • American Athletic Conference | AAC

Date: April 22, 2019

By Verified Athlete

4.4

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

4.0

5.0

4.0

5.0

Tags

"Highly motivated and passionate coach. A caring individual which has made great strides to improve each and every year of his coaching career; distinctly in his coaching style, accountability, and communication. He has facilitated many personal bests from individuals and multiple team records. Currently has accepted a position at Youngstown State."

-1

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Binghamton University

NCAA DI • American Athletic Conference | AAC

Date: April 22, 2019

By Verified Athlete

2.2

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

2.0

3.0

1.0

4.0

Tags

"Brad is a great guy with awesome intentions, he really genuinely cares about his swimmers on both an individual and athletic level. He is receptive if you make the time to sit down talk with him. That being said, his knowledge of the sport is terrible. I found severe regression in my time with him as my coach, and found his practices disappointing."

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Binghamton University

NCAA DI • American Athletic Conference | AAC

Date: April 22, 2019

By Verified Athlete

1.2

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

2.0

1.0

Tags

"A handful of lucky people find swimming success under this coach, but most people will only see "college bests" at most or end their careers not seeing any favorable times. Has very little knowledge of what it takes to be a coach at the D1 level, and he demands respect instead of earning it. If you can learn how to work around him, he is bearable. "

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Binghamton University

NCAA DI • American Athletic Conference | AAC

Date: April 22, 2019

By Verified Athlete

3.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.0

2.0

4.0

Tags

"Good guy, good intentions, not the best coach"

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Binghamton University

NCAA DI • American Athletic Conference | AAC

Date: April 22, 2019

By Verified Athlete

2.4

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

2.0

4.0

2.0

Tags

"Struggles with team management, doesn't do well with keeping track of splits and times. Overall not a bad guy but not a good coach. Acts like he is open to critiques but will ultimately ignore or forget almost all of them. I was disappointed overall that my college swimming experience had to be with him as my coach."

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Binghamton University

NCAA DI • American Athletic Conference | AAC

Date: April 18, 2019

By Verified Athlete

3.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.0

4.0

2.0

3.0

Tags

"Found another head coach position at Youngstown State in Ohio. Very accessible and a great guy overall. Always looking out for his athletes and accommodating. Not the most knowledgable"

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Binghamton University

NCAA DI • American Athletic Conference | AAC

Date: April 5, 2018

By Verified Athlete

1.6

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

2.0

1.0

Tags

"Brad has good intentions but doesn't have the intelligence to follow up on them. He is a solid swim coach but is awkward to be around to the point where people try to avoid him at all costs. He has lied to people about receiving scholarship money and is so focused on being loved by the team that he does not want to be their coach. Unliked by team."

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Binghamton University

NCAA DI • American Athletic Conference | AAC

Date: March 13, 2018

By Verified Athlete

2.8

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.0

4.0

2.0

3.0

Tags

"Very much cares about the team and I've heard that he has improved over time. I disagree with the level of competition being lowered to boost in season results because it's not accurately showing improvement by facing weaker teams. Needs to be more innovative in his distance training. The sport has evolved beyond pure yardage for certain events."

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Binghamton University

NCAA DI • American Athletic Conference | AAC

Date: March 12, 2018

By Verified Athlete

1.4

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

3.0

1.0

Tags

"Has no idea what he is doing. Only cares about the team as a whole and winning meets. Has no individual connection unless you are one of his favorites. Does not listen to anything his athletes have to say. Rather than fixing problems, most of the time he makes them worse. Blames others for his mistakes and can never take responsibility for his own."

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Binghamton University

NCAA DI • American Athletic Conference | AAC

Date: February 26, 2018

By Verified Athlete

2.2

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

2.0

4.0

1.0

3.0

Tags

"Unfortunately I believe the BUSD is being led to Elysian fields under Smiths coaching. Instead of actually improving the team, the caliber of competition is being diluted to give the illusion of growth and progress. As it stands now it is unlikely you would grow as a swimmer here. This hire is similar to others made by Binghamton AD Pat Elliot"

Women's Golf

Nathan Miklos

Women's Golf Head Coach

Youngstown State University

Date: January 29, 2018

By Verified Athlete

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags

Intense

"Horrible, don't play for him."

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Binghamton University

NCAA DI • American Athletic Conference | AAC

Date: September 29, 2017

By Verified Athlete

3.8

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

4.0

3.0

Tags

"Has transformed into a completely reliable, motivational, and caring coach. Shows interest in the swimmers as well as always improving the dynamic of the team."

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Binghamton University

NCAA DI • American Athletic Conference | AAC

Date: September 29, 2017

By Verified Athlete

5.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

5.0

Tags

"Reading previous reviews about Brad was really upsetting. He has dramatically changed his coaching style, approachability and knowledge. He is a great, personable coach and cares about his swimmers more than anything else. He has done great things for this program and will continue to improve both the program and his swimmers. Brad is a great coach"

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Binghamton University

NCAA DI • American Athletic Conference | AAC

Date: June 24, 2017

By Verified Athlete

1.4

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

2.0

1.0

Tags

"Has absolutely zero idea how to run a team. Can not remember times or events at all. Was very frustrated with his coaching etiquette the entire time. Don't expect to improve."

Women's Volleyball

Mark Hardaway

Women's Volleyball Head Coach

Youngstown State University

Date: March 29, 2017

By Verified Athlete

4.2

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

4.0

5.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

Tags

Accessible Cool Direct

"Mark has been a second father to me and my team. He will always tell it to you straight, and will always put being a student in front of being an athlete. Very easy to talk to, and will drop everything he's doing to help if you're ever in trouble. He's the best coach I've had in my entire volleyball career. "

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Binghamton University

NCAA DI • American Athletic Conference | AAC

Date: October 3, 2016

By Verified Athlete

2.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

2.0

Tags

"Unorganized and doesn't know how to use a stopwatch. Yells out inaccurate times and tells us to do stuff that isn't beneficial at all."

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Binghamton University

NCAA DI • American Athletic Conference | AAC

Date: August 24, 2016

By Verified Athlete

2.8

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

3.0

2.0

3.0

Tags

"Cares about yardage. Does not individualize practices for specialty strokes"

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Binghamton University

NCAA DI • American Athletic Conference | AAC

Date: May 17, 2016

By Verified Athlete

2.4

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

2.0

3.0

1.0

3.0

Tags

"Inexperienced and not growing as a coach ... you will not improve if you join this program under Brad Smiths coaching"

Women's Lacrosse

Kendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

NCAA DI • Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference | NACC

The Worst Thing I Have Ever Put Myself Through.

Date: March 10, 2023

By Verified Athlete

1.2

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

2.0

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Intense Honest Believes In You

"The worst coach I have ever played for. Put on a good face during recruitment and clearly laid out her goals for the program which I thought I well aligned with. I committed, expecting these goals and expectations that were presented to me, to be kept and enforced. I was wrong. Kendyl gaslit and manipulated me. Her favorites are clear to the whole team as anyone other is treated as someone who is punished for doing the right thing. Multiple times I went into her office to ask questions about what I could do better and every time she gave me things that didn't make sense, contradicted what she said in practice, or the exact opposite of what her favorites did that gave them their playing time. Her lack of knowledge on the game (coming from a D3 school with a losing record) is very apparent in how she coaches and treats her players. One example of her craziness was when we got team issued practice cleats (that only fit narrow feet) and one player with wider feet had issues wearing and breaking them in, with getting constant blisters that prevented her from running and even walking. Even though this player had consistently reminded her of the problem and why she wasn't able to wear the cleats, she was yelled at and punished for not wearing them. On the other hand, another favorite player of Kendyl's was gifted insoles by her to help the cleats fit better behind the scenes (this player also did not wear the cleats during practice). She is nothing but hypocritical, crazy, inconsistent, and a manipulator. Anyone considering playing for her should rethink that decision before your love for the game and friendships are ruined by a coach that doesn't care about you, your mentality, or your life outside of lacrosse one bit. Friendships are ruined on this team because of her. When I left and stood up for myself in my meeting with her, she told me that a certain player (who I got along with very well) should not have been my friend and that our friendship was fake. Meanwhile, this was one of the only people who I felt I could comfortably talk to , living many hours away from home. This team is a complete mess. Lack of leadership on behalf of coach Clarkson and nothing other than girls trash talking each other with no consequences from a coach that knows. She loves the drama."

Women's Swimming & Diving

Brad Smith

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Youngstown State University

Undeniably Has Little Man Syndrome, And No Social Awareness

Date: February 3, 2023

By Verified Athlete

1.0

Overall

Caring

Motivational

Knowledgeable

Honest

1.0

Tags