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

2.2

2.7

2.2

1.9

2.3

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."

0

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

"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. "

0

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

"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."

0

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

"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."

0

Women's Lacrosse

Rob Harris

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Michigan Intercol. Ath. Assn. | 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

"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 "

0

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

2.2

2.7

2.2

1.9

2.3

Tags

Accessible Intense Direct Cool

"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. "

0

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

2.2

2.1

2.2

2.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Honest Intense 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!"

17

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

2.2

2.1

2.2

2.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Honest Intense 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

2.2

2.1

2.2

2.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Honest Intense 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."

1

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

2.2

2.1

2.2

2.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Honest Intense 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. "

4

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

2.2

2.1

2.2

2.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Honest Intense 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."

3

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

2.2

2.1

2.2

2.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Honest Intense 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. "

11

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

2.2

2.1

2.2

2.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Honest Intense 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."

8

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

2.2

2.1

2.2

2.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Honest Intense 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. "

8

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

2.2

2.1

2.2

2.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Honest Intense 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."

30

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

2.2

2.1

2.2

2.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Honest Intense 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. "

5

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

2.2

2.7

2.2

1.9

2.3

Tags

Accessible Intense Direct Cool

"For starters, he is so awkward to be around you become uncomfortable. He has no real knowledge of swimming or diving. Always brags about his worldly knowledge of things such as “nutrition, mental health, or equality,” but in fact has no real knowledge on the topics. Has different relationships between men and women on the team, and men are often referred to as his “sons,” and women are too emotional. The pressure he puts on his athletes to preform is unimaginable and when you show a sliver of “weakness” he preys on you. Would never ever recommend him to anyone. Made me completely lose my love for the sport….Run"

0

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

2.2

2.1

2.2

2.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Honest Intense 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. "

8

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

2.2

2.1

2.2

2.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Honest Intense 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..."

20

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

2.2

2.1

2.2

2.1

Tags

Poor Communication Disorganized Honest Intense 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. "

2

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

2.2

2.7

2.2

1.9

2.3

Tags

Accessible Intense Direct Cool

"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."

0

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

2.2

2.7

2.2

1.9

2.3

Tags

Accessible Intense Direct Cool

"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. "

0

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

2.2

2.7

2.2

1.9

2.3

Tags

Accessible Intense Direct Cool

"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. "

0

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

2.2

2.7

2.2

1.9

2.3

Tags

Accessible Intense Direct Cool

"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. "

0

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

2.2

2.7

2.2

1.9

2.3

Tags

Accessible Intense Direct Cool

"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."

0

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