Kathryn BzdafkaClaim this profile

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Hilarious the uneducated morons that post. The softball program used the baseball field on multiple occasions with Amber, Kathryn and Brad. Maybe do your research before positing something negative. It’s my understanding Amber and Kathryn held student athletes to higher standards compared to the baseball program. Tough deal. Multiple alumni can confirm.

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

DisorganizedPoor Communication

Isn’t it so funny how NO other coaches from the school got along with you?! Everyone HATED you and Jackie, and we only had good relationships with other coaches once you guys LEFT! Tidey is so sweet and that’s why, when you horrible people left, he offered us his field for different things and was always willing to help. You guys can cry your sob stories all you want, but it’s pretty evident you two are the PROBLEM.

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

DisorganizedOld School Mentality

By far the WORST coach I EVER played for. She separated players from each other, treated her jv team like s**t, and paid no attention to those at the later practice. She didn’t allow her jv team to interact with varsity players, didn’t allow them in the lock room, didn’t allow them any sweatshirts sweatpants clothing etc, made them hit with broken tees and gave them drills in the cage to hit pop ups. She could’ve at least acted like she cared to be at those practices but instead she would on her phone and not even watch. A good coach would at least act like she cares about all of her players regardless of their team but if you were on Kathryn’s jv team she acted like you didn’t exist. I highly considered quitting while playing for her but I wasn’t going to let her win. The new coaching staff was so much better. I didn’t hate going to practice, I actually felt like I mattered to those coaches, we had team dinners, we were able to see our parents instead of feeling like we were prisoners of the old coaching staff. I get some coaches think that’s a distraction but we are at school for so many months so the fact that we can’t speak to our parents besides five minutes after is absurd. I’m so glad Kathryn isn’t a coach anymore bc any new player of hers would have their love for softball ruined by this monster.

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

5.0

• 
• 
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• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Best coaches that cared about players. Brought Batting averages up and GPA’s. Prior coaches recruits complained all the time because they didn’t earn time on the field.

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

5.0

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Imagine getting jv and not wanting it because honestly it’s mean. The nicest coach and person I’ve ever met, leaning on the assistant AD is the worst mistake this actual nice coach could have made. All the blame gets put on the head coach for decisions the administration was making. Hilarious jv players and players that have had problems don’t/didnt put together that this rule following coach didn’t go rogue on anything. Honestly being a part of this team and knowing this information it hurts my heart this was done to someone who does nothing but care and support everyone.

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

5.0

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• 

Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

As an athlete who continues to have a relationship with Kathryn. It’s bizarre what Ronda did to you and what Davenport has allowed to happen.

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

DisorganizedPoor Communication

As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to see the mental abuse Coach K and Coach Jackie had on the players. They welcome drama and seem to prefer a toxic environment instead of building a team as one. If you weren't a favorite or a snitch for them, they set you up to fail and make it miserable for you. It’s a blessing for the program that they were fired. It was not about the playing time or not working hard enough for the girls that quit, it was the mental abuse. For the girls who are new to the program or a favorite of theirs, you saw abuse…imagine if you were one of them? It could have been you the following year so be glad they are gone. I hope they NEVER coach again for the sake of the player and sport.

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

4.8

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

4.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

AccessibleCares About AcademicsDedicated To PlayersDisorganizedEasy To Get Along With

All of my interactions with CoachK have been positive. She truly cares about her athletes and their overall well being. She cares to the point that she struggles to be direct enough with her players and gives too many chances to kids who just don’t have any talent. Is coach K the smartest coach on the field? No. Does she have great game management? Not always. Does she care about her athletes and listen to their feedback? 100% yes.

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

Cares About AcademicsDevelops Team Beyond The FieldGreat LeaderHelps With Career

Kathryn has been nothing but encouraging to everyone. Kathryn treats everyone with respect and is the nicest coach in the conference.

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

If I could give zero stars, I would. Kathryn creates an incredibly toxic environment that destroys players' confidence instead of building it. She belittles athletes and uses mentally abusive tactics that make the game unbearable. Instead of motivating players, she tears them down by avoiding confrontation, blames loses on individual players, and goes out of her way to embarrass girls in front of the entire team for absolutely no reason instead of speaking to them in private. MANY talented players (24 in the last 3 years of Kathryn and Jackie being coaches at Davenport to be exact) have quit because of the emotional toll and sheer unhappiness she makes everyone feel. If you care about your mental health and love for the game, stay far away from this program.

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

5.0

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• 

Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

Believes In YouCares About AcademicsGreat LeaderKnows The Game

In all of my interactions at camps with Kathryn she is honest, knowledgeable and is genuine. Kathryn goes out of her way to talk to everyone I’ve seen her interact with. She is kind and helpful and asks engaging questions to get to know players better at camps. She is always fun and uplifting to be around.

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

Disorganized

Embarrassing coach. Avoids eye contact and prioritizes other players BLATANTLY, and she will deny this because she doesn't see a problem with it. The team culture is so poor and also an embarrassment to Davenport University itself. DU has failed its softball players for keeping this coach after an investigation was done because of REAL mental health abuse. 24 players have quit in the last 3 years of her and Jackie Barley coaching at Davenport. 2 players from the freshman class of last year remain playing for her. Only 8 from the previous year still remain playing. 12 NCAA reports and 18 personal statements against these coach meant nothing to the university as these coaches still hold their positions. Mental health isn't a joke and we are NOT faking it. Don't come here unless you want your college softball dreams to be taken from you by two grown women.

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

An embarrassment to the softball world. The only good reviews on this website are from girls she favorites or Kathryn and Jackie themselves behind a screen. Kathryn prioritizes herself in every way possible, from buying the most unhealthy snacks possible for the snack bag on away trips to being on her phone at practice and not saying a word to her non-favorites. Stay as far away from Davenport University Softball an anywhere else this woman coaches.

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Playing for Kathryn Bzdafka has been the worst experience of my life. Seven of her players have quit from September of 2024 to the end of January 2025. This says a lot. The freshman class last year came in with a recruiting class of 11 girls... 2 of them remain playing for Kathryn. Kathryn is the worst communicator, "leader," and role model to young women. In November of 2024, 18 personal statements and 12 NCAA reports were written by past and current Davenport Softball girls who have previously or currently played for Kathryn and Jackie. The University held an investigation for these coaches, and decided to bring them back a month later. THIS is disrespecting your athletes. Since being coaches here (about 3 years,) 24 girls have either quit or transferred while playing under Kathryn and Jackie. That's a whole team. If I had the chance to go back and save my love for softball and own mental health I would NEVER consider coming here.

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

Believes In YouDedicated To PlayersFairRespectful To Players

Best coaching staff I’ve ever had. Wouldn’t trade my memories or experiences with them for anything.

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

Believes In YouCreates A Great Team Culture

One of the best coaches I’ve had. Has cared for me and still asks about my parents - which means a lot to me.

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

Develops Team Beyond The FieldEasy To Get Along WithPassionate About Coaching

CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT CHAMPS - NDC BABY! Best coach around. Wouldn’t trade my experience for anything

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

Believes In YouPassionate About CoachingPositive PersonRespectful To PlayersResponsive

Kathryn Bzdafka is an incredible leader whose ability to connect with people sets her apart. She is not only a great people person but also deeply caring, always taking the time to ensure her athletes feel supported and valued. Her guidance goes beyond just skill development—she invests in us as individuals, pushing us to grow both on and off the field. One thing she’s taught me is that you get what you put in, and like anything worth having, success grows when you water it. Her belief in the power of effort and perseverance inspires me every day to give my best.

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

DisorganizedPoor Communication

I’ve had some pretty bad coaches, but none as bad as her. Not only did she have no reasoning behind her choices, she did a horrible job at creating a cohesive and effective team. Pitting players against each other and talking badly about other players behind theirs backs to their own teammates, like a child. I have never been in a darker place than the time when she was my coach. I would steer my worst enemy away from this coach. I try to block most of my time spent with her out of my memory. I hope she gets a taste of what she has served out to so many others.

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

1.0

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• 
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• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication

For an individual who claims to be so devoutly religious, she is quite the hypocrite. To talk negatively about players to other players is disgraceful. To be spineless and not have the back of your own is disgusting. Maybe she should reconsider who needs to be the one to “go pray.” There are those who played every game who would agree.

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

HonestGreat LeaderHelps With CareerPositive PersonRespectful To Players

A Coach who will be remembered far deeper than just being a coach, one who values players with hard work and integrity and truly has the best interest of all her players. Coach K is the fairest and most respected coach in the game.

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

4.8

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

4.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

HonestEasy To Get Along WithFairPassionate About CoachingUnderstanding

She strives to see hard work being put into the program! She holds out reasonable standards and holds everyone accountable to them! These standards don’t just make winning programs, they build character for when you retire from softball itself and you’re out on your own! She understands the game well because she has played it herself! I respect her a ton because of her high expectations and standards! She will push you to become the best player you can be, and support you through every step, you just have to be willing as a player to allow it to let you grow! Not only is she a great coach, she is a great human being! She treats her players like human beings and not just someone who can get them a championship! She remembers what you tell her, whether it’s personal or something random you want to share with her! A personal story was when she was in the process of recruiting me, we had a phone conversation back in March. I had mentioned something very specific about my dog at the time! Fast forward to September, 6 months later, she had asked about my dog and mentioned that specific moment as if it were yesterday! It made me feel like I wasn’t just one of her players and got lost in the crowd! She remembered something very distinct and that is just one of the many stories I have about Coach K!

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

5.0

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• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

KnowledgeableMotivationalBelieves In YouDedicated To PlayersPassionate About Coaching

Never played for a more understanding and caring person. No matter what’s happening on the field she truly cares for her players and wants what’s best for them no matter what.

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

5.0

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• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

Believes In YouCares About AcademicsKnows The GamePassionate About CoachingRespectful To Players

Great coach and great experience. I was well taken care of and enjoyed my experience playing for coach k. Sad that some girls are dragging her down because they didn’t get the playing time they wanted.

Women's SoftballKathryn Bzdafka

Former Women's Softball Head Coach

Davenport University

NCAA DII • Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference | GLIAC

5.0

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• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

OrganizedPassionate About CoachingPlayers CoachPositive Person

Coach of the year in the GMAC. Literally - a great coach. Sad to see the hate over playing time but also not surprised.