Kendyl ClarksonClaim this profile

Women's LacrosseKendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

1.8

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

2.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

3.0

Honest

2.0

I was one of the first recruits at YSU and also one of the first to hit the portal and transfer out my Sophomore year. Clarkson and I were very close my first year and I thought I was so lucky to have an assistant coach that actually cared about me and my personal/athletic development. Boy was I wrong. Her and Walton would get minions to spy on me and what i was doing and report back to them. Then they would CALL MY MOTHER and yell at me with my mom on speaker phone. When the freshman came in my sophomore year, Clarkson began a relationship with one of them and everyone had proof of it. When i spoke up about it I was shamed in front of the whole team and they decided to have a team meeting just to discuss me and manipulate the players into turning against me. I even had to get two surgeries on my shins for overuse and constant running - She told me that it was shin splints and I should just put ice on it. This experience ruined me and I started abusing substances just to get through the day. Once I transferred I realized what a real Division I programs culture should look like and I’m so glad I made the decision. I needed to come on here and say my peace.

Women's LacrosseKendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

IntenseDisorganizedIntenseOld School MentalityPoor Communication

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!

Women's LacrosseKendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

1.8

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

1.0

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 LacrosseKendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

2.6

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Would Recommend

Overall

3.0

Caring

2.0

Motivational

2.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

Intense

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.

Women's LacrosseKendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

2.6

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Would Recommend

Overall

2.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

3.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

2.0

Tags

IntenseOrganized

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 LacrosseKendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

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

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 LacrosseKendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

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

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.

Women's LacrosseKendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

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

DisorganizedPoor Communication

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 LacrosseKendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

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

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 LacrosseKendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

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

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 LacrosseKendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

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

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 LacrosseKendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

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

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 LacrosseKendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

1.2

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Would Recommend

Overall

2.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

IntenseIntensePoor Communication

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 LacrosseKendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

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

DisorganizedPoor Communication

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 LacrosseKendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

HonestBelieves In YouCares About AcademicsGreat LeaderPlayers Coach

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 !

Women's LacrosseKendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

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

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.

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

HonestBelieves In YouCares About AcademicsCreates A Great Team CultureDedicated To Players

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 !

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

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...

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

HonestCares About AcademicsCreates A Great Team CultureDedicated To PlayersGreat Leader

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

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

AccessibleKnowledgeableDedicated To PlayersKnows The GamePassionate About Coaching

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.

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

DirectHonestKnowledgeableMotivationalBelieves 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.

1.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

IntenseDirectPoor Communication

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 LacrosseKendyl Clarkson

Former Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

Youngstown State University

1.2

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

2.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

DisorganizedPoor Communication

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.