Matt BaranyClaim this profile

Men's Swimming & DivingMatt Barany

Men's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

University of Richmond

1.8

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Would Recommend

Overall

2.0

Caring

2.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

3.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

Intense

Everything he says comes off great, but he is very hypocritical. He is a master manipulator. Wants all swimmers to be extremely lean muscle. Talks about food often in negative ways. He picks favorites. He does not care about mental health. Do not recommend unless he is not the coach.

Men's Swimming & DivingMatt Barany

Men's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

University of Richmond

3.8

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Would Recommend

Overall

4.0

Caring

4.0

Motivational

3.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

3.0

Tags

AccessibleCoolDirectIntense

If you are naturally fast, he will love you and he will be a great coach towards you. He is amazing at what he does but he picks a few favorites and uses them to inspire the other teammates. It does not work. He is very hypocritical. Acts like he cares about academics and mental health but has destroyed so many swimmer's mental health.

Men's Swimming & DivingMatt Barany

Men's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

University of Richmond

1.6

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• 

Would Recommend

Overall

2.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

3.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

DirectIntense

Matt does not care about the dive team and excludes us from as many activities as possible. He undervalues the benefits a close bond between swim and dive could foster. He also does poorly with injuries.

Men's Swimming & DivingMatt Barany

Men's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

University of Richmond

1.6

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

2.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

3.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

DirectIntense

Matt does not care about the dive team and excludes us from as many activities as possible. He undervalues the benefits a close bond between swim and dive could foster. He also does poorly with injuries.

Men's Swimming & DivingMatt Barany

Men's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

University of Richmond

3.8

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• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

4.0

Caring

4.0

Motivational

3.0

Knowledgeable

4.0

Honest

4.0

Tags

AccessibleCoolDirectIntense

Matt definitely values athletic skill over academic performance. For anyone with any mental health/eating disorder issues, this is not the program to be in, as it will likely get worse based on the way he runs this program. I didn't find his practices or coaching style to be helpful to my development as a swimmer, but other people have done well.

Men's Swimming & DivingMatt Barany

Men's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

University of Richmond

3.4

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• 
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• 

Would Recommend

Overall

3.0

Caring

3.0

Motivational

3.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

3.0

Tags

CoolDirectIntense

Matt runs a championship program. While I don't agree with all of his methodology, I would choose to be coached by him again, undoubtedly. He sets high standards. Yet, he is deeply invested in the academics and character of his swimmers. Much of my growth in college came as a result of having Matt as my coach, and for that I am incredibly grateful.

Men's Swimming & DivingMatt Barany

Men's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

University of Richmond

1.8

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• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

2.0

Caring

2.0

Motivational

2.0

Knowledgeable

2.0

Honest

1.0

Matt will mess with your mental health with his mind games. Constantly tells girls they are fat. Talks behind swimmers' backs. Dishonest, rude and condescending. Cannot take when students put their academics before swimming. Do not recommend.

Men's Swimming & DivingMatt Barany

Men's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

University of Richmond

1.0

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication

I graduated more than 5 years ago and I’m still in therapy dealing with the trauma this man gave me. He went out of his way to be sadistic and nasty. If you’re not one of the lucky few he favors, he won’t be kind. If you’re unlucky enough to be specifically disfavored, he will do everything in his power to break you. He is well versed in the hoovering technique and as others have mentioned, he constantly makes comments about our bodies/ criticizes us for eating. He conflates respect with obedience and takes questions for clarity as personal attacks. He stole my love of the sport and his abusive behavior has landed me in therapy dealing with it. I would give anything to warn my impressionable high school self against falling for his charming facade.