Neil HarperClaim this profile

Women's Swimming & DivingNeil Harper

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

University of Arkansas

1.4

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Would Recommend

Overall

2.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

2.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor CommunicationDisorganized

Very controlling and disrespectful, with a cult-like atmosphere. Shows clear favoritism toward certain upperclassmen who seem fully indoctrinated into that culture. Some of these upperclassmen are used as “minions” to monitor others and report back. Once they have a negative opinion on you, they will do everything they can to push you to leave the team. You feel like you are constantly being watched, which is very uncomfortable. You never know the rules untill they decide to call you out on something.

Women's Swimming & DivingNeil Harper

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

University of Arkansas

1.0

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

DirectIntenseDirectDisorganizedIntenseOld School MentalityPoor Communication

Neil is a very old school and manipulative coach. He will come across as very nice and friendly but truly has a completely different side to him. He is very disorganized and very bad at communicating. When a swimmer or a the team starts to struggle he will just blame the swimmers for everything. He also lies a lot and will never take responsibility for anything.

Women's Swimming & DivingNeil Harper

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

University of Arkansas

1.4

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

2.0

Knowledgeable

2.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

IntenseDisorganizedIntensePoor Communication

Coach Neil Harper is not a good coach. He lacks care for any athlete he is under. He has an emotional problem and leads with that when things don’t go his way. He can be very hurtful, and once he feels like he doesn’t need you for his team anymore he treats you like garbage. He needs to be done coaching. Preaches about team culture but he is the root of it all and causes the loss of love and negativity.

Women's Swimming & DivingNeil Harper

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

University of Arkansas

2.4

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

3.0

Caring

2.0

Motivational

2.0

Knowledgeable

3.0

Honest

2.0

Tags

IntenseIntenseOld School MentalityPoor CommunicationResponsive

This coach exhibits a stark lack of genuine care for the athletes under his guidance, prioritizing the business aspect of coaching over their well-being. While every coach may face ups and downs, it appears that the downs have outweighed the ups in his case, raising questions about his suitability for a leadership role within an all-girls program. Perhaps a different environment, such as not coaching at all, needs to be looked into and explored. His coaching style seems to revolve around pushing athletes to their breaking point, with little regard for their physical or mental limits. When athletes fail to meet his expectations, he resorts to placing blame on them rather than reflecting on his coaching methods. Despite claiming to value academics and mental health, his actions speak otherwise, as he fails to support athletes dealing with issues outside of swimming, bringing them down instead of lifting them up. It's disheartening to note that he views his athletes merely as part of his job, lacking genuine concern for their personal growth and well-being. His tendency to make inappropriate comments both publicly and behind the scenes further illustrates a disregard for the athletes' dignity and respect. Additionally, his failure to acknowledge the challenges faced by college students, expecting them to prioritize swimming above all else, is concerning. After years of observation, it becomes apparent that his personality as a caring coach is merely a fake show. The disconnect between his public image and his true character raises doubts about his suitability for the role of head coach. Ultimately, it's imperative to prioritize the development and well-being of athletes, qualities that seem to be lacking in this coach's approach.

Women's Swimming & DivingNeil Harper

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

University of Arkansas

4.6

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Would Recommend

Overall

4.0

Caring

4.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

HonestCares About AcademicsFitness Is ImportantOld School Mentality

Neil is a true SEC coach. He is old timey sometimes so yes he has gotten better about what he says and how he says it. He wants hard work and effort and in return will be a great person/coach. He is a true SEC level coach and anybody who has left can’t handle the SEC level, great person and cares a lot about family

Women's Swimming & DivingNeil Harper

Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

University of Arkansas

1.0

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Has no idea ever what’s going on with his athletes or staff. Acts completely inappropriately. Would give 0 stars if I could.