Rick Van PeltClaim this profile

Men's BasketballRick Van Pelt

Men's Basketball Head Coach

Messiah University

1.4

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

2.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

2.0

I could go on and on with stories of VanPelt mistreating players due to race, background, and other social norms that he deems unacceptable/irregular. He doesn't coach the game of basketball; he just supervises it. If you want to be a pretty good person, go to this program. If you want to be a pretty good basketball player, run away from this program while you can. My playing time was determined by what I did off the court and not on the Court. He created an environment where it was acceptable to judge and talk bad about people who don't do things you're way. I had my own teammates running to him to tell him how well I was participating in class and how late I got back to my dorm certain nights. Vp is the type of guy you want greeting people at your wedding or a social event. He's the last man I would want as a coach for myself and anyone else I care about. The program has slowly been going downhill since his only mac chapionship, he is fighting to survive and keep his job. I do not recommend this coach or program if you want to become a better basketball player. (2 year Messiah mens basketball player) I've been waiting to post this for a while, I am not the type of guy to go out and publiciy bash a person or group of people, but I feel like i'm doing the people in that community a disservice by not sharing my perspective. Best of luck to this program; I am curios to see how thye try to turn this proragm around.

Men's BasketballRick Van Pelt

Men's Basketball Head Coach

Messiah University

1.0

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

DisorganizedPoor Communication

Disappointed parent. Coach Van Pelt isn’t a good leader. He doesn’t believe in his players. He doesn’t develop team beyond the court. Poor communication. He doesn’t keep his word with players. He also struggles with coaching concepts. Unfortunate experience for our son. Messiah needs a new mens basketball head coach who can lead the team on and off the court.

Men's BasketballRick Van Pelt

Men's Basketball Head Coach

Messiah University

2.4

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

3.0

Caring

2.0

Motivational

2.0

Knowledgeable

3.0

Honest

2.0

Tags

DisorganizedOld School MentalityPoor Communication

Got cut due to injury. Was able to rejoin the team. But he never really believed in me. Horrible communication. Very removed from the team, even from captains and assistant coaches. Plays close to 90% of possessions in the half court so if you’re looking to play a modern style of basketball he is not your guy.