University of Wisconsin (La Crosse)

Men's BasketballKent Dernbach

Men's Basketball Head Coach

University of Wisconsin (La Crosse)

ACHA M2 • NULL

5.0

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Would Recommend

Amazing human who cares about his players on and off the court

Coed Cross Country/Track & FieldNathan Petesch

Coed Cross Country Assistant Coach

University of Wisconsin (La Crosse)

ACHA M2 • NULL

2.0

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Would Recommend

Coach Petesch seems very focused on performance standards and building a more competitive program, but the environment felt very discouraging and unsupportive, especially for athletes who are still developing. A lot of emphasis is placed on times and whether athletes are considered “competitive enough,” which can make it feel like your value on the team depends more on immediate results than effort, growth, or long-term potential. He has openly said that most of the team is not at a true college competitive standard and that only a smaller portion of athletes are really at the level he wants. While high expectations are understandable, the delivery often comes across as harsh and dismissive rather than motivating. For a Division III program, it feels like there is very little patience for development, especially for athletes coming back from injuries or trying to rebuild confidence. Communication and feedback can also be frustrating. Many athletes feel unsure of where they stand unless they directly ask, and even then, the responses can feel more critical than constructive or blatantly ignored. Instead of feeling coached, it can feel like you are constantly trying to prove you deserve a spot. There is also a strong emphasis on team culture and lifestyle choices, with assumptions made about athletes being “social” or not taking the sport seriously enough, even in points of transition ex. long bus trip. While accountability matters, it can feel unfair when athletes who are working hard are still grouped into that narrative. If you are already a top performer and respond well to a very blunt, results-driven coaching style, this environment may work for you. But if you are looking for a coach who prioritizes athlete development, encouragement, and building confidence alongside performance, this may not be the best fit.

Coed SoccerJason Murphy

Coed Soccer Head Coach

University of Wisconsin (La Crosse)

ACHA M2 • NULL

4.8

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Would Recommend

Wouldn’t have wanted to spend my 4 years anywhere else.

Men's Swimming & DivingCharlie King

Men's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

University of Wisconsin (La Crosse)

ACHA M2 • NULL

1.6

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Would Recommend

He is rude and treats his team horribly. He only treats the best on the team with respect. He, also, disregarded sexual harassment claims the team was brining up to him.

Men's Swimming & DivingCharlie King

Men's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

University of Wisconsin (La Crosse)

ACHA M2 • NULL

1.4

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Would Recommend

I coached with Charlie. He was awful to the kids, and to me. He wouldn't call kids by their preferred name, berate them on deck (in front of the whole team), questioned their loyalty to the sport (when they're literally paying to swim, it's div 3), etc... He's a class A beezy