University of South Carolina (Columbia)
ACHA M2 • NULL
Date: September 26, 2023
Would Recommend
Tags
Jeff Poppell is an absolute terror. Nearly ended my swimming career after only TWO MONTHS at South Carolina. This man is a dictator above a head coach. He only cares about himself and his ego. You are nothing more than a number on a scoreboard to this man. He creates a hostile, anxiety inducing environment that is impossible to succeed in. He refuses to listen to the needs of his athletes, he coaches one way and one way only. Forces all of his swimmers to go over hours to finish sets. He also has a tendency of pitting people against each other when it comes to travel meets, which arises tension within the team. I saw some of the mentally and physically strongest athletes I know quit due to his actions and immature attitude on the pool deck. In addition, this man absolutely loves drama. He has favorites on the team, and uses them to get information about other swimmers. He innapropriately spreads rumors about his own swimmers because he has nothing better to do. His drama spread throughout the coaching staff and managed to drive out his own hires within one season. The way Jeff Poppell treats his swimmers and coaches makes me sick to my stomach. Save yourself from a definite transfer, and STAY AWAY FROM THIS MAN.