Rating #46862 Details

Rating Type
Coach
Review Count
9
Object Name
Dave Nolan
Average Score
3.2
Women's Soccer Head Coach

Georgetown University

ACHA M2 • ACCHL Elite

Insensitive and poor communicator

Date: May 1, 2024

By Other
1.2

Would Recommend

Overall Rating for the Coach
1.0
Caring
1.0
Motivational
1.0
Knowledgeable
2.0
Honest
1.0

Sarcastic and insensitive. Got to have the thickest of skin to play for Dave. Poor communicator of desired style of play. Players play scared. If attempt to discuss concerns / feelings those discussion points are turned on the player and no acknowledgement is made to possible issues. Openly tells freshman they are “lower than pond scum”. Comments on players appearance (hair, height, skin tone, weight); incorporating into nicknames. Then in the same conversation will criticize their confidence. Sees player injuries as weakness and opportunity to ignore and criticize the player - “I would shoot you if you were a horse”. Assistant coaches have no voice in coaching and make no attempt to protect players. Poor communication between coaches, strength coach and trainer so that difficult to return after injury. Absent focus on nutrition. Dave values seniority over skill/ability. Brings in grad students yearly for unnecessary positions and then finds any place to put them on the field, often in positions they have never played before. Openly has preferred players. Often touts that Georgetown players do not transfer. Once in the program I realized that they quit instead of transfer - every class by senior year at least 1 player quits. Players value their education. Encourages academics. GPA required to be >3.0. May discourage certain majors to avoid competition with soccer. The strength of the program lies in the players - hard workers who do not complain and supportive of one another. Competitive with one another in a positive way. Team goes out together frequently. Knows how to have a good time. Loved my class! Friends for life! The success of the team lies in the attitudes and work ethic of the players. Wish the coach had more self awareness, respect for players and staff, created a positive coaching environment.

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