Western Kentucky University
NCAA DI • C-USA
Date: June 14, 2025
Would Recommend
My daughter entered this program full of love for dance—excited to grow, be part of a team, and represent her school. But under Coach Audrey’s leadership, that love was quickly stripped away. She was humiliated, excluded, and ultimately left the team—not because of talent, but because of the toxic environment Coach Audrey allows to thrive. A small group of dancers is allowed to control team dynamics, unchecked by leadership. They decide who’s in and who’s out. Audrey either doesn’t see it or chooses not to step in—but either way, the harm is very real. Even parents have spoken up and asked for change—but nothing meaningful is ever done. Multiple dancers have been allowed to lead through fear, gossip, and exclusion. That’s what happens when a coach fails to address the root of the problem. The culture becomes toxic, and new team members are left to either tolerate the behavior, stay quiet, or walk away. The most toxic individual is still on the team today—and continues to shape the environment in damaging ways. What’s worse is that the behavior doesn’t stop when a dancer leaves. My daughter witnessed that small group continue to gossip, post, and bully others long after they’ve moved on from the team. They laugh just to maintain control. It’s mean-girl behavior with lasting emotional consequences. and it’s enabled by a coach who refuses to stop it. If you’re considering this program, pay attention to how many dancers quietly disappear each year. There’s a pattern—and it matters. Red flags to know: • Conflict is ignored • Certain dancers hold unhealthy control over team culture • High turnover every season • No emotional safety or accountability • Very little diversity A new season may be starting, but the same toxic culture remains. My daughter is still healing from what happened. She wasn’t the first, and sadly, she may not be the last. Please protect your child’s mental health and self-worth. No program is worth enduring a toxic coach.