Adams State University
NCAA DII • RMAC
Date: September 8, 2026
Would Recommend
Tags
y experience with this coach was extremely disappointing and concerning. A coach should build confidence, trust, teamwork, and unity. Unfortunately, my experience was the opposite. Rather than bringing players together, he seemed uncomfortable when players became close or formed strong friendships. It often felt as though he worried that players would talk to one another about his behavior or decisions. There were even instances where he appeared to listen outside doors to hear what players were saying privately. That creates an atmosphere of distrust and anxiety instead of the sense of family and unity a healthy team should have. More concerning was the way he seemed to play with players’ emotions and confidence. Young athletes should never feel that they have to constantly manage their coach’s moods, stay on his good side, or worry about what will happen if they disagree with him. There were also serious concerns surrounding his drinking and the behavior associated with it. In my experience, this was not something that belonged anywhere near a position responsible for leading and mentoring young athletes. Perhaps most troubling was what happened when players decided they no longer wanted to play for him. Instead of respecting their decision and wishing them well, his behavior could feel retaliatory, as though leaving his program meant you had become his enemy. Coaching is about far more than wins and losses. Coaches have enormous influence over young athletes during some of the most formative years of their lives. They should teach leadership, resilience, accountability, sportsmanship, and how to be part of something bigger than themselves. A great coach makes players want to run through a wall for their teammates. He doesn’t make them afraid to talk to one another. Based on our experience, I cannot recommend this coach. No athlete should have to sacrifice their confidence, friendships, or peace of mind simply because they chose to play a sport they love.