Another possibly problematic women's coach

[brookyone]

"...he isn't alone in playing favorites ... every coach has his/her go to players and that's not going to change with the next coach."

If the word favorites is defined as a player that plays in any situation no matter how low her ability level is but the coach has a soft spot in his/her heart for that player (as we've all seen many times) then yes I have a problem with playing favorites but if favorites is defined as the best players with the best abilities and skills then I have a very hard time with that word being used. If you're consistently better than your peers and are therefore in the top 5 on the team's depth chart then you have earned the right to play in every situation. Nothing wrong with that. That's the way it should be in collegiate athletics. The best players should play the most minutes/situations. That's called making the right decision from an athletic point of view.

Not really the lone issue per favorites. Playing favorites off the ice in non game situations. In areas of discipline etc. has been known to cause problems.

 

[PuckRush]

Re: Another possibly problematic women's coach

Earth to anyone that doesn't have a daughter playing college hockey: They read this stuff, especially when it's about their program.

 

[shelfit]

Re: Another possibly problematic women's coach

And usually the word favorites is used in a sentence by someone that is whining about not getting something they think the deserve, most often a disgruntled player or parent.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: Another possibly problematic women's coach

...Several years ago, Rush Zimmerman from Providence logged on to comment on a HE thread focusing on the recently concluded HE tournament and Providence's attitude after they won the tournament. She gave a thoughtful response to some questionable posts from people who had an axe to grind. So some players do follow the threads from time to time. I have no way of knowing if this post belongs to a player or a post from someone with a 'dog in this fight'. The only person who knows for sure is the person who wrote the post.

Earth to anyone that doesn't have a daughter playing college hockey: They read this stuff, especially when it's about their program.

These points are very well taken.

So to HelloItsMe: If you are who you say you are, I apologize for doubting you. However I hope you would agree that I took the ideas you expressed seriously. Ultimately it's the ideas that matter most. That's one reason we all post under screen names in the first place.

Granted, if someone claims to be offering eyewitness evidence, then of course the specific identity of the poster is important...

Additional Response to Skate79 and PuckRush: Based on both observation and intuition, my experience is that players and coaches DO indeed read USCHO posts on an occasional basis. The world of Women's D-1 Hockey isn't that big; the level of media coverage isn't that great. There aren't that many other places to gather information and check out opinions from elsewhere. Posters would do well to keep this in mind, btw.

Conversely, unless a group of sly players has deked us, my belief is that it's pretty rare for players and coaches to actually post. My impression is that the cool story told by Skate79 is basically an exception that proves the general rule. Further, my sense is that it's far more common for players' parents to post than it is for anyone "inside the room." Anyhow, perhaps my skepticism stems form this mindset, as much as anything in the HelloItsMe posts.

 

[PuckRush]

Re: Another possibly problematic women's coach

Additional Response to Skate79 and PuckRush: Based on both observation and intuition, my experience is that players and coaches DO indeed read USCHO posts on an occasional basis. The world of Women's D-1 Hockey isn't that big; the level of media coverage isn't that great. There aren't that many other places to gather information and check out opinions from elsewhere. Posters would do well to keep this in mind, btw.

Conversely, unless a group of sly players has deked us, my belief is that it's pretty rare for players and coaches to actually post. My impression is that the cool story told by Skate79 is basically an exception that proves the general rule. Further, my sense is that it's far more common for players' parents to post than it is for anyone "inside the room." Anyhow, perhaps my skepticism stems form this mindset, as much as anything in the HelloItsMe posts.

You are 100% right - they're here, but they usually don't post. (and they probably think we're a bunch of clowns hahaha)

 

[shelfit]

You are 100% right - they're here, but they usually don't post. (and they probably think we're a bunch of clowns hahaha)

And aren't we?! There are a lot of people on here that sure take themselves way too seriously. If we can't laugh at ourselves then frankly we shouldn't be on here posting in the first place.

 

[OnMAA]

Re: Another possibly problematic women's coach

Conversely, unless a group of sly players has deked us, my belief is that it's pretty rare for players and coaches to actually post. My impression is that the cool story told by Skate79 is basically an exception that proves the general rule. Further, my sense is that it's far more common for players' parents to post than it is for anyone "inside the room." Anyhow, perhaps my skepticism stems form this mindset, as much as anything in the HelloItsMe posts.

And I know of a past example or two where coaches advise players to refrain from posting or commenting on this board. My point is that there are many more readers than posters, and that this site is monitored by many involved in the game at this level. As you said, the Women's hockey world is a small one.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: Another possibly problematic women's coach

And I know of a past example or two where coaches advise players to refrain from posting or commenting on this board.

Very interesting, though not at all surprising.

My point is that there are many more readers than posters, and that this site is monitored by many involved in the game at this level. As you said, the Women's hockey world is a small one.

Agreed, of course.

 

[pakidnyc]

Note from a member of the Penn State graduating senior class:

In light of yet another article regarding allegations of emotional abuse suffered by former players during their time under Coach Josh Brandwene, I would like to share my experience playing for him as well. There are a group of 12 seniors that demonstrated unwavering support and dedication to the success and future of this program. Each person had a different experience, and I know every senior has the best intentions for the future of the team. I’m thankful to have been surrounded by such amazing teammates. Out of respect for the girls on the team, who continue to be impacted, I want to say my part. As for my personal experience playing for Josh Brandwene, I never experienced any of this alleged emotional abuse. I feel it is necessary to speak out against these claims and share my perspective.

In an attempt to push their agenda, The Daily Collegian compromised their integrity and legitimacy as a source of factual news. The accusations made in these articles are unfounded and contain little evidence of legal or ethical violations. Everyone has a right to speak about their own story, and these comments are representative of my individual experience. In my opinion, it's unlikely that a thorough investigation by the Penn State Athletics Department will produce any evidence of emotional abuse. It’s more likely an investigation will probably find that there is a lack of confidence in his coaching ability. There is a big difference. Personally, I felt that the physical and mental demands were in alignment with what would be expected of a D1 collegiate athlete. Over the years, talking with the players on teams brought a new perspective and appreciation for how good we have it. In fact, he's arguably the most accommodating and flexible coach in the NCAA. I feel incredibly lucky that I had the opportunity to play hockey and get a great education at Penn State. The experience exceeded my expectations, and I'm grateful to every member of the staff for their dedication and support of me throughout my career.

Sincerely,

A senior

I realize this is a forum where people can post anonymously, however, if this is truly a post from a graduating senior, why would they not want to put their name? She is defending the coach and I think would certainly give some legitimacy to the defense. Otherwise it could be anyone. Including Coach Brandwene.

 

[pokechecker]

Re: Another possibly problematic women's coach

if this is truly a post from a graduating senior, why would they not want to put their name?

you really need that explained to you?

I suppose someone could accuse you of being someone else too, one of the disgruntled players for suggesting the coach was behind the post and not a player.

geese louise

woman up!!! you were given n opportunity to play D1, it didn't work out like you had hoped
now you know how the bench warmers on your team before college felt
chalk it up to experience and move on
whining only shows you are still a little girl
maybe you need to move back home and give your parents a second chance

 

[spwood]

Re: Another possibly problematic women's coach

I realize this is a forum where people can post anonymously, however, if this is truly a post from a graduating senior, why would they not want to put their name? She is defending the coach and I think would certainly give some legitimacy to the defense. Otherwise it could be anyone. Including Coach Brandwene.

I doubt the coach needs this board to defend himself. Even if a name was attached, you still wouldn't know for sure if it was legitimate...

 

[spwood]

Re: Another possibly problematic women's coach

you really need that explained to you?

I suppose someone could accuse you of being someone else too, one of the disgruntled players for suggesting the coach was behind the post and not a player.

geese louise

woman up!!! you were given n opportunity to play D1, it didn't work out like you had hoped
now you know how the bench warmers on your team before college felt
chalk it up to experience and move on
whining only shows you are still a little girl
maybe you need to move back home and give your parents a second chance

Let's remember we live in a world where campus police were called because someone wrote #Trump16 on her dry erase board (see also Emery College in Georgia). I don't think "man up" or "woman up" seems possible with this generation. This seems to be a generation of "I want it now" and "I should get it now because I want it now".

 

[shelfit]

Let's remember we live in a world where campus police were called because someone wrote #Trump16 on her dry erase board (see also Emery College in Georgia). I don't think "man up" or "woman up" seems possible with this generation. This seems to be a generation of "I want it now" and "I should get it now because I want it now".

Exactly, and you should probably add "even if I haven't earned it or don't deserve it. I'm here so give me what I want."

 

[hocper]

Re: Another possibly problematic women's coach

Exactly, and you should probably add "even if I haven't earned it or don't deserve it. I'm here so give me what I want."

another addition would be "I will also define it as emotional abuse or bullying if I still don't get what I want"

 

[shelfit]

another addition would be "I will also define it as emotional abuse or bullying if I still don't get what I want"

Good one. How about "The coach ruined hockey for me for the rest of my life because I didn't get what I want and my parents agree with me."

 

[EastFan1]

Re: Another possibly problematic women's coach

Even if the kids are whiners, the bigger problem for the program was the part of the last article that talked about transfers.



A parent of a current player, who asked to remain anonymous, said if Brandwene is still coaching the team next year, his daughter will be giving up her scholarship and transferring. He said he has heard other parents say the same thing.

“My decision is not emotional,” he said. “My daughter will not be coming back.”





If that is coming from a parent of one of the stronger players that could be pretty painful for a team that finished in the bottom half of the CHA.

 

[spwood]

Re: Another possibly problematic women's coach

Even if the kids are whiners, the bigger problem for the program was the part of the last article that talked about transfers.



A parent of a current player, who asked to remain anonymous, said if Brandwene is still coaching the team next year, his daughter will be giving up her scholarship and transferring. He said he has heard other parents say the same thing.

“My decision is not emotional,” he said. “My daughter will not be coming back.”





If that is coming from a parent of one of the stronger players that could be pretty painful for a team that finished in the bottom half of the CHA.

If he is this big a problem, then he does need to go. That said, as an alumni, I am still waiting to hear from someone other than the Daily Collegian, which I don't consider to be a great source of unbiased information (which I guess is just the way media is these days - @#$% I am getting old).

It does seem like the program should have grown faster than it has, and if that is a reason to change coaches, I have no problem with that, but I'm more hesitant to ruin the man's career over a couple of Daily Collegian articles.

 

[ZedLeppelin]

Re: Another possibly problematic women's coach

A parent of a current player, who asked to remain anonymous, said if Brandwene is still coaching the team next year, his daughter will be giving up her scholarship and transferring. He said he has heard other parents say the same thing. “My decision is not emotional,” he said. “My daughter will not be coming back.”

If that is coming from a parent of one of the stronger players that could be pretty painful for a team that finished in the bottom half of the CHA.

That may have nothing to do with the complaints published in the Collegian article, and more to do with this player's (and her parent's) opinion of Brandwene's actual coaching ability. It wouldn't be the first time that subject has been spoken about.

A bigger issue than individual complaints may be how the overall problem is dividing the team. That's never good for a team sport.

 

[Skate79]

Re: Another possibly problematic women's coach

I just want to say that when Rush logged on to comment, she used her name and was very open to discussing the situation. Posters appreciated her candor. Just to confirm, the following season, I happened to sit next to a couple of Providence players at the HE tournament and I asked them if they read this board and if Rush did in fact log on to comment. They confirmed that she did and that stuff that is posted here sometimes makes it into locker rooms. Not often and when it does, the players take it with a grain of salt.

None of the Harvard players have ever commented to me about any posts that either I or anyone else have posted nor have their parents. If the poster in this thread is a Penn State player and a senior, I would have hoped that she could have identified herself but I respect her privacy. It is also possible that Penn State has some rule against players posting in public forums although I find that hard to believe given the preponderance of social media.

 

[shelfit]

Re: Another possibly problematic women's coach

I just want to say that when Rush logged on to comment, she used her name and was very open to discussing the situation. Posters appreciated her candor. Just to confirm, the following season, I happened to sit next to a couple of Providence players at the HE tournament and I asked them if they read this board and if Rush did in fact log on to comment. They confirmed that she did and that stuff that is posted here sometimes makes it into locker rooms. Not often and when it does, the players take it with a grain of salt.

None of the Harvard players have ever commented to me about any posts that either I or anyone else have posted nor have their parents. If the poster in this thread is a Penn State player and a senior, I would have hoped that she could have identified herself but I respect her privacy. It is also possible that Penn State has some rule against players posting in public forums although I find that hard to believe given the preponderance of social media.

I don't think anyone needs to give their real name here especially a current student. I think reading what was written and how it was written is enough for me to strongly speculate that it was not an actual player at PSU.