It can be difficult to decide which college athletic programs you should be looking at. There are so many different schools with pros and cons to each program. Aside from location, weather, etc., one of the most important factors is whether you will be happy at the school you commit to. Here are the 11 happiest athletic programs in Division I of the NCAA, compiled from reviews on 2aDays.com, an anonymous ratings website for student athletes.
1. Brigham Young University – Provo (Provo, UT)
98% of the BYU student body are members of The Church of Jesus Christs of Latter-Day Saints. The BYU Cougars have won 12 NCAA championship titles. Part of that is due to the overall happiness of the team.
Average Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Coach & Staff Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
- Caring: 4.8 / 5.0
- Motivational: 3.8 / 5.0
- Knowledgeable: 4.5 / 5.0
- Honest: 4.7 / 5.0
- Overall: 4.5/5
This is what athletes are saying about Ed Eyestone, the Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track Coach:
“Coach Eyestone is an incredible resource. A former NCAA champion and Olympian, he knows how to win. He does an incredible job developing athletes who weren't all-stars in high school. Beyond that he is an incredible man and cares deeply about his athletes. Very laid back, if you want a deep relationship you'll often have to reach out to him.”
Related: How a Good Coach Changed My Life
2. University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL)
The University of Miami guarantees success in the classroom and on the field. The athletic program has 21 national team championships and 84 individual national championships.
Average Rating: 4.4 / 5.0
Coach & Staff Rating: 4.3 / 5.0
- Caring: 3.9 / 5.0
- Motivational: 3.6 / 5.0
- Knowledgeable: 4.1 / 5.0
- Honest: 3.7 / 5.0
- Overall: 3.9 / 5.0
Athletes visiting Coral Gables say:
“Loved the location of Miami and the visit was great as well.”
Related: Carbohydrates: What They Are, and Why Athletes Need Them
3. North Carolina State University – Raleigh (Raleigh, NC)
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is the largest public university in the state, giving ample opportunities for major choices! Home of the Wolf Pack, NC State holds 9 National Championship titles!
Average Rating: 4.2 / 5.0
Coach & Staff Rating: 4.2 / 5.0
- Caring: 4.3 / 5.0
- Motivational: 4.0 / 5.0
- Knowledgeable: 4.3 / 5.0
- Honest: 4.0 / 5.0
- Overall: 4.2 / 5.0
Men's Swimming & Diving athletes say of Coach Braden Holloway:
“I've been with Braden for years now, and he is one of the most passionate and caring coaches I know. He will put a leg out for any swimmer in his program, and he deeply cares about the athletic, academic and social life of each swimmer. I am able to go to him for any reason and he will always try his best to help. If I could write more, I would”
Related: 10 Questions to Ask a College Swimming and Diving Coach
4. University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY)
The University of Kentucky is one of the top public research institutions in the entire country! The Kentucky Wildcats have also won 13 national championships!
Average Rating: 4.2 / 5.0
Coach & Staff Rating: 4.2 / 5.0
- Caring: 4.2 / 5.0
- Motivational: 4.1 / 5.0
- Knowledgeable: 4.2 / 5.0
- Honest: 4.0 / 5.0
- Overall: 4.1 / 5.0
Carlos Drada, the Women's Tennis Head Coach is especially well-rated:
“Great person on and off the court. Will form a relationship with you that will last a lifetime. Great mentor and guide in tennis and life in general. Will motivate you and help you grow by taking you out of your comfort zone with specific drills and training.”
5. Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, NC)
Wake Forest is best known for their notable business school. Home of the Demon Deacons, Wake Forest has won 9 NCAA team championships!
Average Rating: 4.2 / 5.0
Coach & Staff Rating: 4.2 / 5.0
- Caring: 4.2 / 5.0
- Motivational: 4.0 / 5.0
- Knowledgeable: 4.2 / 5.0
- Honest: 4.0 / 5.0
- Overall: 4.1 / 5.0
The baseball program is best-rated, with people saying of Tom Walter:
“True players coach. Very competitive, yet always positive. Completely understands the importance of being a well-rounded student athlete. He will battle for and with his players. Donated his kidney to one of his former players (player was a freshman at the time). Would love for my son to play for Tom Walter.”
Related: College Football: Wake Forest Defensive End Mike Allen Interview
6. Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)
The Ohio State University Buckeyes have won 52 national titles and have one of the best football and basketball programs in the entire country!
Average Rating: 4.1 / 5.0
Coach & Staff Rating: 4.3 / 5.0
- Caring: 4.3 / 5.0
- Motivational: 4.2 / 5.0
- Knowledgeable: 4.5 / 5.0
- Honest: 3.8 / 5.0
- Overall: 4.3 / 5.0
Ratings said it simply enough, Ty Tucker is:
“By far the best in the business.”
7. University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)
Home of the wolverines, the University of Michigan consistently ranks in the top 30 national universities. The school has one of the best athletic programs in the country too, with 35 national titles.
Average Rating: 4.1 / 5.0
Coach & Staff Rating: 4.2 / 5.0
- Caring: 4.3 / 5.0
- Motivational: 3.9 / 5.0
- Knowledgeable: 4.4 / 5.0
- Honest: 4.1 / 5.0
- Overall: 4.2 / 5.0
Athletes say of football coach, Jim Harbaugh:
“One of the greatest coaches I've ever had!”
8. The University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL)
The University of Alabama has 26 team NCAA championships under their belts, over 100 conference championships, and 95 individual collegiate national championships. Also, who doesn't love their mascot Big Al?
Average Rating: 4.1 / 5.0
Coach & Staff Rating: 4.1 / 5.0
- Caring: 4.2 / 5.0
- Motivational: 3.9 / 5.0
- Knowledgeable: 4.1 / 5.0
- Honest: 4.0 / 5.0
- Overall: 4.1 / 5.0
Alabama is best known for the facilities; athletes are saying”
“Facilities blew me away!”
Related: Day in the Life of Alabama Football Player, Hale Hentges
9. University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)
Home of The Gators, University of Florida has won 22 national championship titles!
Average Rating: 4.1 / 5.0
Coach & Staff Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
- Caring: 4.2 / 5.0
- Motivational: 3.9 / 5.0
- Knowledgeable: 4.5 / 5.0
- Honest: 3.8 / 5.0
- Overall: 4.2 / 5.0
Reviews on women's soccer coach, Becky Burleigh are saying she's:
“One of the best coaches in the nation. Hands down.”
10. Texas A&M (College Station, TX)
Texas A&M is known for their amazing programs in agriculture, technology, and engineering. Home of the Aggies, Texas A&M holds 29 team national championships!
Average Rating: 3.9 / 5.0
Coach & Staff Rating: 4.1 / 5.0
- Caring: 4.0 / 5.0
- Motivational: 3.9 / 5.0
- Knowledgeable: 4.2 / 5.0
- Honest: 3.8 / 5.0
- Overall: 4.0 / 5.0
Athletes say of Steve Denton, the men's tennis head coach:
“He's just a great coach to work with overall and is very knowledgeable about athletics in general.”
11. University of Mississippi (Oxford, MS)
The University of Mississippi is commonly called Ole' Miss and is the oldest public university within the state! Home of the land sharks, the school holds 6 national championship titles.
Average Rating: 3.9 / 5.0
Coach & Staff Rating: 4.3 / 5.0
- Caring: 4.4 / 5.0
- Motivational: 4.4 / 5.0
- Knowledgeable: 4.3 / 5.0
- Honest: 4.0 / 5.0
- Overall: 4.3 / 5.0
According to reviews, the football coach, Hugh Freeze is a:
“Very intelligent man with innate knowledge and love for football.”
No matter which of these schools you choose to commit to, you will likely be pleased with the coaches, facilities, academics, or program success; hopefully all of the above! When you're deciding where to commit, it's important to pick a program that will make you happy with a coach that will help you grow. The 2aDays ratings for Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits are the perfect place to start.
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* Originally published on March 31, 2022, by Matthew Reichen
