"Committing to row for Dave O’Neil at Texas, I knew it would be challenging—and it should be at such a competitive level. I value “tough love” coaching, which builds strong athletes and well-rounded individuals. However, HE lacks empathy and prioritizes the team’s reputation above all else. While I don’t expect coaches to mediate team drama, I do believe in equal respect for every athlete. Unfortunately, this was not the case. HE allowed an entire class to bully their teammate, ignoring her perspective for 313 days until university leadership and lawyers forced his involvement. When asked how he’d feel if it were his own daughter being mistreated by teammates and coaches, HE admitted HE wouldn’t be happy. Yet, HE still failed to act until pressured. The treatment of myself and others was incomprehensible. Over half of an entire recruiting class quit due to mental health struggles or a loss of love for the sport, issues that HE caused or exacerbated. HE stripped me of my love for rowing for a long time. While I’ve regained much of it, it will never be the same. If you’re seeking a coach who upholds the Texas Student Athlete Code of Conduct and fosters respect, this is not the coach for you. The Texas Student Athlete Code of Conduct: Sportsmanship: “Student Athletes must conduct themselves in a distinguished manner and exhibit respect and courtesy toward teammates, opponents, coaches, staff, officials, and spectators.” To submit this review, I am required to give at least one star; however, I want to make it clear that this star is solely dedicated to the teammates who had the courage to come forward and apologize for being manipulated into bullying their teammate. These same individuals were also mistreated by this rowing program and Dave O’Neil, but their stories are not mine to tell. This star for the family we’ve built by persevering together and rising above it all. "

"Dave O’Neil completely destroyed my confidence in and outside of the sport. HE creates a highly divided team culture and I highly recommend you never tell him if you have any mental health issues because HE mentioned to multiple of my teammates that he never would’ve recruited them if he knew. More than half of my recruiting class quit the team within two years of joining due to Dave. He doesn’t have any sympathy for family deaths or emergencies and if you choose your family over the team he will threaten scholarships and your position on the team. The training is intense as it should be to win national championships but the mental games HE plays with people childish and distract from the training. Also, he needs to stop cuffing his jeans so short."

"As a parent, it has been great to see my daughter grow as a person. Dave Oneill had challenged her and put her through some tough times but how she has grown under his leadership and the bonds she has created as a result do the team culture makes it all well worth it. I am so proud of her and thankful for Dave’s coaching. "

"Dave is the best coach I have ever had. He really cares about his athletes and knows exactly how to motivate them not only as a group but also individually. He is brilliant when it comes to lineups and understanding what and who will make a boat move. He is always trying new ways to improve the team and knows how to own up to his mistakes. He integrates many useful life lessons into practice every day and equips us to go out into the world as better humans than before. I am very thankful for my time rowing for Dave. "

"Dave is one of the best. He will push you to be the best rower and person you can be! Rowing for Dave changed my life. He cares a ton about the team culture, and invests a lot into it. "

"Dave is a very fair coach. If you are ready to put the work in he will too and it will take you far. He has made my experience at college one I will never forget and I am so thankful I decided to row for him. "

"Dave knows how to get the most out of his athletes. Great coach and person 10/10 "

"Cares about his athletes and the team. Amazing coach and so much fun! He is tough but he cares. "

"Bad team culture, very strict, doesn’t care about each individual person and will do what it takes for the success of the team even if it means doing something that negatively affects them"

"He bullies athletes but creates a good team culture out of the team thinking he’s an asshole"

"Dave is a little crazy and sometimes a lot to handle but he knows how to make boats fast. He'll push you to your limits. You'll need tough skin and sometimes he'll make you crazy but you want to be fast, right? Some things are not ideal, but he is a great coach."

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"Liked him for my time here. Lack of communication though."

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"Great coach. Although he loves early morning practices"

"Dave is innovative and effective, always looking to push the limits of what you thought was possible. He demands consistency and improvement, and doesn't accept excuses. It's hard as hell but he'll change your definition of 100%. Rowing under Dave is often a huge adjustment and it's not for everyone. He's tough but it always pays off. "