"Rowers Beware: Joe Richards has lead Mason to the bottom of the D1 rankings and killed the once promising rowing program created by Elena Bratichko, Paul Rassam and Ted Nagorsen. He ridicules his athletes, talks about them but not to them, and is not supportive unless you are one of his personal trained projects. These are the girls you will be presented with when you meet the team. Watch them. Go in a launch or to a regatta. Record the boats and show your own head coach. Is this a D1 team? Go beyond the glitter and talk to the girls that don’t approach. Ask the girls not in his top boat if they get a chance to seat race, if he is supportive and encouraging to them on and off the water as well. The vast majority of the team (over 85%) are walk ons, under 5’8 with zero experience. His line ups are people he “likes” vs ability to move a boat. Their technique, body positioning, and oars are all over the water. They never post video for this reason but even their pictures clearly show issues. Technique is rarely corrected. Girls end up injured. They do not do drills. The team environment is toxic- they will bully you until you quit. Mason goes through assistant varsity coaches just as fast because he treats them poorly as well and does not let them have a voice. Not one has stayed more than an academic year. They do not recruit in NoVa because of their poor reputation, yet it is a rowing hub! If Mason wants to save this sinking ship, it needs a AD who is not pals, can read beyond the sliver of truth articles Richards submits, learns a speck about the sport (maybe learn from Bob Spousta) and will listen to the complaints of the girls who have previously left and or were swept under the rug. NCAA needs to do better. We need a system where reporting doesn’t end up causing more trauma and ending more “love of sport” for these athletes. "

"very willing to give good feedback and advice when asked. also always willing to meet in office to watch any video/discuss any questions or problems. understands when athletes have complicated schedules due to academics and is willing to coordinate adjusted practices schedules for those students. also is aware of student athlete mental health and portrays it well. "

"Does not offer critical feedback, good training nor motivation. Students are rowdy, unprofessional, sloppy and unsupervised in campus team areas and at regattas showing a lack of training and dedications. Turns issues over to student leadership instead of handling the problem head on. "

"Refused to push us or give challenging work, rarely gave feedback both on and off the water. "