"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. "

"I have nothing but glowing things to say about Aaron. He believed in me throughout my recruiting process and supported me every step of the way. I have yet to work with a coach as impactful as he was. His passion for the game is obvious, and he genuinely wants to see his players develop, grow, and succeed. His time as an assistant at Florida State speaks to his coaching ability, and GMU is lucky to have someone with his experience, energy, and commitment to athletes. I would recommend him as a coach without hesitation."

"As a parent of a student athlete he coached, I have forst hand knowledge of his character, lack of knowledge and anger management issues. He seems to have limited knowledge on the use of bunts and squeezes in softball not the use of hit and runs. As the other commenter stated, he chose favorites regardless of ho2 poor that favorite was. As a leadoff hitter, you average below 200, you shouldn't be a leadoff. You would think that players who are passionate and want to win would be more valued but for some reason he values ducking up more He has stepped close enough to the unethical line that he was fortunate to not have a criminal complaint filed against him and subsequent arrest for assault. Very few athletes from his recruited classes ever stay long enough on the team or at the school due to his lack of character and ridiculous coaching style. His only winning season resulted from a transfer grad student who pitched at UVA. Of course she was not subjected to his authoritarian coaching style Its a shame that he can't be rated a zero."

"Terrible individual and does not know how to speak to adults. I dont know if he looks down on others due to the color of their skin but a nasty and terrible individual. He should worry about the future vs trying to hold it back. I'm sure he would hate for his suprerviosr to speak to him the way he speaks to people but wonders why his athletes are not competing at the highest level in division 1 track and could barely win a high school state championship. "

"Had high hopes for this coach, however a big disappointment. Belittles and tears players down instead of coaching to enhance player development. Arrogant and rude to players and coaching staff. A poor communicator who plays mind games, unless you are one of his favorites. Sorry GMU—what were you thinking??? This guy is definitely not head coach material. "

"My son played for Shawn Camp at George Mason in 2025 during his grad season. It was the best of his 5 baseball seasons. Shawn and his coaches ability to create a cohesive team at a mid major university was amazing. The team won 40 games and 4 players have now signed professional baseball contracts. My son looked forward to coming to the field everyday and being coached by men who understand the game and recognize the strength of each player on the team. Il"

"Kara Mupo has done some damage on me and to so many others. Within the time she spent at Mason 22 people and maybe more to come have quit or transferred institutions (in >4 years). I loved Mason and the people there (and still do), but that was not enough to stay and keep enduring what she was putting us through unfortunately. It’s sad that she’s made a lot of people lose their love for the sport of lacrosse, including me for some time. I could say so much more, but that’s not the point. Kara was an amazing player and I don’t necessarily dislike her as a person , but not all good players/good people make good coaches. "

"Has done irreparable damage to my daughter’s mental health. She’s probably got great lax knowledge but is otherwise ignorant, kinda dumb, and irresponsible with the power she has. The AD office supports no matter what. "

"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. "

"I can’t even choose five from this list. I mean nothing positive to say about her. Gave me so much trauma and self doubt. Only impact she ever made was in a negative way. I truly hope I never see her again. "

"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. "

"From what I have seen she does not care about players mental well being. No communication on any fronts unless it’s your first year. After that there is no communication or coaching. Doesn’t care about winning team but does care about her beliefs and opinions. Very detrimental to many players mental wellbeing. "

"We have had a great experience with her and have never had anything bad to say. She was motivational, thoughtful and a knowledgeable coach."

"I have had experience with Manya for many years and have never seen any of the negative comments exhibited by her. She truly cares for the athletes and has their best interests at heart "

"My experience as a player isn’t what is on this app. Don’t believe everything you hear (the bad or the good). I hope the truth comes out. "