University of San Diego

"I rowed under Bart for some time and that was one of the worst experiences of my life. He made me hate the sport I loved and along with that made me hate myself. This man doesn’t believe in mental health and compared my eating disorder (which he caused) to his masterbation and porn addiction. His approach to coaching was fostered deeply in religion and would force all of us to pray whether you were Christian or not. He would force his personal beliefs and issues onto his athletes. And he was really weird with the women athletes. We reported him many times for abuse and violating hippa but nothing was done. I wish nothing but the worst for him and would rather die than ever see him again. "

"Bart Thompson is quite literally one of the worst coaches in men’s rowing. The list of athletes that have quit under his leader ship is astronomical. His coaching philosophies and training plan yield horrible results and his teams are riddled with injuries. He constantly puts himself above others, and fails to lead a program that amounts to anything. BE WARNED. "

"Talked over athletes about their personal lives, said their problems didn’t matter, said mental health doesn’t matter, made lots of athletes uncomfortable during their time. Made me hate a sport I loved because of bad coaching and ever worse narcissism. "

"He makes disgusting and vulgar comments to his athletes. He only rowed one semester in college and it’s evident he knows nothing about the sport. He’s very good at manipulating his athletes and the administrations he has worked for. "

"Here is my analysis of Bart Thompson. Please just acknowledge this is not out of hate or dislike but to warn other athletes of what they are getting into. This prompted me to write an essay that is shared with the athletics at his current position. In the intricate realm of coaching, the dynamics of power and control are often intertwined with complex psychological underpinnings, shaping not only the coach's behavior but also the experiences of the athletes under their tutelage. This essay seeks to delve into the multifaceted reasons behind a coach's pursuit of power and control, elucidate the potential childhood traumas that may fuel such behavior, and explore its detrimental impact on both the coach and the athletes. Moreover, it will scrutinize the necessity for a shift in team dynamics, exemplified by the coach's manipulative tactics, his personal struggles, and his attempt to instill a cultural ethos that fails to resonate authentically within the team. The compulsion for a coach to assert dominance and impose control over athletes often emanates from deep-rooted psychological factors. Research suggests that individuals in positions of authority may exhibit such behavior as a coping mechanism for underlying insecurities and a need for validation (Mischel, 1968). In the case of the coach depicted, being a middle child in a family of high achievers may have instilled a profound sense of inferiority, driving him to seek affirmation through exerting control over his athletes. Despite his own athletic failures, he fervently employs quotes and partakes in physical activities with the team, perhaps as a means to prove his worth to himself and others. Research suggests that individuals in positions of authority may exhibit such behavior due to feelings of insecurity and a need to compensate for perceived inadequacies (Mischel, 1968). In the case of the coach described, being a middle child in a family of accomplished siblings may have contributed to a sense of inferiority and a relentless pursuit of validation. As a failed college athlete and unsuccessful doctoral candidate, he may harbor deep-seated insecurities that drive his need for control over his athletes' lives and performances (Ryan & Deci, 2000). Childhood experiences wield significant influence over adult behavior, and unresolved traumas can manifest in maladaptive coping mechanisms. For the coach, a history of underachievement and familial comparison may have cultivated a fear of failure and a relentless drive to prove himself (Ryan & Deci, 2000). Moreover, his inability to assert boundaries or demand respect is evidenced by his tolerance of his wife's infidelity, a betrayal he endures multiple times. Despite preaching respect for coaches and superiors, he struggles to respect himself, further exacerbating his internal turmoil and need for control. Studies have shown that individuals who experience childhood trauma, such as neglect or emotional abuse or underachievement, are more likely to exhibit controlling behaviors in adulthood (Briere & Runtz, 1990). This may explain the coach's tendency to manipulate situations, fabricate stories, and exaggerate his own accomplishments as a means of gaining validation and control. Furthermore, the coach's attempts to impose a cultural ethos onto the team reflect his misguided understanding of leadership and teamwork. Rather than fostering an environment where culture emerges organically from team dynamics, he imposes his values and beliefs onto the athletes, undermining their autonomy and cohesion. This coercive approach not only stifles individual growth but also perpetuates a culture of distrust and dissonance within the team. In a psychoanalytic framework, the coach's behavior could be indicative of a pervasive personality trait disorder, such as narcissistic personality disorder, characterized by an excessive need for admiration and a lack of empathy (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). His relentless pursuit of control and validation, coupled with an inability to assert boundaries or demand respect, aligns with diagnostic criteria for this disorder. In conclusion, the coach's relentless pursuit of power and control, fueled by unresolved childhood traumas and personal struggles, perpetuates a toxic environment within the team. His manipulative tactics, personal insecurities, and misguided attempts to impose a cultural ethos undermine the athletes' autonomy and hinder their growth. It is imperative for the coach to confront his own demons, seek professional help, and foster a culture of transparency, collaboration, and genuine leadership within the team for optimal performance and well-being. I have put many references which I invite you to double check and just know this is my two cents. "

"One of the worst people and coaches I ever met. Made me and many others hate the sport. Would rather die then see him again. "

"Coach Guarino is awesome! Dedicated to developing the whole person, not just the athlete. I have improved more with him than i ever have before."

"So disappointed in this man as a coach. His players quickly saw that he did not care about them, and did not know how to coach the position. He had little if anything to offer them in development on or off the field. He did not rotate his DL at all, mental and physical stress for his players beyond belief. Lucky that these young men that played for him are tough as hell, smart, and staying focused and had each others backs ( great teammates ) "

"Inconsistent in principle and leads teams to standstills. Is aware of the lines not to cross with NCAA and good standing, but tends to stand at them with the cost of moral. Solid training plans with weak execution, more concerned with self interests than of his athletes"

"Way to destroy my program. "

"A guy who takes a casual approach to coaching and is approachable"

"A person who is passionate about coaching"

"Volunteers his time, really cares about players themselves"

"Young coach and gets along with players well because he can relate"

"A coach who really cares about developing players"

"A very intense coach, everything can always be better"

"Although he's old, he sees everything on the field and is on top of everything going on within the game"

"a very smart coach who knows how to balance getting along with players"

"A really funny coach, he is very old school"

"A very well-organized trainer"

"Really smart coach for being so young"

"Really mellow coach that knows the game"

"One of the smartest people I've been around in sports"

"Handled all events regarding the team in a fast way"

"Really down-to earth coach"

"He is a great coach really knows what he’s talking about. Definitely will inspire you to work hard "

"He sadly said " this will be best time of your life, and maybe the happiest basketball you will play for the rest of your life" and sadly he was absolutely right. At SDCC he made us all feel ecstatic about ourselves even though we were at a junior college. Mitch brought all different types of levels in the gym and from the coaches to players to even former players everyone respects the hell out of him. I love him to death he is the reason I am out in California to this day still. "

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"she cares so much about how you are as person "

"Understands what it means to be a student-athlete and puts his players above all. Watch out if he asks you for 15 extra minutes of practice, those 15 minutes easily turn into an hour. Brings his dog to practice, which is cool."

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"Plays favorites. Great rigging knowledge, but weak at developing team. Comes across as fake, but I think it is just his personality. Quick temper. "

"Very low quality coaching ability and knowledge of the rowing stroke. Unbelievably weak leader and exceptionally boring. "

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"Isn't truthful when recruiting, comes off as a different person than she really is. Never talks to you directly and only makes generalized harsh statements about the team and leaves everyone confused as to what and who she is talking about. Very blunt but never direct with what she wants from you. This is very confusing and she plays mind games."

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"Doesn't get to know the players on a personal level this effecting coaching. "

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"Have you ever seen those instagram reels where the coach is awesome on your recruiting visit, and then becomes a conniving devil spawn? That is Bart Thompson in a nutshell. Bart Thompson is the epitome of a horrible coach, through his lack of leadership, little to no understanding of the sport and forcing his religious beliefs on his athletes, Bart Thompson has no place being a rowing coach. If you are considering any rowing program with Bart Thompson as the head coach do NOT go there. Before I support my thesis I would like to say this review is not coming from a someone who is mad they didn't make the V8 or wasn't happy with boat placement. From the beginning I was always a top 3 athlete with A final appearances at youth nationals, sub 6:15, national team recruitment blah blah blah. -Bart Thompson couldn't lead his team out of his own behind if he wanted to (because he already puts them there). Bart often prioritizes "friendship" and "family" over the own well being of the team. He firmly believes in humbleness and gratuity over speed and domination. While these qualities are not bad by themselves, they are when you are arguably the WORST team in the country and your coach thinks praying to god you don't lose your 8 bid at charles will work (it didn't). Never have I ever seen Bart become fired up with any sense of masculinity, this leads to a culture of slogging around and barely hitting your goals. As an athlete on his team you will slowly become adrift from your manhood and conform to his Catholic speed socialism, where you are not allowed to boast and scream about the accomplishments you have worked so hard to achieve. Instead you must ring a bell and hope the angels of heaven will come visit you in your sleep and bestow the praise your coach never gave you. -Bart Thompson is quite literally NOT a rowing coach, you heard me right he is NOT supposed to have this job. Barty got this job by reading the book of whoever hired him at USD, and then proceeded to rip put quotes from the book during his interview and praise the author. He did this because the only reason he was a rowing coach at Adrian was because there was a opening for the rowing coach that NOBODY would fill besides him. His only credential is bringing Adrian from last in their conference to first. At a momentary glance this does sound like a credible achievement before you look at who Adrian competed against. Adrian's conference is *MICHIGAN*, and not even UMich. Name one rowing team in that area, oh wait you couldn't, exactly all he had to do was have a boat average of 6:45 and boom he won. The point is Bart bragged to me about openly manipulating whoever hired him so he could get a job he doesn't deserve screw hundreds of athletes over and ruin a program at a great school. Personally I think the team is better run by former AC Kevin Hinkle or even team captains Derek / Rex. There is even proof of this during the 2024 Spring Bart insisted he must attend a priest initiation in Michigan, and during this team the team made monumental bounds without "barts constant nagging". -You better be Catholic AF. You know that meme of a middle east king saying everything leads to jail? That's basically Bart except its straight to his office for teachings about God. The amount of undermining comments about my own character I have received because I don't believe in God is insane "you might learn compassion for your teammates". This is really killer to the team in my opinion, you will sit after practice for upwards of 45 minutes while Bart gets his fix of being a preacher. He isn't just a preacher in team settings either, try having a 1:1 conversation with him he will talk for 10-15 minutes without stopping; you cant even cut him off. One time I was in my car having a phone call with him and I pulled over, muted myself and started slamming my head into my horn because of this devil spawn. If you are Jewish or Muslim its even worse, he will subtly undermine your religion and place catholicism over it. I am neither of these religions which is why I wont comment on their experiences, but what I have heard from others is utterly insane. -To conclude this flavourful complain Bart Thompson has no idea what he's doing, will invert your testosterone and will convert you into an alter boy. There is no way I could ever row for this guy, and im convinced the only way he got me to commit there was by taking me to the beach to go surfing. By the way his script for getting recruits is taking them to the pool where every teenage boy sees "Cake by the Ocean" and then "Surfing with the boys"."

"This coach has ruined rowing for a lot of athletes that I know. The guy is a good person with a lot of stories but they do not contribute to a effective team. The respect of ones time in the amount of which he talks is horrible as well as frustrating. This coach always seems to need the last word in any conversation driving everybody to talk about it even after they have left the team, and at USD a lot of older guys have done just that...left. Also because of the poor way he handles leading other adults which is like children. I swear he watched ted lasso once and thought he could try and do something like that. Un problemo ted lasso is likeable. "