Coaches

Dan Passarella

Owner and Head Coach

Coach Dan started rowing in middle school in Belleville, New Jersey continuing all through high school. He rowed at Marietta College and even coached the Marietta College crew team. Afterwards, he coached in New Jersey for both Nutley and Belleville high school crew teams. After a career in the technology industry, he co-founded as Head Coach the Riverside High School crew team and Power 10 Rowing Club in Loudoun County, Virginia. Coach Dan is a US Rowing Level 3 High Performance Coach. He, his wife and son have been living in Loudoun County, Virginia for over twenty years. His son now rows at Marietta College.

“We are coaching at a distance out on the water. With the indoor rowing tank, we can focus on bladework and adjust in real time coaching new and experienced rowers.”

Joseph Carrier

Owner and Coach

Coach Joe received an undergraduate degree from University of Illinois and a graduate business degree from Georgetown University in corporate finance and strategy. After a career in structured finance and business intelligence, he joined Dan in 2020 to coach the Riverside High School crew team in Loudoun County, Virginia into a formidable state championship team. Coach Joe is a US Rowing Level 2 Experienced Coach. He, his wife and two sons have been living in Loudoun County, Virginia for over ten years.

“The indoor rowing tank provides an exceptional opportunity for rowers to develop technique much faster and more efficiently to deliver a real competitive edge.”

Trevor Barry

Coach

Coach Trevor was recruited to row as a heavyweight by the University of Delaware in 2004 following several years rowing with Rivanna Rowing Club. He served as Head Coach for W.T. Woodson and Stone Bridge high school crew teams, coached Thomas Jefferson high school crew team, and co-founded Still Water Rowing Club. As a US Rowing Level 2 Experienced Coach, he has led crew teams to five Virginia State Championships, four silver medals, four bronze, and several semi-final appearances at Stotesbury Cup Regatta and SRAA National Championships. Trevor teaches Mathematics at Riverside High School and lives in Fairfax County, Virginia.

“This sport doesn’t stray from the idea that if you do the work, you will go far and put yourself in a position to perform well. In order to beat the best, you have to train like the best.”

Erik Kittelson

Coach

Coach Erik received an undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in teaching from Old Dominion University. He coached the Stone Bridge High School crew team for over five years to medal at Virginia State Championships and Stotesbury Cup Regatta. As a US Rowing Level 2 Experienced Coach, he enjoys coaching athletes in the sport of rowing, and has over fifteen years of experience coaching competitive Northern Virginia high school sports. Erik teaches Engineering at the Academies of Loudoun and lives in Loudoun County, Virginia.

Sean Thomas

Coach

Coach Sean received an undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech and entered active duty in the U.S. Army as a Field Artillery officer. He coached the Stone Bridge High School crew team from 2018 through 2021 serving as Head Coach for the last three seasons and returning as Head Coach for the 2025 spring season. A US Rowing Level 2 Experienced Coach, he enjoys mentoring student athletes and strategizing boat lineups to operate at the competitive edge. Coach Sean owns a consulting firm and lives with his wife and two children, both Stone Bridge crew alumni, in Loudoun County, Virginia.

“Row with purpose, not just power. Anyone can pull hard for a moment, but it takes vision, rhythm and trust to carry a boat the whole way. Strength wins a race, purpose wins a season.”

Monica Barrera

Coach

Coach Monica received an undergraduate degree from Marymount University in Biochemistry and a Masters in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Georgetown University. She rowed for Woodbridge Crew High School to medal at Virginia State Championships competing at Stotesbury Cup Regatta and SRAA National Championships. She enjoys coaching novice girls. Coach Monica is a US Rowing Level 1 Coach and lives in Prince William County, Virginia.

John Bright

Coach

Coach John received an undergraduate degree from Florida Institute of Technology in Aeronautics. He started coaching in 2020 along with Dan and Joe to coach the Riverside High School crew team to medal repeatedly at Virginia State Championships and compete in the finals at Stotesbury Cup Regatta. He enjoys coaching both novice boys and girls alike. Coach John is a US Rowing Level 1 Coach. He, his wife, son and daughter have been living in Loudoun County, Virginia for over twenty years.

John Hillmann

Fall Coach

Coach John received a BS in Mathematics from Fordham University and an MBA from American University. He rowed at Fordham University and currently coaches at Stone Bridge High School to consistently medal at Virginia State Championships. His coaching philosophy emphasizes physical strength, mental resilience, and sportsmanship ensuring every athlete gains valuable lessons both on and off the water. As a US Rowing Level 1 Coach, he provides personalized guidance to each athlete to reach full potential. Coach John lives in Loudoun County, Virginia.

Joe Brennan

Fall Coach

Coach Joe has coached at every level from regional youth to international coaching athletes from novice to competitive world champions. He rowed at Marietta College and was Head Coach of the US Men at the U23 World Championships/Nations Cup in 1995. Additionally, he coached collegiately for Georgetown and Temple as well as high school in the Northeast for Hun School, Peddie School and Monsignor Bonner. Coach Joe is a US Rowing Level 1 Coach. He and his family have been living in Loudoun County, Virginia for over twenty years.