The story of Hill's 2026 Boys' First Varsity Coxed Four (1V4+) at USRowing Youth Nationals is ultimately a story of a team. At its center were the five members of the boat - Nduka Nnadi '26, Brian Stone '27, Henry Krafczek '27, Kieran Leung '26, and coxswain Angelina Sottosanti '26 - but their success was built on the contributions of the entire Hill Crew program. 

The foundation was laid during the 2024–25 season. Four members of this year's varsity crew team had raced together in a fast first boat, while Henry Krafczek helped lead a rapidly improving second varsity. During the summer, Nduka, Brian, and Kieran continued their development with Penn AC Gold under Will Scully (former Hill Crew coach), gaining valuable racing experience while reinforcing the work ethic and high standards that would define the season ahead. 

The fall and winter brought steady technical and physical development. Brian and Kieran's fall sculling sharpened their boat feel, while the team's demanding winter training program combined extensive aerobic work, test pieces, strength training, and kickboxing under Coach Sarah Manno. Throughout the year, the athletes' commitment, leadership, and character proved every bit as important as their fitness. 

Hill's 1V and 2V boats enjoyed an outstanding spring seaon. The 1V won the MAPL Championship before qualifying for USRowing Youth Nationals at the highly competitive Mid-Atlantic Youth Championships. The 2V also delivered an exceptional season, earning bronze medals at the Stotesbury Cup Regatta and continuing to train alongside the 1V through the postseason. Their speed and daily competitiveness played an important role in preparing the varsity boat for national competition. 

Following Commencement, the crew remained in Pottstown and trained at Hill's site in nearby Royersford, emphasizing technical precision, boat balance, and race preparation while adapting to conditions similar to those expected in Sarasota. The crew remained committed throughout a challenging postseason schedule, making the most of every opportunity to train together. 

At USRowing Youth Nationals in Sarasota, the crew exceeded expectations. Seeded 15th among 29 entries, Hill posted the ninth-fastest time in Thursday's 1900-meter time trial to advance to the A/B semifinals. The following day, the boat missed the A Final by just two seconds before producing its finest race of the weekend in Sunday's B Final, leading from the opening strokes and executing a composed, aggressive race to victory. 

The result earned Hill a 9th place national finish and established the crew as the third-fastest scholastic boys' coxed four in the country at the 2026 USRowing Youth Nationals. 

According to Director of Crew Steve Ciraolo, the accomplishment reflects far more than one weekend of racing. It was made possible by the dedication of the athletes, the daily competitiveness of the second varsity, and the efforts of Hill Crew's coaching staff - Sarah Manno, Hans Doerr '98, Ceci Jenkins '20, Chris Schiavone '16, and Nolan Richards '21 - as well as the extraordinary support of parents and families throughout the season and postseason. 

Graduates Nduka Nnadi, Kieran Leung, and Angelina Sottosanti leave behind a lasting legacy of leadership, commitment, and competitive excellence. Returning athletes Brian Stone and Henry Krafczek, joined by a strong core of varsity rowers, will help lead Hill Crew into the 2026–27 season. 

Varsity athletes have already returned to training as preparations for the next chapter are underway.