Hill Athletics is pleased to announce the appointment of four new head coaches for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. These talented individuals will lead their respective teams to new heights, bringing fresh perspectives, and a wealth of experience to their roles.
Elle O'Brien | Softball
As the current associate director of athletics and co-curriculars and director of strength and conditioning, Coach O'Brien brings a love for sport and a passion for Hill to the Softball program. She is excited to work with the team on the field as well as on the recruiting trail to continue building the program.
As a player, Elle showcased her versatility on the field, contributing as both a catcher and outfielder. Her collegiate career included stints at Roanoke College (2016) and Southern Maine Community College (2017), where she earned recognition as a YSCC All-Conference selection and USCAA Second Team All-American.
When she transitioned to coaching, Elle honed her skills as an assistant coach at National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C. (2019-2020) and The Madeira School in McLean, Va. (2021-2022). During her tenure at National Cathedral School, the team claimed the D.C. State Athletic Association (DCSAA) Title in 2019.
"I’m incredibly excited and honored to lead Hill Softball next season,” she remarked. “Coach Jon McKee has done a tremendous job over the past four years, and I’m stepping into a program with a strong foundation and a talented group of athletes.
“I’d like to thank Director of Athletics and Co-Curricular Activities Seth Eilberg and Bill Stiles (incoming director of athletics and co-curricular activities) for their trust and confidence in me; it means a great deal, and I’m ready to get to work,” O’Brien said.
Steve Ciraolo | Boys’ Crew
With his extensive background in rowing, Coach Ciraolo is poised to take the team to new levels. Ciraolo currently oversees both teams as the crew program director (appointed 2018) and previously served as the head coach of the girls’ team. He is also an Athey Family Master Teacher of Classics and the Albert Whitaker Master of Latin at Hill. In 2022, he was elected to the US Rowing Board of Directors as the Atlantic Regional Representative.
“I'm looking forward to working with the boys' team beginning remotely off-season this summer,” Ciraolo shared. “Hans Doerr ’98 (assistant coach) and Will Scully (current girls’ head coach) have imparted a spark in them for technical refinement and hard work, and I'm looking forward to the challenge of providing that to the men's team. Exhilarating!”
Sarah Manno | Girls’ Crew
Coach Manno's experience as a coach and athlete will undoubtedly benefit the team. Manno arrived at Hill in 2024 as an instructor of science and assistant crew coach and has made a positive impact on Hill students.
As a former Division II rower at the University of Tampa, Sarah brings valuable experience and insight into her coaching role.
Prior to Hill, Sarah served for three years as an assistant coach at Tampa Preparatory School, where she guided the boys' freshman 4+ to two consecutive state championships and helped the junior 4+ prepare for nationals. As interim head coach, she successfully led three boats to scholastic nationals.
“I am truly ecstatic to take on the role of head coach for the girls’ crew team,” Manno exclaimed. “I'm looking forward to building upon the foundation that has been established by the program’s current coaches and to continue fostering a competitive and uplifting team culture.”
Kevin Tkachuk | Boys’ Golf
Coach Tkachuk has taught and coached at The Hill for seven years. He currently serves as the Chair of the History and Social Science Department and George W. Perkins '13 Memorial Master Teacher of History and Social Sciences, and most recently was an assistant coach of Hill's girls’ golf, football, and wrestling programs. With his experiences at Hill and with the girls’ golf programs, Tkachuk is well-equipped to guide his players to success.
“It’s a privilege to lead a program with such a strong foundation and tradition of excellence,” stated Tkachuk. “I am looking forward to working with our student-athletes to help them grow both on and off the course into strong, confident, and mindful young men whilst developing their skills, competitive mindset, resilience, and a love for the game. I’m excited for what lies ahead and proud to be a part of such a strong team and community.”