In a thrilling display of dedication and teamwork, The Hill School's boys’ 1V boat secured first place at the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) Regatta on Saturday, May 6, 2025. The team's outstanding performance was a testament to their hard work and perseverance, earning them a well-deserved spot at the top of the podium. The members of the 1V boat include Max Labaczewski ’25, Brian Stone ’27, Nduka Nnadi ’26, Kieran Leung ’26, and Angelina Sottosanti ’26 (coxswain). 

According to Head Coach Will Scully, the team's success can be attributed to their unwavering commitment, which began months before the season even started. "This group in the first boat has been incredibly dedicated," Scully said. "Their dedication started months before the start of the season, through offseason rowing, training in the fall and then a really robust commitment to training during the winter." 

Despite encountering some setbacks along the way, the team's positivity and cohesion proved to be a winning combination. Scully praised the team's ability to stay united, saying, "They have had glimpses of really quick speed this spring and have also had some hiccups along the way, but they have stayed really positive and together through it all." 

A key factor in the team's success was the exceptional leadership of coxswain Angelina Sottosanti ’26. Scully lauded her precise calls and dedication to improving her craft, saying, "Angelina Sottosanti has been an outstanding leader in the driver's seat of that boat. She is precise with her calls and equally dedicated to improving her craft in the boat." Sottosanti's ability to maintain a demanding yet positive demeanor was instrumental in getting the most out of her crew. 

In the world of competitive rowing, where margins between victory and defeat can be razor-thin, a skilled coxswain can make all the difference. Scully acknowledged Sottosanti's crucial role, stating, "In races that are determined by the slimmest of margins, a coxswain can make all the difference, and we are fortunate to have Angelina at the helm of our boat." 

While the 1V boat stole the show with their first-place finish, The Hill School's team delivered a strong performance, securing third place overall. The team's achievement is a testament to their hard work, teamwork, and dedication, and sets the stage for future success.