FAQs about Rowing at the Collegiate Level
Presenters: Reid Cucci, Fordham University; Josh Stratton, Marist College; Stephanie Allgood, Sacred Heart University; Jacob Tivnan, Iona University.
HOW TO BEGIN:
1. What are the steps to college recruitment and when should I begin the process?
As of June 15th of sophomore year, athletes can start contacting coaches. Also, sign up for NCAA eligibility (note, this is different from the NCSA website), and talk to your guidance counselor for eligibility (certain courses and requirements may be necessary to sign up).
Then, look at the rowing and academic stats of prospective schools, and fill out their rowing questionnaire.
2. Up until what point in senior year can I be recruited?
There is no restriction, you can talk to schools throughout senior year. Caveat, you must have applied to the school. In the fall of junior year, cast a wide net. During the college application process, ask the school’s coach for a “pre-read” so that the coach can talk to the admissions dept.
3. Is it worthwhile for students to register with the NCSA website?
Yes, although joining the paid part of the site isn’t necessary.
4. What is the best way to find rowing programs that also match my academic needs?
First look at the colleges that match your academic abilities and GPA, then look at their rowing programs. Consider what major you may be interested in, and what schools have it. Some majors may not be compatible for rowing, and not all coaches will accommodate the schedule some majors require, so athletes must talk to prospective coaches to see if it’s a fit.
5. What can parents do to assist in this process?
Parents can attend boathouse tours w/their athletes, learn info about the campus, and participate in discussions about financials. Parents can sit in on calls/Zoom visits, but don’t lead these. Athletes should lead the way, and parents should NOT write to the school or coaches (RED FLAG!). It’s reasonable for parents to want to get to know the coaches since these are the adults shaping their students, but respect the limits.
CONTACT WITH COACHES:
6. Do athletes contact the coaches of the schools they are interested in, or will coaches find the athletes and initiate the contact?
Do not wait for coaches; reach out first if you’re interested.
7. What is the best way to get in contact with coaches?
Fill out the school’s rowing questionnaire.
8. What qualities do the coaches look for in coxswains/rowers?
Athletes who will add to a positive culture, would be a good teammate, push the team to be better. Ask yourself, what will you bring?
Time standards, tapes sent in by coxswains, 2k time
9. Is it a good idea to track down college coaches at rowing events?
Most welcome it, but check their school’s schedule so you aren’t approaching them when they’re busy w/a race. Tell them your event schedule so they can see you race.
10. If I am not being recruited, can I still meet with coaches on college visits to find out more about their rowing program?
Yes, contact them before visiting. In order for it to be an “official” visit, you must be registered as an NCAA athlete (this applies only to girls).
SCHOLARSHIPS AND PROGRAMS:
11. Do all rowing recruits receive scholarships?
No. In general, higher GPA = more academic scholarships. Scholarships can go higher if you improve as an athlete. Some schools have endowments which can be offered to athletes, which isn’t a scholarship but helps w/funding regardless.
Very dependent upon the school's budget, what positions they’re looking for that year, how many spots are available.
Must meet the team’s standards to be considered for a scholarship.
12. Is it a requirement to register as an NCAA athlete to be considered for D1 schools/scholarships?
For female athletes, yes. Again, see your guidance counselor as there may be academic requirements in order to register.
13. Can you please provide clarification on men's rowing not being an NCAA sport and what does that mean?
Men’s rowing is governed by the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) which predates the NCAA. The regulations are basically the same, just a different (older) organization.
14. Is there a list of colleges that give money to male athletes to row?
No, need to do own research on this.
15. What is the difference in college crew levels (D1, D2, D3, club)?
Differentiation between D1/D2/D3 has to do w/the amount of hours/week that the coaches can spend training athletes. For example, D3 coaches can’t have contact w/their athletes off-season.
When considering a rowing team, ask if it is a varsity team.
Walk on athlete: a novice with no high school rowing experience.
Recruited athlete: someone who rowed in high school, and the team is accepting you as a member.
16. Do students typically have to pay for college rowing programs if they are a club sport?
Yes, there are typically dues. These can vary, at some schools may be up to $2000/semester.
ATHLETES:
17. Are colleges looking to recruit coxswains? If yes, is it easier to get recruited as a rower or coxswain?
This is mostly even, and very dependent on the needs of the schools in any given season. It could be slightly harder to get recruited as a coxswain because there’s a lower proportion of coxswains, but it really just depends on what the team needs at that time.
18. What does it take for a rower or coxswain to be recruited by a Division I school?
Fast 2k and good GPA.
19. What helps athletes stand out to interested colleges?
Erg regularly, show consistency and improvement.
20. If I want to be on a school's crew team, what can I do to increase the chances of getting accepted to that school?
Have an appropriate GPA. If your rowing scores aren’t in line w/that school, show improvements throughout the recruitment process.
21. What would my training schedule look like throughout the rowing season?
Coaches do not like when athletes ask this question!
Assume- morning water time six days/week until Thanksgiving. Starting in February, water time at least once/day as long as it’s 40 degrees. Strength training (erg and lifting) to build fitness. Expect up to 10 practices/week.
22. What individual crew statistics should I have readily available to give to prospective recruiters?
2k and 5k are helpful.
23. Do 2K erg times really matter and how can I improve my time?
They do. Ask specific coaches what they’re looking for at their school.
To improve, row and row often. Coaches look for a steady state.
24. What metrics can you use? Erg scores from what competitions?
2k scores can be verified by your current coach. Be honest w/what score you report.
25. Can I participate in other sports while rowing for the team?
This is very individual based on the school. Academics and rowing come first. Some allow other activities or sports, others do not. Some schools do not allow students to join a Greek organization and be on the team.
Presenters: Reid Cucci, Fordham University; Josh Stratton, Marist College; Stephanie Allgood, Sacred Heart University; Jacob Tivnan, Iona University.
HOW TO BEGIN:
1. What are the steps to college recruitment and when should I begin the process?
As of June 15th of sophomore year, athletes can start contacting coaches. Also, sign up for NCAA eligibility (note, this is different from the NCSA website), and talk to your guidance counselor for eligibility (certain courses and requirements may be necessary to sign up).
Then, look at the rowing and academic stats of prospective schools, and fill out their rowing questionnaire.
2. Up until what point in senior year can I be recruited?
There is no restriction, you can talk to schools throughout senior year. Caveat, you must have applied to the school. In the fall of junior year, cast a wide net. During the college application process, ask the school’s coach for a “pre-read” so that the coach can talk to the admissions dept.
3. Is it worthwhile for students to register with the NCSA website?
Yes, although joining the paid part of the site isn’t necessary.
4. What is the best way to find rowing programs that also match my academic needs?
First look at the colleges that match your academic abilities and GPA, then look at their rowing programs. Consider what major you may be interested in, and what schools have it. Some majors may not be compatible for rowing, and not all coaches will accommodate the schedule some majors require, so athletes must talk to prospective coaches to see if it’s a fit.
5. What can parents do to assist in this process?
Parents can attend boathouse tours w/their athletes, learn info about the campus, and participate in discussions about financials. Parents can sit in on calls/Zoom visits, but don’t lead these. Athletes should lead the way, and parents should NOT write to the school or coaches (RED FLAG!). It’s reasonable for parents to want to get to know the coaches since these are the adults shaping their students, but respect the limits.
CONTACT WITH COACHES:
6. Do athletes contact the coaches of the schools they are interested in, or will coaches find the athletes and initiate the contact?
Do not wait for coaches; reach out first if you’re interested.
7. What is the best way to get in contact with coaches?
Fill out the school’s rowing questionnaire.
8. What qualities do the coaches look for in coxswains/rowers?
Athletes who will add to a positive culture, would be a good teammate, push the team to be better. Ask yourself, what will you bring?
Time standards, tapes sent in by coxswains, 2k time
9. Is it a good idea to track down college coaches at rowing events?
Most welcome it, but check their school’s schedule so you aren’t approaching them when they’re busy w/a race. Tell them your event schedule so they can see you race.
10. If I am not being recruited, can I still meet with coaches on college visits to find out more about their rowing program?
Yes, contact them before visiting. In order for it to be an “official” visit, you must be registered as an NCAA athlete (this applies only to girls).
SCHOLARSHIPS AND PROGRAMS:
11. Do all rowing recruits receive scholarships?
No. In general, higher GPA = more academic scholarships. Scholarships can go higher if you improve as an athlete. Some schools have endowments which can be offered to athletes, which isn’t a scholarship but helps w/funding regardless.
Very dependent upon the school's budget, what positions they’re looking for that year, how many spots are available.
Must meet the team’s standards to be considered for a scholarship.
12. Is it a requirement to register as an NCAA athlete to be considered for D1 schools/scholarships?
For female athletes, yes. Again, see your guidance counselor as there may be academic requirements in order to register.
13. Can you please provide clarification on men's rowing not being an NCAA sport and what does that mean?
Men’s rowing is governed by the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) which predates the NCAA. The regulations are basically the same, just a different (older) organization.
14. Is there a list of colleges that give money to male athletes to row?
No, need to do own research on this.
15. What is the difference in college crew levels (D1, D2, D3, club)?
Differentiation between D1/D2/D3 has to do w/the amount of hours/week that the coaches can spend training athletes. For example, D3 coaches can’t have contact w/their athletes off-season.
When considering a rowing team, ask if it is a varsity team.
Walk on athlete: a novice with no high school rowing experience.
Recruited athlete: someone who rowed in high school, and the team is accepting you as a member.
16. Do students typically have to pay for college rowing programs if they are a club sport?
Yes, there are typically dues. These can vary, at some schools may be up to $2000/semester.
ATHLETES:
17. Are colleges looking to recruit coxswains? If yes, is it easier to get recruited as a rower or coxswain?
This is mostly even, and very dependent on the needs of the schools in any given season. It could be slightly harder to get recruited as a coxswain because there’s a lower proportion of coxswains, but it really just depends on what the team needs at that time.
18. What does it take for a rower or coxswain to be recruited by a Division I school?
Fast 2k and good GPA.
19. What helps athletes stand out to interested colleges?
Erg regularly, show consistency and improvement.
20. If I want to be on a school's crew team, what can I do to increase the chances of getting accepted to that school?
Have an appropriate GPA. If your rowing scores aren’t in line w/that school, show improvements throughout the recruitment process.
21. What would my training schedule look like throughout the rowing season?
Coaches do not like when athletes ask this question!
Assume- morning water time six days/week until Thanksgiving. Starting in February, water time at least once/day as long as it’s 40 degrees. Strength training (erg and lifting) to build fitness. Expect up to 10 practices/week.
22. What individual crew statistics should I have readily available to give to prospective recruiters?
2k and 5k are helpful.
23. Do 2K erg times really matter and how can I improve my time?
They do. Ask specific coaches what they’re looking for at their school.
To improve, row and row often. Coaches look for a steady state.
24. What metrics can you use? Erg scores from what competitions?
2k scores can be verified by your current coach. Be honest w/what score you report.
25. Can I participate in other sports while rowing for the team?
This is very individual based on the school. Academics and rowing come first. Some allow other activities or sports, others do not. Some schools do not allow students to join a Greek organization and be on the team.
