The Three Truths of College Rowing Recruiting… Division 1 is NOT for Everyone.
There is nothing better than college rowing! The things you learn about yourself, the challenges you are forced to overcome to be successful, and the community and connections you make along the journey… it is very easy to say four years later, “I majored in rowing” after graduating.
However, the college rowing recruiting process can be overwhelming, both for athletes, as well as parents.
There’s tons of noise, tons of expectation, and the feeling that you are falling behind arises every time you walk into the boathouse as an athlete, or sit on the river banks to cheer on your son or daughter as a parent.
With that being said, there are three truths about college rowing that I think most athletes and families can benefit from hearing, regardless of where you are in the process.
Those truths are…
It’s about the School First -
You will NOT row your way into college. No offense to our sport, rowing is not high enough on the priority list at most schools where rowing alone can circumvent bad grades. We still have to be heavily invested in our academics, both in high school to get in, as well as when we arrive on campus (I don’t think professional rowing has quite taken off yet…).
When looking at schools, the primary considerations should be about the school first, rowing program second. Location (area of the country?), campus type (close to a city or college town?), school size (small liberal arts or massive state school?), and academic focus (what do you want to study?). We call these your “pillars”. I want you to imagine how you would feel attending a school, and rowing is NOT a part of your life. Are you still happy there?
Rowing is a value add to our college experience. But it’s not the most important part of our experience. With or without rowing, we want to ensure we like the school first.
Division 1 is NOT for Everyone -
HOT TAKE, but rowing is one of the simplest sports to get recruited D1 for… Break 8:00 minutes as a high school girl, coaches will come knocking. 6:50 for a guy, you have some choices to make. Rowing relies on high athlete participation, with college rosters five to seven 8’s deep. Coaches need bodies to fill seats, and relying solely on top end talent can leave a roster very thin. Many coaches will recruit an athlete knowing full well they may never make a boat that contributes.
The question for you is, what do you want your college rowing experience to look like? Because although many athletes CAN get recruited to a top D1 program, there are a lot of athletes who shouldn’t. You may be able to make a roster (many D1 programs don’t make cuts), but are you willing to put in the work to actually compete and make a boat that impacts the team's success?
If that question excites you… I think you're the right fit for a top D1 program. If it scares you… keep your options diverse. And there is nothing wrong with that either!
Team Culture and Program Fit -
When in college, the rowing program is your family! You will be spending more time with your teammates, than anyone else on campus. You will be at the direction of your coaches more than any professor or administrator on campus. You HAVE TO be sure both fit what you're looking for, and you welcome the fact that this is your next four years.
Pay attention to how the coaches talk about their team. How the athletes interact with the coach. Go on social media and see if the team looks to be having any fun together off the water. What do the kids say about the direction of the program? The head coach's leadership style? These are all data points in your quest to find the right fit for you.
Ask the coaches questions. See if you can ride the launch and check out a practice. Talk to former teammates who are on the roster at a program you’re interested in. The rowing team will be your “family” on campus, both in good times and bad. Take the time to make sure it’s a family you want to be a part of for the long run.
To me, college rowing is the absolute BEST journey you can possibly embark on. It is also an education many people are not cut out for…
But you are. Because there is a college rowing program for EVERYONE! If you want to row in college, regardless of where it is on your priority list, I assure you there is a program that wants you.
However, you have to do your research, ask the questions, and stay open minded, so you can make the best decision for YOU.
With that, continue to train hard, focus on the long term vision, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
Kevin
