Rowing Recruitment

If you’re an aspiring rower dreaming of studying and playing in the USA, get started early to ensure you earn your place.

Your Guide to a Rowing Scholarship in the USA

A rowing scholarship in the USA offers financial aid to student-athletes based on their performances and academic achievements. Scholarships vary from partial to full-ride, covering tuition, accommodation, and other expenses. They're offered by NCAA Division I and III institutions, each with specific eligibility requirements.
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Research Programs
Look for colleges with rowing programs that align with your academic goals and training philosophy. Explore Division I and III schools. Create a shortlist of schools that offer scholarships and fit your preferences in terms of training facilities, coaching staff, academic programs, and racing opportunities.
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Create an Athlete Profile
Include your erg scores (2k, 6k, 30-minute test results), race results, and technical progression data. Document your performances with race footage and training videos that demonstrate your technical abilities, power application, and versatility in different boat classes.
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Connect with Coaches
Email college coaches with your athlete profile, attend major regattas where college coaches will be present, and participate in recruitment camps. Personalize your communication to each coach, emphasizing why their program is a great fit for you. Recruitment typically begins 2-3 years before college starts.
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Maintain Academic Excellence
Scholarships often require a minimum GPA and standardized test scores (SAT/ACT). Balancing academics and athletics shows commitment and discipline, which are qualities rowing coaches particularly value.

"With the help of Crimson, I'm now a rower at Yale University." - Lucy

Top Rowing Programs

Princeton University

Elite Division I program known for its storied history and consistent excellence. The Tigers train out of the state-of-the-art Shea Rowing Center and C. Bernard Shea Rowing Center, featuring indoor tanks and comprehensive ergometer facilities. Under head coach Greg Hughes, the program has won multiple national championships and produced numerous Olympians including Tom Peszek and Sam Loch. The program's comprehensive development approach includes advanced biomechanical analysis and specialized strength training. Notable alumnus Pete Reed went on to win three Olympic gold medals for Great Britain.

University of Washington

Powerhouse program with multiple IRA National Championships. Features the Conibear Shellhouse, one of the finest rowing facilities in the world. The program's comprehensive approach includes advanced performance analytics and specialized training programs on Lake Washington. Notable alumni include multiple Olympic medalists like Anna Mickelson Cummins and Mary Whipple. The men's program has won the IRA National Championship numerous times under head coach Michael Callahan.

Yale University

Historic program with exceptional facilities including the Gilder Boathouse. Known for developing international talent and producing Olympic-level athletes. The program combines traditional rowing excellence with modern training methodologies. Notable alumni include multiple Olympic medalists. The program consistently ranks among the top crews in the country and has a strong tradition in the Harvard-Yale Race, America's oldest intercollegiate athletic event.

Brown University

Premier Division I program with a rich history of success in both men's and women's rowing. Features the Hunter S. Marston Boathouse, offering state-of-the-art training facilities and direct access to the Seekonk River's optimal racing conditions. Under head coach Paul Cooke, the men's program has consistently placed in the top 10 at IRA Championships, while the women's program under Phoebe Murphy has earned multiple NCAA Championship appearances.

Rowing Programs in Action: Sebastien's Princeton Success Story

Sebastien's journey to Princeton University's prestigious Division I rowing program illustrates how dedicated student-athletes can successfully navigate the recruitment process to join a top program.
Athletic Strategy Development

Sebastien's success was supported by Crimson's comprehensive athletic strategy
Crimson paired him with experienced D1 coaches who brought extensive collegiate coaching expertise. This guidance included personalized erg score targets, technical development plans, and strategic racing schedule selection. Working with Crimson's network of rowing specialists, Sebastian received tailored feedback on crucial elements like power application and racing tactics, while also accessing integrated academic support, standardized test preparation, and NCAA compliance guidance.

Program Development

Sebastien's path to Princeton University began with careful program evaluation:
Princeton stood out for its world-class facilities, including the Shea Rowing Center, and its strong tradition of developing Olympic-level athletes. Working with his recruitment team, Sebastian created a comprehensive profile that showcased not only his competitive erg scores but also his potential for development within Princeton's renowned program.

Academic Integration

Academics were as important as rowing to Sebastien:
Understanding Princeton's high academic standards, Sebastien worked diligently to balance his intensive training schedule with academic preparation. Princeton's strong academic support system for student-athletes, coupled with its reputation for academic excellence, played a key role in his decision. The university's location and tradition of rowing excellence offered the perfect environment for him to thrive both on and off the water.

Coach Connection

Building strong relationships with college coaches
The connection with Princeton's coaching staff, was instrumental in Sebastian's recruitment. Through strategic campus visits and carefully crafted correspondence, he developed a strong relationship with the coaching staff who recognized his potential to contribute to the Tigers' legacy of success. His competitive erg scores and technical ability from international racing experience translated well to Princeton's high-performance environment, and the coaches presented a clear vision for his development within the program.

Sebastien came to Crimson Athletics with ambitions of moving from NZ to the US as a rower. With the help of our strategists, he happily found a spot on the Princeton University team.

Strategists

Meet our Rowing Strategists

Our team includes elite athletes and former coaches with careers in soccer, tennis, golf, track & field/XC, swimming & diving, basketball, volleyball, water polo, rowing, baseball, triathlon, and more.
Rowing
James Aimer
Cornell University Alum & 2016 World Rowing Championship Team (NZ)
Rowing
Kirstyn Goodger
University of Washington Scholarship Alum & 2020 Olympic Rower
Soccer
Rowing
Tennis
Jennifer Clark
Dartmouth Alumna | Standford, Caltch, Pomona Ex-Coach
FAQ

Still Have a Question?

Our strategists have carefully answered some of the most common questions that they receive from their student athletes, read on to hear more about your sport.
How can Crimson help with rowing recruitment?

We provide: Erg score assessment and improvement planning Direct coach connections Racing schedule optimization Video and profile creation Academic planning Scholarship negotiation NCAA compliance guidance Campus visit coordination International athlete transition support

How does recruitment differ for coxswains?

Coxswain-specific considerations: Racing recordings demonstrating: Clear communication Strategic decision-making Technical knowledge Race management Leadership abilities Weight requirements (minimum 125lbs for men's programs, 110lbs for women's) Understanding of rowing terminology and technique Ability to analyze data and provide feedback

How important is club vs. high school rowing?

Coaches typically prioritize: Club program experience Year-round training capability Major regatta participation Quality of coaching received Level of competition faced High school programs are valuable but secondary to club achievements in most cases

What's the difference between heavyweight and lightweight rowing?

Heavyweight/Openweight: No weight restrictions Generally faster programs More scholarship opportunities Larger roster sizes Lightweight: Weight limits (Men: 160lbs, Women: 130lbs) Fewer programs available More competitive recruitment Emphasis on power-to-weight ratio

What are the key recruitment periods?

Important timeline points: Junior year: Begin contact with coaches Summer before senior year: Attend camps September 1st of junior year: Official recruitment begins November of senior year: Early signing period April of senior year: Regular signing period

What physical testing should I prepare for?

Common assessments: 2k erg test 6k erg test 30-minute erg test Maximum power output tests Strength testing (deadlift, squat) Flexibility assessment Body composition analysis Lactate threshold testing

How do I balance multiple recruitment offers?

Consider: Training facility quality Water conditions and training environment Coaching staff expertise and philosophy Team culture and training approach Academic program strength Scholarship package details Racing schedule and conference strength Location and climate considerations Development of past international recruits Post-graduate opportunities

What erg scores do I need to be recruited?

Standards vary by program level: Men's Heavyweight Division I: 2k: 6:10-6:20 6k: 20:00-20:30 30-minute test: 8000-8200m Men's Lightweight Division I: 2k: 6:30-6:40 6k: 20:30-21:00 Weight requirement: 160lbs Women's Openweight Division I: 2k: 7:15-7:25 6k: 23:00-23:30 30-minute test: 7400-7600m Women's Lightweight Division I: 2k: 7:30-7:40 6k: 23:45-24:15 Weight requirement: 130lbs

What role do academics play in recruitment?

For Ivy League institutions: GPA: 3.7+ (unweighted) SAT: 1400+ ACT: 32+ Division I minimum requirements: GPA: 2.3+ SAT: 980+ ACT: 18+

Can international athletes get recruited?

Yes, with these requirements: NCAA Eligibility Center registration Academic records evaluation English proficiency tests (TOEFL/IELTS) Verified erg scores Racing results from recognized regattas Valid student visa World Rowing federation clearance if applicable

How are rowing scholarships typically structured?

Women's rowing is a full scholarship sport with: Division I programs: 20 full scholarships to distribute Most athletes receive partial scholarships (30-70%) Division III doesn't offer athletic scholarships Men's programs typically offer fewer scholarships due to Title IX considerations

What should my recruitment video include?

Focus on: Erg technique from multiple angles On-water technical footage in various boats Racing footage from major regattas Strength training demonstrations Leadership moments during practice Coxswains should include race recordings and practice calls

preparing

The Recruit's Journey

Crafting a winning strategy requires preparation of an elite athletic-academic profile, and connection to coaches at the right time.
First: Evaluation

All student-athletes must evaluate their candidacy against their college goals. Identify gaps in your profile, and start buidlling your gameplan. For some candidates, the plan will revolve all about sport recruitment (athlete-first). For others, we take a comprehensive and combined approach to US college admissions, working on both academic and athletic fronts (scholar-athlete).

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College Recruitment Pathway
Build Your Timeline

Map out key recruitment deadlines, showcase events and application milestones up to three or four years out. Strategic timing is crucial - great recruits take time to ensure quality across video creation, testing, interviews, and visits.

Master Academic Eligibility

Navigate NCAA eligibility while building an academic profile that appeals to your target schools. Smart course selection, standardized test planning, and understanding school-specific pre-requisites can make the key difference in recruitment.

Craft Your Athletic Profile

Develop a compelling athletic narrative through carefully selected footage, performance metrics, and achievement highlights. Presentation matters - coaches receive hundreds of profiles, and often don't know international systems.

Connect With Coaches

Execute a targeted outreach strategy that gets noticed by the right programs. Timing, communication, and understanding each program's needs are essential. Building meaningful connections takes time and consistency.

Excel In-Person

College soccer has changed to the point where serious programs need to see you in real-life. So, maximize every interaction - from showcase events to campus visits and coach meetings. These moments determine your outcomes.

Strategize Your Selection

Balance athletic fit, academic opportunity, and program culture to make an informed decision. Consider playing time potential, scholarship, and development. Your choice shapes not just four years, but your future.

Make your final decision

With offers in hand, you can select your best-fit college. Most recruits apply in the early round and sign the National Letter of Intent.

Typically, you’ll receive a final decision by December of your application year!

Need Support? Speak to Our Team!

Speak to an Advisor

Rowing Resources & Events

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Alumni

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100%
students-athletes offered
550+
top-50 ranked university offers
3+
offers per Crimson Athlete

$100m

funding and aids secured

Launch Your College Journey Today

Candidacy evaluation
Custom roadmap
1:1 guidance

Dan

UC Berkeley • Rugby

"We had eight schools come back to us overnight after my player profile was sent out to coaches - and that was places I never would have dreamed of, like Harvard, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth and obviously Berkeley."