Your Guide to Getting Recruited for Women’s College Rowing

Women’s college rowing offers unique opportunities for student-athletes, whether they’re continuing their high school rowing career or starting fresh in college. With some of the largest roster sizes in college sports, both varsity and club programs accommodate various skill levels. Aspiring rowers must build a strong recruiting profile, improve erg times, and connect with coaches to secure their spots.

NCAA Women’s Rowing Recruiting Rules and Timeline

The NCAA has established recruiting rules and calendars to structure communication between coaches and recruits, helping students balance academics and athletics. Division 1 and Division 2 schools follow the NCAA’s general rules, while Division 3, NAIA, and junior college programs have more flexible recruiting periods. Athlete Pipeline keeps track of these rules to help student-athletes stay organized and proactive.

Women’s College Rowing Standards and 2K Erg Times

College coaches prioritize 2K erg times because they provide a consistent, comparable metric across all recruits. Since these scores reflect raw power and endurance, they are a key focus for athletes looking to impress coaches. Athlete Pipeline helps rowers track their progress, ensuring they’re on the right path to reach college-level benchmarks.

Scholarships and Financial Aid in Women’s Rowing

Varsity women’s rowing programs at the NCAA Division 1 and Division 2 levels offer athletic scholarships, with schools allowed to distribute up to 20 full-ride equivalents. However, Ivy League and Division 3 schools do not offer athletic scholarships. Women’s rowing is an equivalency sport, so full scholarships are rare; instead, coaches often provide partial scholarships to more athletes. Athlete Pipeline connects rowers with resources to identify programs offering the best financial support.

Women’s Rowing Camps for Development and Exposure

Rowing camps are invaluable for athletes to build skills, gain exposure, and experience college-level training. Camps also offer an opportunity for beginners to explore rowing if they haven’t had access in high school. Rowers can use Athlete Pipeline to find and register for camps that align with their goals, getting an edge in the recruiting process.

Becoming a Walk-On in Women’s Rowing

Many women’s college rowing programs are open to walk-ons, making it possible for athletes to join without prior rowing experience. Preparation can include learning basic erg techniques, attending a “learn-to-row” camp, and connecting with college coaches about tryout opportunities. Athlete Pipeline provides information on walk-on opportunities, supporting athletes interested in trying out for college teams.

Colleges Offering Women’s Rowing Programs

With about 158 varsity women’s collegiate rowing programs at various division levels, plus several club and lightweight teams, recruits have numerous options across the NCAA, NAIA, and junior college levels. Athlete Pipeline simplifies the search by providing a comprehensive list of colleges with rowing programs, helping students find the right fit for their athletic and academic goals.

Women’s College Rowing Rankings

To compare the competitiveness of rowing programs, student-athletes can explore rankings from Row2k, the CRCA/USRowing Coaches Poll, and cMax rankings. These rankings include varsity and club teams and offer insights into which programs lead the sport. For rowers looking to balance both academics and athletics, Athlete Pipeline provides valuable resources to help identify schools that meet their goals.

With Athlete Pipeline by your side, you can simplify the women’s rowing recruiting process, from building a standout profile to connecting with coaches and finding the right program for your college journey. Start now, and propel yourself closer to your rowing ambitions.