Walk-Ons & Colgate Women's Rowing

The Colgate Women's Rowing Team is in its 20th year as an NCAA Division I program.  We are a varsity team, not a club sport.  That being said, we are always looking for athletic, competitive, hard-working, dedicated women who want to join the Colgate Women's Rowing Family!
 
Think you might be interested in trying out for the Colgate Women's Rowing Team and are a freshman or a sophomore at Colgate? We encourage you to read through the Frequently Asked Questions below and fill out our QUESTIONNAIRE!



What They Are Saying

"I joined to be part of a team and be able to work hard toward a goal again! I am so glad I did it because the support and kindness from all the girls and coaches are amazing, and the sport pushes me to achieve more than I thought I could! I am so excited for the next three years."
 
Gia D'Erasmo '23
 
"I was always part of a team growing up, and I knew it would be hard to let that part of my life go once I got to college. I saw some posters up about the rowing team wanting walk-ons, so I decided to give it a go. Rowing helped me get my physical strength back, but most importantly it also helped my mental strength so much. I have never pushed myself the way I did when I joined the team, and I was amazed by what I could do once I was able to break down those mental barriers. I'm glad to be on the team because this sport is so unique and it has taught me how to be strong both mentally and physically. it taught me how to be disciplined as an athlete, a student, and a human."
 
Mahi Gurram '23
 
Orientation Virtual Resource Fair

Aug. 24 11 a.m. to noon https://colgate.zoom.us/j/93373556633

Aug, 24 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. https://colgate.zoom.us/j/92980756868



Colgate Women's Rowing FAQs

Why should I try out for the Colgate Women's Rowing Team?

• The chance to contribute to a program on the rise
• Compete at the highest level in collegiate sports
• Bond with teammates and make friends who will become your family at Colgate
• Access to academic support and nutrition resources
• Leadership and career development

Do I need to have rowing experience?
No! We teach you everything you need to know! All you need is a good attitude and the drive to want to learn a new sport! Half of the members of the USA women's boat that won gold at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics had never touched an oar until they got to college.
 
Do I need to know how to swim?
You need to be able to tread water/float and swim a little. The boats rarely flip but you should be comfortable being in and around water.
 
How much does it cost to row?
Nothing! This is a fully-funded program. The only cost that would be associated is a $75 registration fee with the NCAA Eligibility Center if you are not already registered.

What They Are Saying

"Rowing allowed me to get into the best shape of my life and meet amazing people along the way."
 
Mari Pennybacker '23
 
"I decided to walk on to this team because I was always part of sports teams in high school, and I felt like something was missing from my college experience. On top of that, my dad rowed in college and I had always wanted the opportunity to try it, so I figured "why not?" and ended up falling in love with it. 
 
Katie French '23
 
What type of student-athlete are you looking for?
Successful walk-on rowers include some combination of the following:

• Athletic background
• Height (recommended 5'7" or taller)
• Great attitude
• Strong work ethic
• Resilience/mental toughness
• Highly competitive and a strong desire to win
• Great teammate/friend

 


What if I'm shorter? Is there still an opportunity to try out?
We also look for coxswains (pronounced "cox-in") to try out for our team. A coxswain is generally shorter in height (5'6 or below). Coxswains are a very important part of our team. They are the voice and driver of the boat, meaning they steer and keep the boat safe, communicate and execute coaches' directions, practices, and race strategy, and provide motivation to the rowers. Coxswains do work out with the team for some practices, but their primary job consists of a commanding and vocal leadership role.
 
I'm worried about the time commitment. Will it affect my academics?
Our team is very successful academically. Our athletes have a variety of different majors and minors. This past season, our team held a 3.77 GPA, 28 members were named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll, and seven members were named CRCA Scholars. Our competitions are primarily on weekends, so you will rarely miss class. Additionally, once the roster has been finalized all athletes on the roster have access to our Academic Support Services, where they receive academic and wellness support!
 
Can I row and be involved in other programs/organizations on campus?
Yes! We have rowers who are in sororities, have jobs on campus, do volunteer work, etc.
 
When does the team practice?
The team practices six days a week. Monday-Friday practice is in the afternoons from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday is from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. We also lift twice a week as a team in the mornings from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
 
What can I do to prepare for tryouts?
Work out and stay active! Important physical components of rowing include power, endurance, core strength and flexibility. Workouts that target your overall strength (ex: circuits, lifting, CrossFit), your aerobic endurance (ex: running, biking, swimming), your core (ex: planks) and your flexibility (ex: yoga) will help you prepare.
 
Still not sure?
That's OK! You do not have to decide right now. I encourage you to take the first step and show up for the info meeting. If it seems like something you'll enjoy, great! If not, you are not obligated to join. You'll never know if you don't try, and you've got nothing to lose!

What They Are Saying
 
"I originally decided to join Colgate Women's Rowing because I wanted a healthier lifestyle and the feeling of being part of a team again. I stayed because I noticed my physical and mental health improve and because of the amazing and supportive friends I made on the team. We became a family and I felt like the Colgate athletic staff became my parents. I forced them to be by coming to them constantly for life advice (hehe). I am extremely glad I did. Rowing has given me a better lifestyle, made me happier, improved my grades, and very much improved my mental stamina. Anything is possible when you're a rower!!!!"
 
Noha Shabha '23