Welcome to the world of college rowing recruitment! If you're reading this, you're likely embarking on or in the midst of this exciting journey. As someone who has been through this process and founded Glyyd to help others, I'm here to guide you through the nuts and bolts of recruitment.
Our goal is to transform what can be a stressful experience into a celebration of your rowing achievements. While the process may be easier for some families than others, nearly everyone experiences some degree of stress and anxiety along the way. Glyyd is designed to provide reassurance, focus, and a centralized place to manage your recruitment journey.
Remember, you're in this together as a family. Support one another, and keep in mind that your young rower is navigating one of the most challenging times of their life. Stay positive – it will all work out in the end.
While many aspire to join Ivy League rowing programs, it's essential to consider the wide array of excellent teams and coaches across all divisions. Glyyd provides data on both varsity and club programs to help you explore all your options.
Height and Weight
For heavyweight programs, especially in the Ivy League, recruiters often look for athletes around 6'6" and 205 lbs. However, don't be discouraged if you don't fit this exact profile – there are opportunities for various body types across different programs.
2k Erg Times
Your 2k erg time is a crucial metric for recruiters:
- Sub-6:20: Highly competitive for top programs
- 6:20-6:30: Strong target range for many programs
- Over 6:30: May face challenges with top-tier recruitment, but still valuable for many programs
GPA and Standardized Tests
Strong academic performance is essential, especially for top-tier programs:
- Aim for a GPA of 3.5 or higher
- SAT scores of 1400+ can be beneficial (though some schools are test-optional)
- Remember, academic standards vary by school – research your target programs
While numbers are important, your technique, race experience, and accomplishments also play a significant role. Coaches often assess:
- Your rowing club's reputation
- Video footage of your technique
- Race results and awards
- Junior Year: Start your recruitment process early
- Summer before Senior Year: Youth Nationals in June often marks the unofficial start of the recruitment cycle
- Senior Year Fall: Peak recruitment period
- Senior Year Spring: Final decisions and commitments
1. Start early and stay organized
2. Research a wide range of programs, not just the Ivy League
3. Continuously work on improving your erg times and technique
4. Maintain strong academic performance
5. Create a compelling rowing resume and video
6. Communicate professionally with coaches
7. Visit campuses when possible
8. Stay patient and positive throughout the process
The college rowing recruitment process can be challenging, but with the right preparation and mindset, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Use Glyyd to help manage your journey, and don't hesitate to reach out for support. Remember, there's a great program out there for every dedicated rower – trust the process and enjoy the ride!
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*For more information or to provide feedback on how we can improve Glyyd, please contact us at info@getglyyd.com*
