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As I remind the student-athletes and families I work with early and often, the time is now.
Fortunately, when it comes to the college-rowing recruiting process, it’s also never too late to start. The new year is an ideal moment to reset, refocus, and establish a clear plan, no matter where you are in high school.
Below are some tailored resolutions to help sophomores, juniors, and seniors make meaningful progress in their recruiting journey.
For Sophomores: Build Your Foundation.
If you’re thinking about college recruiting as a sophomore, especially in the winter, you are already ahead of the game. Use this time to build a strong foundation.
Create a broad initial list of 15 to 25 schools that offer rowing and align with your potential academic interests.
Research one school each week. Dive into university websites, explore academic programs, and learn about campus culture.
Remember the rules. While you can’t have direct recruiting conversations with coaches yet, you can contact admissions or academic departments to learn more about the school.
This early groundwork will give you clarity and confidence as you move into your junior year.
For Juniors: Engage and Expand.
If you haven’t begun yet, you still have plenty of time, but now is the moment to act.
Begin with a comprehensive list of rowing programs that also match your academic goals.
Begin reaching out to coaches. If you have 16 schools on your list, contacting one every other day is a manageable pace that allows you to focus on each program while staying organized.
Manage communication strategically. Doing so will help you maintain quality outreach and prevent you from being overwhelmed as responses begin coming in.
Junior year is a pivotal window for rowing recruits. Consistent, thoughtful engagement goes a long way.
For Seniors: Stay Calm and Move Quickly.
If you’re a senior who hasn’t started the process, don’t panic; meaningful opportunities still exist.
Narrow your focus to your top 10 schools.
Reach out immediately, then follow up a week later if you haven’t heard back.
Apply to your top schools as soon as possible. If you’ve missed an application deadline and a rowing program is recruiting you, a coach can assist sometimes in navigating late-submission options. It’s not guaranteed, but it does happen.
Even at this stage, taking action right now can open doors you may not realize are still available.
The Time Is Now!
Whatever your grade, your recruiting journey moves forward one step at a time, and this moment is always the right moment to take that next step.
Robbie Tenenbaum coached at the NCAA level for over 30 years and with the U.S. Junior National Team for eight. He now helps rowers and families navigate the university recruiting process.
