Recruiting: Patience Is Not a Mistake

Families often ask me whether they’re “too late” in the college-rowing recruiting process. In many cases, the answer is no.

Recently, a high-school junior and her parents raised this exact concern. She’s been rowing for less than two years yet continues to drop her time whenever she sits down for a 2,000-meter erg test. Meanwhile, several teammates committed to college programs during the fall and winter of junior year. Surrounded by announcements and excitement, athletes and parents alike easily can feel behind.

The reality of rowing recruiting is far more flexible than it often appears. While some student-athletes do commit during the fall or winter of junior year, many rowers, particularly those who started the sport later or are still developing, do not commit until the summer before senior year or even into the fall and winter of senior year. This timeline is not uncommon and in many cases works to an athlete’s advantage.

This leads to an important question: Is it better to commit early or to wait?

For athletes who receive an early offer from a top-choice program, committing early can provide clarity and peace of mind. The recruiting process comes to an early conclusion, allowing them to focus fully on training, racing, and enjoying their final years of high-school rowing. Early offers are not the norm for every athlete, however, and not receiving one does not mean opportunities are disappearing.

Rowing is a sport where development often happens later than in many other collegiate sports. College coaches place a premium on improvement, on the erg and on the water. For athletes who are new to the sport and continue to make significant gains, each season of training increases their recruiting value. Coaches notice rowers who show upward trends, a strong work ethic, and the physical potential to continue improving once they arrive on campus.

Deciding when to commit is rarely straightforward. If an athlete is still getting faster, gaining racing experience, and hearing from programs that align more closely with academic and athletic goals, keeping options open may be the smartest approach.

There will always be pressure from teammates, families, and college programs to decide early. It is important for parents and athletes to understand that patience is not a mistake. Taking the time to find the right fit academically, athletically, and personally is not only acceptable, it is often the key to long-term success and satisfaction in college rowing.

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.