contacting college coaches

Question
Hello,

I am currently a high school junior and am beginning to look at colleges. I row for a competitive boathouse, but I have only been rowing competitively for a year. I am 5'7, weigh 123 pounds, and my my most recent 2k was an 8:18. I am a very hard worker, and think I can bring my 2k down a significant amount by the end of spring season. I realize that because my 2k is not below 8 minutes I am probably not a strong candidate for college recruitment, but I was wondering whether or not I should contact coaches anyway? I have an A- average at a pretty competitive prep school, and my SAT combined score is a 2200, so would contacting coaches help my chances of acceptance at competent universities?

Thanks,

Kristi

Answer
Hi Kristi: For women lightweights your age, you are above average for a 2K (Avg. is 8:34.5) and rank in the Top-one-third.  But getting recruited for a rowing scholarship takes more than just a below-8 minute erg time.  Coaches want to look at candidates with a lot of on-water racing experience, which includes a degree of success in major regattas.  You should maybe wait until you get about 10 races under your belt and get your erg score down to 8:10.  Then you would have a resume that would get some coach's attention.  Academically, your grades are good enough to get you into almost any college you choose (which also is a plus to a coach who wants to ensure scholarship candidates can handle the rigors of crew practice and a college course load).

Some things to consider:

1) Do you plan to row lightweight? Women's collegiate rowing does not have as many lightweight programs as compared to men. You may want to consider adding 10-15 pounds of muscle through a weight training program and smart nutrition.  This would also lower your erg time.

2) Even if you don't contact coaches, college crew is a sport that always welcomes walk-ons.  Someone with your level experience will surely get a look at trying out for the varsity freshman boat.

Good Luck/AP