Women's Rowing - Indiana University Athletics

Do I need experience to join IU Novice Women's Rowing?

No. The IU Rowing team allows students with athletic ability and experience to try-out as Novice Rowers. If you like challenges, have a passion for working hard as a member of a team-sport, and want be a Division I Varsity Athlete at Indiana University, then rowing just might be the sport for you!

What body type is ideal for rowing?

Because rowing is a sport of leverage, most people who excel as rowers are tall and weigh between 140-190 pounds. While almost anyone can row, these physical attributes allow for certain individuals to be better suited for rowing. If you are on the smaller side, we are also looking for coxswains: small in size, weighing about 110 pounds, large in heart, and competitive in spirit.

Is there a certain mentality that makes a good rower?

Yes. While everyone has potential to excel as a rower or coxswain, the mentality it takes to become an excellent oarswoman is a competitive spirit of desire and determination. You must want to do well, face challenges as opportunities, give your teammates and coaches your best in every practice, and be willing to set new limits for yourself both physically and mentally. If you can commit to working towards mastering this mentality, then you will go fast!

NEW TO ROWING?
Did you know that more than half of the Women's US National Team began their rowing careers in college? They were walk-ons just like you.

Watch Team USA compete in the 2012 Olympic Gamesas teh women's 8+ defends their World Champion title!

Check out the following links and familiarize yourself with the nation's first competitive collegiate sport!

Team USA | Rowing 101

BECOMING A HOOSIER ROWER OR COXSWAIN:
Be ahead of the game before school starts! If you are enrolled at IU as a full-time student (at least 12 credit hours):

1 - Get a sport physical
Get in touch with IU Rowing for an IU Sport Physical packet. Have your doctor complete your sport physical (including a Complete Blood Count test.) Once completed, mail your physical, along with a copy of your medical insurance card, to the IU Athletic Training Room in Assembly Hall.

2 - Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
and have your high school send transcripts and SAT/ACT test scores to:

NCAA ELIGIBILITY CENTER
Certification Processing
P.O. Box 7136 Indianapolis, IN 46207

3 - Tell us more about YOU!
Fill out our Online Questionnaire.

Contact IU Rowing with questions and inquiries: iurowing@indiana.edu.

QUESTIONS?
Email IU Rowing or call at (812) 856-1156. We look forward to meeting you!

I played sports in high school but I am nervous about learning something new. Is that normal?

Absolutely. Whether you're nervous about being good at a new sport or managing your time as a college student, let us assure you that we have the resources and know-how to help you be successful. We will teach you and equip you with what you need to reach your goals, from fitness training and rowing boats to time management skills and resources. What you must provide us with in order to be a successful rower or coxswain is the desire to learn and the will to compete.

How will you decide who makes the team?

We hold a tryout when school begins in the Fall. During tryouts, you will learn how to row in a boat as well as on our ergometers (rowing machines.) We will also run a variety of circuits and activities to determine your athletic ability. We are looking for overall athletic ability and a positive attitude

Are there different positions on the team?

Yes. There are port and starboard positions for the rowers. There is also the coxswain position who sits in the stern (and sometimes the bow) of the boat. The coxswain is responsible for steering, calling commands, assisting with technique, executing the race plan, and providing motivation for the rowers during racing and practices.

Who does the rowing team compete against, and where?

As a member of the Big Ten Conference, IU Rowing is in the heart of the nation's top competitive rowing programs, including Ohio State, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Purdue, Iowa, and Michigan State. Notre Dame, Louisville, Clemson, Cal, Oklahoma, and other fast crews from the East and West coasts are also competitors the Hoosiers regularly race. Check out the 2012-2013 race schedule for more details.

In what season does Rowing compete?

We train and compete in both the fall and spring seasons. Similar to cross-country and track seasons, races in the fall are longer, usually about 3 miles in length (5,000 - 6,000 meters). We begin training for the fall season in September and race in October and November. The spring season is our championship season, which runs March through May. We begin training in January. Racing distance in the spring is shorter, but more intense: about 1 ï¿½ miles (2,000 meters).

What are the benefits of being a Division I Varsity Athlete at IU?

In exchange for your hard work and dedication to team excellence, IU Rowing will provide you with a valuable support system of friends and professionals. Once on the team, you will be afforded the same benefits to which every other IU varsity athlete has access:

A certified strength and conditioning staff and a state-of-the-art weight room in the football stadium
Certified athletic trainers and IU Sports Medicine Doctors
Academic advisors who are exclusively for student-athletes
Early class registration every semester
Free tutoring, study hall, and academic resources
Team and individual access to an IU Athletics sport psychologist
Student-athlete dining hall

How much will it cost to be on the rowing team?

As an intercollegiate student-athlete at IU, almost all of your costs associated with rowing will be covered by the Athletics Department. The only fees we cannot cover are initial fees associated with sport physicals and registration with the NCAA (a one-time payment.) We will cover the costs of uniforms, meals and hotel expenses for team travel, Adidas team gear, and other expenses related to being a student-athlete.