Choosing where to go to college can be a daunting process. It entails many conversations with many coaches all across America. Every recruiting coach has a compelling case as to why their program is the best. It’s a big decision with a big impact on your life. So here are my top ten ten tips for finding a college rowing program that feels right for you.

Team Culture

When it comes to choosing a rowing team, think about the team’s culture and how it aligns with your goals. Some are a cosy, close-knit family while others lean into a more competitive and grittier atmosphere designed to push everyone to the max. In some teams, athletes like to take classes together and the team bonds follows into the social life, other teams are more focused on having a bond at the boathouse and separating their academic and social pursuits. Either way, it’s important to find a team that has the right balance for you.

One way to get a sense of team culture is by talking to current and former rowers. Ask them about the day-to-day atmosphere and what it feels like to be on the team. A team that values camaraderie and trust as much as competitiveness can be invaluable for both your performance and your happiness.

Academic-Athletic Balance

Rowing in college is all about being a student-athlete and the American academic system allows the two to go hand in hand neither compromising the other. This is why I loved my time at Yale, I was able to balance my academic, athletic and social life, giving me a well-rounded college experience. Don’t get me wrong I was incredibly busy but I never felt like I was missing out on either my rowing or my classes. In my opinion this is what sets the U.S. undergraduate experience apart from other countries.

When considering a college consider the balance between academics and athletics. Reach out to their current athletes, especially those who are taking your intended major. Does their academic commitments align with their athletic obligations?

Many schools have excellent support systems in place for athletes, such as tutoring, study halls, and academic advisors who understand the commitment of rowing. Most top U.S. colleges offer these support networks but it’s important to explore the finer details and find which fits with your academic needs. At Yale all students can request tutoring free of charge. I took advantage of this to help get my math up to speed. Make sure you choose a program that values your academic success as much as your rowing potential. Balancing these priorities is achievable but requires careful planning, organization, and a desire to excel.

An important question to ask yourself is: Would you still be excited to attend the school if you weren’t rowing?

Coaching Style

In your four years at college, you will interact with the coaches daily. They will be the figurehead of the program and ultimately responsible for its success. It is important to believe in the coaches and trust that they will deliver both the goals of the program and help you achieve your personal goals. It’s important to feel a connection with the coaches and have a relationship built on mutual respect. On an official visit, you will have time to observe a few practices and sit in a launch with a coach. During this time listen intensively and consider if you were in this training session would their coaching help you.

Three questions I encourage my Crew Connection athletes to think about when deciding on a university are: What is the head coach’s coaching style and technical rowing philosophy? How do they select crews? Are they known for developing athletes?

Winning Desire

If competing for a national championship title is important to you then look at the program’s recent history and the credentials of its coaching staff. Programs with a strong track record will likely have periods of hard training but don’t be intimidated by the standard of rowing you see on your official visit. Training in a strong competitive squad can be incredibly motivating and drive you to new heights. From the age of 17 to 20 athletes can experience a significant jump in their physical and mental abilities so comparing yourself to current college athletes is not helpful. A better approach is to ask current athletes what their rowing journey was like and how their rowing developed while on the team.

When selecting a college it is important to consider and define what success looks like for you. For some rowers, success might mean setting new personal records or improving your skills. For others, it is about seeing how far they can help the team progress. Define what success means to you and find a program that aligns with your definition.

Gut Instinct

Sometimes, all the research in the world can’t tell you what you’ll know the moment you step on campus. Trust your gut. When you visit a college, pay attention to how you feel. Can you see yourself living there? Do you feel a connection with the people you meet?

When visiting multiple colleges athletes are often blown away by their first experience at a U.S. college. For me it was stepping into the dining hall and seeing the unlimited delicious food and drink students could have on a daily basis. Relish the excitement of the first visit but don’t make any snap decision until you have visited all the schools you are considering.

When on your official visit talk to the coaches, attend a practice, and take a walk around campus. Imagine your daily life there, from early-morning practices to late-night library sessions. This is the place where you’ll be spending a lot of time, so make sure it feels right.

Location and Lifestyle

America is a huge country with many different cultures and climates. When deciding on a college think about the location, setting, and overall vibe of the campus. Do you prefer a bustling city or a quieter rural area? The right environment can make your college years far more enjoyable.

Most of the East Coast colleges will have a period of winter training inside as the river freezes over. This time can be useful for improving strength and providing opportunities for fun training camps in Florida. Ask the coaches how they use this time and how long the team conduct land training. If you know you can’t handle the cold weather it might be worth exploring the West Coast. Since the Covid pandemic many universities offer online virtual tours, which are useful tools for getting a feel for a university before visiting.

Growth Potential

College is all about growth. You want a university that will challenge you, not just in rowing, but academically and socially as well. Look for a program that will help you develop as a person, as well as an athlete. Will the prospective college push you to explore new ideas? Will it make you a better rower and a stronger rower?

Think about where you want to be in four years time. Do you want to leave college with a certain degree or skill set? Will the prospective program help you reach your long-term goals? Find a school that will stretch you beyond what you think you’re capable of. If you have national team aspirations does the program have athletes competing at the U23 World Championships?

International Presence

As an international student, it’s natural to wonder if you’ll fit in. I remember being incredibly nervous before starting college, however, straight away I was part of a 50 strong team all likeminded and interesting individuals who made me feel incredibly welcome. This was especially helpful in easing my transition and provided a built-in support network of people who understood the unique challenges of studying and rowing abroad.

I’d advise checking out the team roster to see how many other international rowers there are. Reach out to alumni from your home country. Where are they now? How did they find the balance between rowing and academics? Their experiences can give you valuable insights into what your life might look like after graduation.

Training facilities and the boathouse

U.S. Universities sports facilities are second to none. At Yale we did our land training in the Pyne Whitney gym which is the second largest gym in the world and has so many floors and sub-sections it’s easy to get lost. I know many of my teammates on the GB team who studied in the U.S. had similar state of the art facilities. Rowing at a top U.S. college often offers facilities better than you’d experience on a national team.

When exploring college options think about the stretch of river that the university trains on. This will be your home from home and where the hard miles are spent. Would this be an environment you would like to come to everyday? Also think about the other benefits like sports medicine, nutrition, and mental health support, these can make a big difference in your overall experience and performance.

Decision time

You’ve been on your official visit, you’ve spoken to current athletes, coaches and alumni and now it’s time to decide. It’s ok to take your time in making the decision. It’s best to be open and honest: it is perfectly acceptable to ask the recruiting coach when they need the decision by and where you stand in their recruiting picture. The coaches would prefer you to commit to a school knowing that you are happy with the decision.

The final selection can seem stressful but it is important to remember that this decision is an exciting one to be making. The athletes we work with at Crew Connection frequently use our instant messaging group chat during this phase of the journey. We help guide them through the process, we have been in their shoes and helped numerous athletes on the same path. Even if you are not working with us but have a question our door is always open.

Ultimately, choosing a college as an international rower is about finding the right fit – a place where you can thrive in all aspects of your life. It is important to take your time, trust your instincts, and talk to as many people as possible. The right college will be one that helps you grow into the best version of yourself, both on and off the water. Wherever you end up, make sure you’re excited about the journey ahead. College is a unique time in your life, and the right program can make it an experience you’ll treasure forever. Believe me, it will be the best four years of your life.