Stanford Women’s Rowing invites you to walk-on to our Division I, nationally ranked team. Our rowing program has a tradition of excellence and continues to be recognized as one of the top programs in the country. Part of the tradition of success comes from walk-ons, with no prior rowing experience, joining the team and contributing to Pac-12 and NCAA Championships. Rowing gives you an opportunity to get out and train on the water everyday, develop skills and characteristics that employers value, and work with an exceptional team of women. To learn more about walking-on to Stanford Women’s Rowing, fill out our Walk-On Questionnaire. If you have specific questions, feel free to contact Coach Derek Byrnes: dbyrnes@stanford.edu or at (510) 219-4180.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience?
No! In your first year of collegiate rowing you are considered to be a ‘Novice,’ a majority of your novice class will have had no previous rowing experience. This allows students with athletic ability to see first-hand what the sport of rowing is about. In your first year in this team-oriented sport, you will spend your time learning and adapting to the sport. Although you are a walk-on, you are still a part of the varsity team by spring semester.
What type of student makes a good rower?
Walk-ons come from a variety of backgrounds, but the individuals who excel always have a good attitude and a willingness to work hard. Many walk-ons transition to rowing from a different sport out of a desire to be a DI athlete and compete at the highest level.
I don’t think I’m tall enough to be a good rower. Do you need coxswains?
Yes! If you are 5’4” or shorter and weigh around 115lbs or less, you could make a great coxswain. Coxswains are in charge of steering the boats, running practice, and in command of the strategy on race day.
What does the try-out consist of?
Tryouts will take place over the course of the fall quarter. During this time we will teach you the fundamentals of rowing and help set fitness goals for you to work towards. We will also take as many people as possible to a regatta in November to represent Stanford University. Final selection will be made in November and is based on your ability to complete the work-outs.
How can I prepare for try-outs?
Start building your fitness now! We will slowly and systemically build your fitness over the first couple of months, but you will want to be in good shape coming in. Running, biking, swimming, and yoga are all good ways to jump-start your career as a rower. If you play another sport, staying active in that sport over the summer is a great way to stay in shape!
Is it expensive?
No! As a Stanford student-athlete, a great majority of your rowing-related costs will be taken care of. As a Division I athlete your uniform, travel and other expenses will be covered. There is a $50 processing fee to register with NCAA clearinghouse should you end up racing in November.
How long is the rowing season?
There are actually two seasons in rowing. Fall training begins in September with racing stretching into November. Fall racing, head racing, is longer than the form of racing that takes place during our spring season. Spring racing, sprint racing, is our championship season and begins in March. Spring season culminates in May with a series of championship events.
Where do we practice?
Most days we row out of the Port of Redwood City, about 10 miles North of Stanford’s Campus. Our home race-course, Redwood Shores, is about 15 miles North of campus. As a result of our location and coastal climate, we are fortunate enough to have the ability to practice on the water year-round. Land practices take place at Ford Center or in the Weight Room, both on Campus facilities. On land you will learn how to “erg” on our indoor rowing machines, the ergometer, or participate in our weight-lifting program.
How do we get to practice?
The team owns a fleet of vehicles that we keep in a parking garage on campus for easy access. Trained athlete-drivers are in charge of transporting the team to and from the boathouse.
How will rowing impact my classes and school work?
The Stanford Women’s Rowing team averages a higher GPA than the general student population. Our athletes have a wide range of majors, including Engineering and Pre-Med. While being a varsity athlete is a big commitment, we work to ease you into the schedule and make sure you have the support to excel both in the classroom and on the water. Many freshman find that the structure of the team and our practice schedule actually helps them stay on top of their coursework.
Why try out for rowing?
When you try-out for rowing you will be given the chance to learn a new sport while also getting into the best shape of your life. By joining this team you will be able to join a distinguished community of competitive hard-working individuals. You will also have the opportunity to compete for a Pac-12 and NCAA Championship and you could become eligible to earn a scholarship.
"I decided to give rowing a try because I was curious about the sport and missed being part of a team, but I never imagined just how incredible both the sport and the team would be. Rowing for Stanford has given me the opportunity to compete at a level that I didn't think was possible, and introduced me to a group of girls that constantly inspire and support me in all aspects of my life. I feel so lucky to have stumbled upon the the sport of rowing and the community and experiences it has provided.”
» Ellie Parker - 2015 All-American