Alabama Women's Rowing Walk-on FAQ
The University of Alabama rowing team is a varsity team, not a club sport, but we are always looking for athletic, highly competitive, hard-working, dedicated young women to join the Crimson Tide and represent their University in intercollegiate competition.
Rowing is one of the few sports where you can begin your career in college and go on to enjoy great success at both the national and international level.
If you think you might be interested in trying out for the UA women's rowing team and are a freshmen/sophomore, we encourage you to read through the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below and fill out the questionnaire.
NOTICE: If you are a student-athlete enrolled at another four-year institution or if you have been enrolled at another four-year institution in the last year (Division I, II or III), NCAA rules and regulations strictly prohibit us from having any communication with you, directly or indirectly, until that institution grants our institution permission to contact you or until you enroll full-time at the University of Alabama. You may obtain this permission to contact at the compliance office of your current or previous institution.
At last year's Big 12 Conference Championships, half of Alabama's top-2 boats were walk-ons.
Alabama Rowing FAQ
Why should I tryout for the Alabama Rowing Team?
Alabama Rowing is an NCAA Division I varsity team. The opportunities associated with being a rower at Alabama are endless! Some of the best things about being a rower or coxswain at Alabama include:
- The chance to contribute to a program on the rise and help us earn a bid to the NCAA Championship
- Compete at the highest level in collegiate sports
- Bond with teammates and make friends who will become your family at Alabama
- Potential to earn scholarship
- Access to academic support and nutrition resources
- Access to elite facilities
- Leadership and career development
Do I need to have rowing experience?
No! We teach you everything you need to know. All we need is your willingness and enthusiasm to learn a new sport.
Do I need to know how to swim?
You need to know how to tread water/float. The boats we row rarely flip, but you'll want to be comfortable in and around water.
How much does it cost to row?
Nothing! This is a fully-funded program. The only cost that would be associated is a $75 registration fee with the NCAA Eligibility Center if you are not already registered.
What type of student-athlete are you looking for?
Successful walk-on rowers include some combination of the following:
- Have an athletic background
- Height (recommended 5'7 or taller)
- Great attitude
- Strong work ethic
- Resilience/mental toughness
- Highly competitive and a strong desire to win
- Great teammate
What if I'm shorter? Is there still an opportunity to tryout?
We also look for coxswains (pronounced "cox-in") to tryout for our team. A coxswain is generally shorter in height (5'6 or below). Coxswains are a very important part of our team. They are the voice and driver of the boat--meaning they steer and keep the boat safe, communicate and execute coaches' directions, practices, and race strategy, and provide motivation to the rowers. Coxswains do workout with the team for some practices, but their primary job consists of a commanding and vocal leadership role.
I'm worried about the time commitment--will it affect my academics?
Our team is very successful academically. Our athletes have a variety of different majors and minors. This past season, our team held a 3.44 GPA and 25 members were named to the Big 12 All-Academic Team. Our competitions are primarily on weekends, so you will rarely miss class. Additionally, once the roster has been decided by the coaching staff, all the athletes on the team will have access to the Center for Athletic Student Services as well as advisors, tutors and early advising through the athletic academic services.
Can I row and be involved in other programs/organizations on campus?
Yes! We have rowers who are in sororities, have jobs on campus, do volunteer work, etc.
What can I do to prepare for tryouts?
Workout and stay active! Important physical components of rowing include power, endurance, core strength, and flexibility. Workouts that target your overall strength (ex: circuits, lifting, CrossFit), your aerobic endurance (ex: running, biking, swimming), your core (ex: planks) and your flexibility (ex: yoga) will help you prepare.
Still not sure?
That's okay! You do not have to decide right now. I encourage you to take the first step and show up to the info meeting--if it seems like something you'll enjoy, great! If not, you are not obligated to join. You'll never know if you don't try, and you've got nothing to lose!
