Experienced Athletes
 
Fordham University Women's Rowing Recruiting Questionnaire
 
For more information contact Coach Reid Cucci at rcucci@fordham.edu

Newcomers Tryout information

For the most up to date information please fill out the interest questionnaire below. 

 

2024 tryouts will begin on September 3rd

 

If you want to be part of a dynamic, positive team and are looking for a new challenge, come try out for Fordham University Women’s Rowing. Our Division I program consists of recruited and walk-on student-athletes. We welcome current or incoming Fordham students who are enrolled full-time at the Rose Hill campus to try out for the team as a walk-on. 

 

During the 14-day tryout period, you’ll learn rowing commands and terminology, work out on rowing machines, learn safety protocol, and take your first strokes on the water. We’re looking for strong potential rowers as well as confident, plucky coxswains to steer the boats and motivate their teammates.

 

Fill out the Fordham Rowing walk-on interest questionnaire to receive updates on tryout dates, locations, and times. Read the FAQs and tryout requirements below and, if you still have questions, email coaches at rowing@fordham.edu.

 

Tryout paperwork

Potential student-athletes must submit the following paperwork before they attend tryouts. We recommend completing and collecting these documents over the summer so that you can begin the fall tryout process without delays:
 

• The tryout packet (the Tryout Approval & Assumption of Risk form, the HIPAA Release Authorization form, and the Sickle Cell Trait Testing Information form)
• A copy of a sports physical exam completed by a licensed medical provider in the last 6 months (you can ask your doctor to fill in this preparticipation physical/evaluation physical exam form)
• Results from a sickle cell trait test
• A copy of your fall class schedule with credits

 

FAQ about rowing tryouts
 

• Do I need to have rowing experience? Nope—no experience necessary. We will teach absolute beginners all of the basics. Within a couple of months, you’ll have learned enough to race against other walk-on (novice) rowers later this fall.

 

• What if I’m not super fit, or haven’t done a sport in a while? Our walk-on program will teach you how to row and also teach you how to train for rowing. We’ll work together to build your strength, endurance, power, mental toughness, and fitness day by day.

 

• Do I need to know how to swim? Yes, you should be comfortable treading water, floating, and being in the water. Rowing is a water sport, after all.

 

• Are there height or size requirements? Aren’t all rowers giants? No. Smaller folks can make great coxswains—the essential crew members who steer and motivate. And though height is nice, training and attitude can handily make up the difference.

 

• Can I join if I’m enrolled at Lincoln Center? No. Our program is based out of the Rose Hill campus, and only Rose Hill–enrolled, full-time students can participate. (Students who take classes at the Lincoln Center campus are still eligible to participate.)

 

• Can I participate if I’m a graduate student or a transfer student? Most likely, but email us ahead of time about your status. You must be enrolled full-time.
 

• Can I go to a tryout session to see what it’s like? Not until you complete the tryout packet and submit all mandatory health and permission forms.

 

• Will there be cuts at the end of tryouts? We will have a conversation about your potential and your ability to commit to the team. Learning to row takes much longer than a couple of weeks, so we’re looking for athletes who can demonstrate that they’re eager to learn, positive, motivated to put in the work, communicative, and able to show up consistently.

 

• Practice is in the morning, but I have some morning classes that overlap; can I still try out? Yes. Though we encourage students to register for classes that start after 9:30 am, if possible, we understand that you may already have your class schedule set and will need to leave practice early. We’ll help you get the most out of tryouts and, if you’re invited to join, your fall semester on the team. Students may not miss class to attend tryouts.

 

• What do I wear? Rowers wear close-fitting, comfortable workout gear: spandex or performance-fabric is better than cotton. Shorts or leggings, short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirts, socks, sports bras, and tennis shoes are basics. Add more layers for cooler weather, and shoes or sliders that can get wet but offer good traction.

• Will I love it? You won’t know unless you try out.