Common Mistakes in the College Rowing Recruiting Process
When contacting rowing coaches, the best place to start is the Online Recruiting Questionnaire. Far too often, athletes reach out to coaches before filling out the recruiting questionnaire, thus failing to provide the coaches with the relevant background information. In this article, we guide you through some of the common pitfalls in the recruiting process to help you on your recruiting journey.
Poor Communication
A common mistake in the recruiting process is failing to keep coaches updated. It's important to keep recruiting coaches informed about your recent erg and water results to ensure you stay on their radar. It's vitally important to ensure emails are well-written and concise; coaches don’t have a lot of time to read long essay-style emails, so it's best to get your point across in one to two paragraphs.
Make sure you have a personalized approach to your emails by addressing the proper institution and coach, showcasing your genuine interest in the college rowing recruitment process. Do not simply copy and paste the same email to all recruiting coaches. We also recommend a comprehensive grammar and spell check.
Ruling Out Programs Too Soon
Cast a wide net by exploring various types of schools and areas of study during the college rowing recruitment process. Avoid making judgments solely based on the university's name or recent race results. Instead, consider factors such as the daily practice routine, academic stress, and the overall college experience to make well-informed decisions. The recruiting process is long and complex, so it’s important to explore multiple college options before making a final decision.
Asking the Wrong Questions
Focus on the bigger picture by delving into the team's culture and understanding the university's values during the college rowing recruitment process. Ask pertinent questions about coaching style, athlete retention, and the program's culture to gain comprehensive insights. Additionally, conduct thorough research on the academic requirements of the school and plan ahead to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the collegiate environment. Do not ask questions that are easily googleable; this will be wasting college recruiters' time and give them the impression you lack initiative.
Making a Poor First Impression
Introduce yourself properly during the college rowing recruitment process by sharing essential details such as your background, experience, and why you are an excellent fit for the team.
Being late for Zoom calls can be a red flag for college recruiters; we recommend being five minutes early to ensure you make a good first impression. Take the initiative to initiate contact yourself, avoiding the involvement of your parents in making the first call; this will demonstrate your independence and show the coaches you are driving the recruiting process. When the time is right, parents will play a crucial role in the recruiting journey, but with the initial contact, recruiting coaches want to get to know you, not your parents.
Avoiding these common mistakes can help maximize your chances of success in the college rowing recruiting process. Stay informed, be proactive, and make a lasting impression on coaches.
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