Photography Courtesy Eric Sack Photography.
As the second semester of senior year begins, many high school students find themselves in a period of uncertainty with their rowing college recruiting. Some are still awaiting acceptance letters from their dream schools, while others are unsure of where they’re headed next. This ambiguity can be unsettling, and for many, it feels like the ground beneath them is shifting. However, this moment of not knowing is an opportunity—a chance to focus on what truly matters and to prepare for the road ahead, wherever it may lead.
I understand this feeling all too well. Early in my career, I experienced a similar period of uncertainty. I had applied for an H1B work visa to continue my teaching and coaching career in the United States, but delays and complications left me in limbo. I remember sitting in the dining hall of the boarding school where I worked, feeling deeply frustrated and unsure if my efforts would ever bear fruit.
It was during one of those dinners that a colleague, whose name I recall as Leslie, gave me a piece of advice that has stayed with me ever since: “Keep your eye on what you want.” Those words reminded me to focus on my ultimate goal and control what I could while letting go of the rest. It was a turning point for me, and I believe this wisdom is just as relevant for you, the high school senior rower navigating this uncertain time.
Control What You Can Control In Rowing College Recruiting
When faced with ambiguity, it’s easy to get caught up in what you don’t know or can’t influence. Will that acceptance letter come? Will you get a spot on the college rowing team? These questions are valid, but dwelling on them won’t provide answers. Instead, focus on what you can control for your rowing college recruiting.
- Your Training: Consistent, intentional training is one of the most impactful things you can do. Show up to practice with focus and energy. If you’re not currently part of a team, stay disciplined with your individual training. Prioritize quality over quantity, and ensure you’re balancing hard work with recovery.
- Your Health: Make smart choices about your diet, sleep, and mobility work. A well-fueled and rested body performs better, both on and off the water.
- Your Attitude: Be the kind of teammate or athlete who uplifts those around you. College coaches are always on the lookout for athletes who bring positive energy and a growth mindset to their team culture.
Demonstrate a Love for the Sport
If I were a college rowing coach, I wouldn’t just be looking for fast 2,000m erg times—though they are undeniably important. I’d also be looking for athletes who genuinely love the sport. Rowing is a demanding discipline, and the athletes who thrive in college are those who find joy in the process, not just the outcomes.
How do you show this?
- Compete in Indoor Rowing Events: Seek out local or regional indoor competitions. Not only will this give you a tangible goal to work toward, but it also demonstrates your commitment to growth and improvement.
- Embrace the Process: Share your journey—whether that’s through a blog, social media, or conversations with coaches. Highlight the steps you’re taking to improve, from technique adjustments to mental training.
- Be a Lifelong Learner: Show curiosity and a willingness to grow. Whether you’re asking for feedback on your stroke or diving into the science of nutrition and performance, this attitude sets you apart with your rowing college recruiting.
Stand Out to Coaches
Coaches are not just looking for athletes who can make an immediate impact on their team; they’re also looking for individuals who will enhance their team’s culture and thrive in a collegiate environment. Here are tangible ways to make yourself stand out:
- Show Steady Improvement: Consistent progress in your 2,000m erg time is a clear indicator of work ethic and potential. Keep striving for better, even in small increments.
- Communicate Well: When reaching out to coaches, be clear, concise, and genuine. Share your goals, your progress, and why their program excites you. Include video footage of your rowing, both on the water and on the erg, to give coaches a full picture of your abilities.
- Demonstrate Resilience: Coaches value athletes who can handle setbacks with grace. If you’ve faced challenges—whether it’s an injury, a tough race, or uncertainty about the future—be honest about how you’ve grown from those experiences.
The Bigger Picture: Life Lessons from Rowing
Rowing is more than a sport; it’s a metaphor for life. The skills you’re developing now—discipline, teamwork, resilience—will serve you long after your last race. One of the most important competencies you can cultivate is the ability to perform amidst uncertainty. The world is always changing, and those who can adapt and thrive will succeed in any field.
High school should be about more than grades or sports; it’s about preparing for the unpredictable. Whether or not you’re admitted to your top-choice school, the habits you build now will shape your future. So keep your eye on what you want and trust that your hard work will pay off.
Practical Steps for Navigating Rowing College Recruiting Ambiguity
To help you stay focused during this time, here are some actionable steps:
- Set Micro Goals: Break down your larger goals into smaller, achievable steps. For example, if you want to shave time off your 2,000m erg, focus on improving your splits for one segment at a time.
- Track Your Progress: Use a training log or app to record your workouts, nutrition, and recovery. This will not only keep you accountable but also provide a record of your efforts to share with coaches.
- Build Your Network: Reach out to alumni from your high school or local rowing club who have transitioned to college rowing. Their advice and insights can be invaluable.
- Stay Balanced: While it’s important to train hard, don’t neglect other aspects of your life. Pursue hobbies, spend time with family and friends, and explore interests outside of rowing.
- Find Inspiration: Read books, watch documentaries, or listen to podcasts about rowing and perseverance. Stories of others overcoming challenges can fuel your own determination.
A Final Word of Encouragement
If you’re feeling uncertain about your future, know that you’re not alone. This period of ambiguity is temporary, but the lessons you learn from it will last a lifetime. Keep showing up. Keep striving. Keep your eye on what you want, and trust that the effort you’re putting in now will lead to opportunities you can’t yet see.
Leslie’s words to me—“Keep your eye on what you want”—were a reminder to stay focused on the big picture. They helped me navigate one of the most uncertain periods of my life, and I hope they can do the same for you.
I ultimately ended up getting my H1B visa in the Fall of that year. That has provided a launch pad for me to establish myself in the US, meet my wife, start a family and enjoy a great career in teaching and coaching. Despite all of the ambiguity and uncertainty, it all worked out for the best!
The path may not always be clear, but the skills and character you’re building now will guide you toward success, in rowing and beyond.
