Recruiting: Start Early—and Follow the Rules

If you’re a high-school rower thinking about competing at the college level, the time to begin preparing is now. Even if you’re only in ninth or 10th grade and not yet allowed to speak directly with college coaches, there’s still a lot you can do to get ready—and a few things about which you need to be careful.

First, make sure you’re on track academically. You’ll need to take the right core courses to be eligible to row at the university level, and that planning should begin early. Your grades, and your SAT or ACT scores, will be major factors in your chances of being admitted to top schools. Coaches look at more than just your rowing ability; they want to know you can succeed in the classroom, too.

Of course, your athletic performance matters. Your erg scores, technique, and results on the water are all key parts of your recruiting profile.

As I work with rowers across the U.S. and around the world, I’ve become aware of a concerning trend: Some 10th graders and their families are being contacted by college coaches before NCAA rules allow. Sometimes coaches will say things like, “This is just between us,” or refer to it as “soft recruiting.” No matter what they call it, it’s not permitted under NCAA rules.

It’s important to remember that recruiting isn’t just about colleges choosing athletes; it’s also about your learning what kind of program and coaching style will be the right fit for you. That means the process should be transparent, respectful, and rule-abiding.

So what should you do if coaches reach out too early? Be polite but clear. Let them know you’re aware of the rules and ask them to wait until the official recruiting window opens. If the contact continues, consider forwarding the message to the head coach. Most coaches will understand and stop right away; some may have thought you were older and made an honest mistake.

By beginning early, staying informed, and sticking to the rules, you’ll be setting yourself up for success—not only as a recruit but also a student-athlete who’s ready to thrive at the next level.

Robbie Tenenbaum coached at the NCAA level for over 30 years and with the U.S. Junior National Team for eight. He now helps rowers and families navigate the university recruiting process.

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