Rowing Coaches

Question
I am a high school senior and I am currently looking at rowing in college.  I am going to visit some colleges soon and I wanted to make a meeting with the rowing coaches.  What exactly should I say in an email to a college coach, and how should I address it?

Answer
Hi John: Finding a good rowing program should parallel your search for a good college.  First, you want to find what colleges have academic programs that interest you. When you come up with a short list of colleges, research their college rowing programs' websites thoroughly.  They will have e-mail addresses for the freshman or varsity coaches if you want to ask them questions. You can also find out what programs are offered (open, lightweight, freshman, pairs), whether scholarships are offered, etc.

Almost all crew websites have online forms (some centralized via the college's athletic department). Those without questionnaires or forms should provide email addresses to write to the coach to signal your interest. Your initial email or letter is your opportunity to make a good first impression. In it, give your height and weight, erg scores, which side(s) you row, the number of years you have been part of your high school or club rowing program, and list some notable results, especially any big regattas.  Also give your SAT scores, your GPA, class rank, as well as your coach's and guidance counselor's contact information.

When the coach writes back, he will probably send you additional materials and information, as well as suggestions for dates for recruitment visits. In some sports, the trend is that college coaches are asking to see videos.

Whenever a coach contacts you, respond promptly. Recruitment can be a time-consuming headache, for coaches, and full of uncertainty. Help the recruitment process by submitting information, applications, materials, etc. on or before the due dates at every stage. This will be seen as advance indicators of your organization and self-discipline, and thus of your future coachability. Make yourself easy to recruit, and you will be.

Good Luck/AP