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2025 Walk-On/Novice Tryout Questionnaire
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why should I try rowing at Minnesota?
- A great opportunity to be a Division I varsity athlete
- Opportunity to compete for Big Ten Conference and NCAA Championships
- 80-90 brand new potential friends!
- Makes our large school feel small and like a tight-knit family
- It looks great on a resume!
2. I am a little nervous about not knowing anything about rowing. Will I still have a shot at making the team?
Most of the rowers trying out will have no experience or even really know what rowing is before they step foot on campus! We are looking for good, overall athletes that we can teach to be great rowers. Many of our top rowers have had previous experience with swimming, Nordic skiing, volleyball, basketball, or have been runners.
3. What do you look for in student-athletes?
We look for someone with the combination of these attributes:
- Height (5'9" or taller generally makes a great rower)
- Athletic background
- Competitiveness
- Toughness
- Enjoys the team atmosphere
4. How can I prepare for tryouts?
The best thing to do is to get into shape... or get into better shape by the start of school. Running or any other cardiovascular-based exercise will help you prepare.
5. Does it cost money to join the team?
Women's rowing is a fully-funded NCAA sport. As a student-athlete you will have access to athletic trainers, academic advisors, tutors, and athletic facilities at no charge. You'll also receive priority registration after your Fall semester classes. You will also be issued gear to train and compete in at no charge. Transportation, meals and lodging for competitions are also all covered at no cost to you!
6. I have a really difficult major? Are there other rowers in difficult majors and are there support services for athletes?
The answers to those questions are an absolute YES! We have many rowers who are in very difficult majors including Biomedical Engineering and Pre-Med -- quite difficult stuff. Gopher student-athletes are provided with the academic support that rivals the best in the Big Ten Conference. Each sport is assigned an academic advisor who assists the team's student-athletes with academic issues (such as scheduling courses to setting up tutors). There is also a career development area and volunteer opportunities all within the academic center to help you get the most out of your education.
7. Do I need a physical before the tryout?
Yes, you will need a physical that is no older than six months. The following forms are necessary to initiate the medical clearance process:
- Demographics/Insurance Information Form *Please include copies of the insurance cards for health, dental and pharmacy (front and back)
- Incoming Health History Questionnaire
- Sickle Cell Trait Testing Waiver
- Health Services to Minors-Authorization for Treatment of Minors Form (Only if the student-athlete is under the age of 18)
Documents need to be turned in first before you can try out for the team!
8. Informational meetings
- Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@Gopher_rowing) for more information regarding informational meetings.
- Informational meetings will be held Tuesday, Sept. 2 and Wednesday, Sept. 3
9. I made the team!
After you go through tryouts and make the team, official team practice will begin Monday, Sept. 14. We will practice during afternoons Monday through Friday (3-5:30 p.m.) and Saturday (8-11 a.m.). Tryout and physical forms must be completed and accepted by our Athletic Trainer prior to starting.
If you are interested in rowing or have further questions, please email Coach Laura Feinson at feins035@umn.edu. Go Gophers!
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