Women's Crew

[RascalFlatts5858]

Today in the mail I got a letter from the USNA's Asst. Coach for the crew team inviting me to consider Navy rowing. I have never participated in rowing in my life. Is this common? I was hoping to try out for the women's soccer team but I guess it'd be something to consider. Any thoughts?

 

[usna1985]

In my day, it wasn't uncommon for women with no rowing experience to try out and do very well at USNA. My roommate did it. Many women have no opportunity to row in h.s. -- either b/c of where they live or b/c of what their schools and local communities offer.

It's a very demanding sport but those who do it seem to love it.

 

[MIDNDAD]

You will get a chance to try out for several teams.

Your chances of making the soccer team are slim to none as it is a recruited Varsity team. Something like 1 or maybe two walk ons made the team over the past few seasons. Not to dash your hopes try out but that's reality.

Suggestion: Another team that will be recruiting durring plebe summer is Womens Rugby. Navy has a Nationally ranked team ( finished 5th in the nation 2010) and has made the final 4's 6 out of the past 11 years. They are looking to reload and make another run at a national chamionship. Rugby is gaining significant popularity at the college level.

 

[2012mom?]

DD did crew 1st semester as a Plebe. She thought the coaches and her teammates were great, but she ended up having a conflict with another activity, and so did not continue crew. She knew Mids on all of the crew teams (women's, men's lightweight, and men's heavyweight) who had never rowed before I-day.

We also know Mids on women's rugby. It is a great club team which has excellent camaraderie. Rugby travels a lot. This year, they traveled to tournaments over many weekends, and over spring break, the team went to England to play several teams there. While these are outstanding opportunities, if you (or your Plebe) joins such an active club team, be certain that your time management skills are really well honed. That particular team travels almost as much as the various varsity teams.

 

[RascalFlatts5858]

Thanks for the responses. MIDNDAD, I realize how hard it is to walk on to soccer but am trying out for goalie so I may have a better shot, though then again maybe not. Can I try out for both crew and soccer and then if I didn't make soccer still do crew?

 

[MJOmom]

Crew over the summer is a good choice. My plebe son did it last year ... his reasoning ... you're out on the water where it is (a little) cooler. No one is yelling at you ... and you are out of the line of fire ... all things that truly helped him through ... he did not stay with crew.

There are many other activities, intramural sports, clubs etc that may appeal once you get there ...

Congratulations!

 

[MIDNDAD]

Thanks for the responses. MIDNDAD, I realize how hard it is to walk on to soccer but am trying out for goalie so I may have a better shot, though then again maybe not. Can I try out for both crew and soccer and then if I didn't make soccer still do crew?

Overall the answer would be yes but it would take some cooordination. Crew is a plebe summer sports activity. For soccer you would have to be in contact with the soccer coach on when tryouts would be, but I think they are at or near the end of plebe summer. By all means give it your best shot. It's the old story you never know till you try.

Best of luck to you!

 

[death_by_happiness]

You need to walk onto the crew team before they make cuts if they do during that given year. My year they did. How tall are you, and how much do you weigh? And bodytype? If you don't mind me asking. I LOVED crew, and wish id done it as a plebe. I was a novice as a sophomore but ended up making varsity my first year (rare). I had never rowed in my life. There is a certain stigma against rugby as well.