Rowing FAQ's

I'm an experienced rower. How do I get recruited to UCF? 

1. Complete the UCF Rowing Questionnaire found on our website here
2. Contact our staff at rowing@athletics.ucf.edu
3. Visit the "How do I get Recruited" link for more information.

How many rowers are on the UCF Rowing team each year?
UCF Rowing's Varsity Team usually has between 45-60 student-athletes. UCF Rowing's Novice/Walk-On Team usually has between 18-36 student-athletes.

What boats does the UCF Rowing Team row?
The NCAA Championship team consists of a Varsity Eight, Second Varsity Eight, and a Varsity Coxed Four. The American Athletic Conference Championship team consists of all the NCAA boats plus 2V4, 3V4, and 3V8. UCF Rowing will typically send some or all of these boats in addition to 1-3 novice 8's to races throughout the season.

Does UCF Rowing offer athletic scholarships?
Yes. UCF Rowing offers scholarships based on athletic ability. We offer full and partial scholarships to recruited rowers.

Does UCF Rowing recruit internationally?
Yes. UCF recruits rowers from all over the world. For more information on UCF's International Applicants visit http://www.intl.ucf.edu/index.cfm?PageID=237.

Canadian recruits have a special opportunity at UCF. The State of Florida considers Canadian citizens Florida residents for tuition purposes as long as they meet the State's academic standards. For more information visit https://www.international.ucf.edu/fcli/index.php.

What does UCF look for in a rowing prospective recruit?
UCF is most interested in getting to know each prospective recruit. We look at erg scores (2km, 6km, etc), athletic history, academics, attitude, motivation, and coach recommendations. Most importantly we like to get to know prospective recruits by talking and meeting with them. Its important to us that UCF is the best fit for the recruit and the recruit is the best fit for UCF.

When should a prospective recruit start the recruiting process?
Any time is fine however it's advised to begin the recruiting process in your sophomore year of high school. Begin researching schools and rowing programs that you think will be a good fit for you. Create a list of characteristics that a school and rowing program must have to be a good fit for you. Over the next two years, complete rowing questionnaires, take unofficial visits, contact coaches by email/phone, and continue to refine your list of possible schools. Refer to UCF's "How do I get recruited to UCF" Guide here. 

What is the difference between an Official and Unofficial Visit?
An OFFICIAL visit occurs when a coach extends an invitation to a prospective recruit to visit the school. Official visits may only last 48hrs. During the visit, prospective recruits will see the campus and boathouse, watch practice, meet with coaches and athletic/academic staff, and get to know the team. The school pays for the visit (travel, accommodations, meals, entertainment, etc.). Parents are welcome to come and UCF will cover the cost of their visit as well with the exception of travel (NCAA regulation prohibits it). In order to take an official visit, UCF must have a copy of your unofficial transcript, your test scores (SAT and/or ACT), your senior class schedule, and you must be registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center.

An UNOFFICIAL visit occurs when an interested prospective recruit visits campus on their own. They schedule a meeting with a coach in advance and pay for the entire visit themselves. These visits are not typically overnight visits, and although the prospective recruit may spend the day on campus, they usually only meet with a coach for about 30 minutes.

What is the National Letter of Intent (NLI)?
The NLI is a binding agreement between a prospective student-athlete and an educational institution, which formally states that the prospective student-athlete has committed to a particular school and that the school has offered to recruit and provide the recruit with financial aid (pending admission to the university). The term of the NLI can range from one to four years. Please note that if you sign an NLI with a school and decide not to attend that school, you will not be allowed to compete or receive athletic financial aid from any other NCAA institution for one year.

There are two NLI signing periods; one in mid-November and one starting in early April and lasting until August. We recommend signing in the fall however spring NLI's are always welcome!