Frequently Asked Questions | Physician Consent Form | Contact the Coaches

If you're interested:
Anyone interested in joining the Michigan women's rowing team MUST click on the link below and fill out a prospective student-athlete questionnaire.

• Prospective Student Athlete Questionnaire

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I try rowing at Michigan?
• It will help you get in the best shape of your life
• You can make new friends
• It makes a large school feel small
• It looks good on your resumé
• Opportunity to be a varsity athlete at a Division I school

2. Do I need rowing experience to try out for the team?
No. Most of the rowers trying out for the novice squad will have no rowing experience. We are looking for good athletes that we can teach to become good rowers. Many of our top rowers are former basketball or volleyball players, swimmers or runners. Rowing is a sport that requires strength and endurance.

3. What is the tryout procedure?
The first step of the tryout is to fill out the questionnaire. The second step is to attend one of two informational meetings at the Michigan League Room D (Directions), either on Sunday, Sept. 5, at 3 p.m. or on Tuesday, Sept. 7, at 7 p.m. Tryout times and dates will be discussed at the informational meeting. During the tryout we will teach you how to row on the indoor rowing machines and do some physiological testing to determine your potential as a rower.

4. How can I prepare for the tryout?
The best thing to do is to get into the best shape you can by September. Running or any other cardiovascular training as well as body weight exercises (push-ups, sit-ups) and flexibility exercises (yoga and stretching) will help you prepare.

5. What do you look for in student-athletes?
Someone with a combination of the following:

• Athletic Background
• Team Player
• Competitiveness
• Height (5' 7" or taller generally makes a good rower)

6. Does it cost money to row for the novice squad?
No. Women's rowing is a fully-funded NCAA sport. As a student-athlete affiliated with a varsity team you will have access to athletic trainers, academic advisors, tutors and athletic facilities at no charge to you. You will also be issued gear in which to train and compete at no charge and all transportation, lodging and meals when traveling with the team are covered by the Michigan Athletic Department.

7. What support services are available for student-athletes?
Michigan's student-athletes are provided with the best support possible. Each sport is assigned an academic advisor who assists the team's student-athletes in academic issues ranging from developing strategies for academic success to selecting courses. Student-athletes can also arrange through their academic advisor to have a tutor free of charge. In addition, Michigan's athletic department has a career development program for its student-athletes, including unique summer internships and job opportunities. Medical support includes a full-time athletic trainer, student athletic trainers, medical doctors, first-rate rehabilitation facilities, nutritionists and sport psychologists.

8. Do I need a physical before I try out?
You will need to mail in your Physician Consent Form and a photocopy of your insurance to Michigan rowing. You can fax the form to Michigan women's rowing at (734) 764-3221 or mail it to the following address:

Michigan Women's Rowing
Department of Athletics
1000 S State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Dates for Fall 2011 Informational Meetings

Friday, Sept. 2, 7-8 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 4, 7-8 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Meetings will be held at the Michigan League (Room D) (Directions)

Catch Michigan Rowing on Campus

Friday, Sept. 2, 5-6:30 p.m. -- Maize Craze (Palmer Field)
Sunday, Sept. 4, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. -- Rec Sports Expo (Palmer Field)
Tuesday, Sept. 6, all day -- Check out the U-M Boats on the Diag (Central Campus Diag)

Contact the Coaches

Women's Rowing
Weidenbach Hall
Brett Sickler, Novice Coach Rowing

If you are interested in rowing or have further questions, please email
Brett Sickler (bsickler@umich.edu)