July 28, 2008
Why Rowing?
Rowing is a great team sport that attracts a diverse crowd of people who love exercising outdoors. Rowing is a Division I sport that is based on the walk-on athlete. Many Olympians and Texas varsity rowers began their careers in college as novice walk-ons.
Do I need experience to join the team?
No! We have a Novice team designed for those with no Rowing experience. New rowers spend their first year learning the sport and competing in the Novice category at regattas against Division I teams across the country. Many people who tryout for the novice squad were high school athletes from volleyball, basketball, track, swimming, etc. For some of our Texas Rowing walk-ons, however, rowing is the first organized sport they have tried.
When are practices?
We hold tryouts in the fall for the novice squad and accept about 60 women onto the team. After that, practice is weekday afternoons until November for the fall semester and late January to April in the spring semester. You may choose your practice time, either 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. or 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
How much will it cost?
There is virtually no cost to our student-athlete. Texas Rowing is a fully-funded varsity sport. All expenses associated with competing for the team (travel, uniforms, etc.) are covered. Rowers receive athletics benefits and are eligible for performance-based athletics financial aid once they prove themselves during their novice year.
How do I get started?
Contact Assistant Coach Caroline King at caroline.king@athletics.utexas.edu or 512-232-2490. Attend the Texas Rowing walk-on informational meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Bellmont Hall Room 328. If you wish to be on the team you must be deemed eligible to compete by the NCAA via its Eligibility Center at https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter.See TexasSports.com for further updates and news.
Tell me about Texas Rowing.
Texas Rowing is entering its 12th season as a NCAA Division I program. Last year's team won its 7th consecutive Big 12 Invitational title and competed in the NCAA Regional. The Texas Rowing team finished the 2007-2008 year ranked 12th in the NCAA Central/South Regional.
Who are the coaches?
Carie Graves is entering her 11th year as the head coach for the Texas Rowing team. Coach Graves is a 3-time U.S. Olympian and Olympic gold medalist.
Caroline King is entering her 10th season with the Longhorns. She was named the South Regional Assistant Coach of the Year in 2005-2006 by the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association.
Melissa Perrone is entering her 3rd year as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator with the Texas Rowing team. Coach Perrone was named the South Regional Assistant Coach of the Year in 2007-2008 by the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association.
