How we help
Our primary and most popular service is college recruiting advisory, delivered through ongoing support for athletes and families who want a dedicated advisor in their corner over the longer term. We also offer a range of additional services, including Talent ID Camps, Training Camps, Gap Year Planning, and lighter-touch Recruiting Roadmapping.
College Counseling & Recruiting Support
We offer a range of packages and program lengths depending on your goals, whether you’re focused on rowing development, college recruiting, essay and application support, or a combination of all three.
Core services we help with:
Recruiting Strategy: College selection, coach outreach, calls and official visits.
2k Erg Guidance: Target setting, pacing strategy, training support and preparation to hit the scores coaches are looking for.
Performance Development: Build the strength, fitness and rowing performance needed to become a stronger recruit.
Technique & Video Analysis: Detailed feedback on rowing and erg technique, with clear areas to improve.
Data & Benchmarking: Understand where you stand against recruiting standards and what needs to change.
Mindset & Mentorship: Learn how to perform under pressure with ongoing support from athletes and coaches who have been through the process.
Essay writing and application support. Guidance on essays, applications and presenting your story effectively.
We help at every stage
Year 10 to 11 (U.S. freshman and sophomore). Build the base. Set your targets, improve your rowing, and learn how recruiting works before it starts.
Year 12 (U.S. junior). The main recruiting year. First contact with coaches, erg testing, coach calls and your college list.
Year 13 or gap year (U.S. senior). Visits, applications and decisions. If you’re starting late or taking a gap year, we plan the year so it counts.
The first step is to book an introductory call with our team. We’ll learn more about the athlete, their goals and where they currently are in the process. From there, you can apply for our ongoing support, and we’ll determine whether the program is the right fit and recommend the most appropriate package.
Talent ID Camps
Our Talent ID Camps are one-day recruiting exposure events designed to put ambitious rowers and coxswains directly in front of U.S. college coaches. Athletes get the chance to showcase their performance, learn what coaches are looking for, and build genuine relationships that can move their recruiting forward. Crew Connection runs camps in both the U.K. and U.S.
Meet and speak directly with U.S. college rowing coaches
Showcase your performance through short erg testing
Take part in rowing/tank sessions and development workshops
Learn directly from coaches about their programs and expectations
Attend recruiting talks, Q&As and coach meet-and-greets
Dedicated recruiting support for coxswains
Recruiting Roadmap
One call and your written next steps. You’ll know where your athlete stands, which colleges fit, and what to do next.
A 60 minute call with your athlete and at least one parent
An honest view of where they stand, and the gaps to close
A college list: reach, target and likely
A written recap with your action items
For athletes aged 15 and over. No intro call needed.
Price: £375 / $450, (If you decide to upgrade onto one of our ongoing support packages within 30 days, the full cost of your Roadmap comes off the price.)
Training Camps
Our residential training camps are designed for ambitious junior rowers aged 16–17, primarily those going into Year 12 in the UK or junior year in the U.S. Strong athletes a year either side can also apply. Athletes spend two weeks in a high-performance environment focused on making meaningful gains in rowing performance while also developing their understanding of the U.S. college pathway.
Daily on-water coaching and video analysis
Lactate testing and individual training zones
Strength, core and injury-prevention work
Recovery, sleep and nutrition guidance
U.S. college recruiting workshops
SAT preparation
International squad of ambitious junior athletes
Fully residential, two-week training environment
Gap Year Guidance
We help athletes turn a gap year into a structured year of development, rather than simply a year away from school. From planning the months leading into the year and keeping college recruiting active, through to building the right training, racing and performance environment, we help athletes make the year count.
Build a clear gap year plan and timeline
Keep college recruiting active and on track
Plan coach communication and key recruiting milestones
Structure training, racing and performance goals
Identify the right clubs, programs and environments
Maximize physical and rowing development
Create accountability and structure throughout the year
Prepare for the transition into college rowing
FAQs
What is Athletic Recruiting?
College coaches can influence admissions. At many top U.S. universities - especially those with strong athletic programs - coaches have the ability to support applicants they want on their team. This support can significantly boost your chances of being admitted.
You still need strong academics, but when a coach backs your application, the admissions office may prioritise you as a recruit. This creates a unique pathway into highly competitive schools.
What’s your college recruitment strategy?
We help athletes to:
Create personalized pathway, mapping out your recruitment journey with precise timelines and athletic/academic goals.
Identifying best-fit programs that align perfectly with your athletic abilities, academic strengths, and future goals.
Evaluate your all aspects of your athletic performance and help you improve your rowing through expert rowing coaching tailored to you.
Elevate your academics and perfecting your college application. Our tailored approach sets you apart from other athletes in the highly competitive recruitment landscape.
Does Crew Connection help with scholarships?
Absolutely, Crew Connection has your back. We understand that searching for scholarships can be daunting, especially when figuring out your eligibility. We guide you through the process and discover the opportunities that match your unique profile.
Why do I need Crew Connection?
Becoming a collegiate athlete is a significant investment, both in time and money. While you could try handling your college recruitment on your own, it's a complex and time-consuming process. At Crew Connection, we understand the demands and intricacies involved. We support you, so you can achieve the results your family desire without the stress.
Our Team
Find out more about the rest of our team.