Open Tryout Info

The University of Kansas Women’s Rowing team will be holding open tryouts this Fall for the 2026-27 school year. We are looking for motivated individuals from all athletic backgrounds to try out to become members of an NCAA Division I rowing program with the goal of going on to compete for the Big 12 title. Anyone that is competitive, eager to learn, and looking to make something special of their college experience is encouraged to try out. If you are interested in learning more, click here to fill out our Open Tryout Questionnaire and we will follow up with more information on Fall tryouts. Our tryout process will begin with an information session at the beginning of the fall semester.

Fill out our Open Tryout Questionnaire if interested: Open Tryout Questionnaire

Open Tryout Informational Session Dates:
Zoom Information Session: August 10th, 5:30 p.m. CT

Topic: KU Rowing Open Tryouts Info Session

Time: Aug 10, 2026 5:30 PM CT (U.S. and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/78527109584?pwd=WcnRyL6PrKnHREeEVS5cwUCaZ3AJKh.1

Meeting ID: 785 2710 9584

Passcode: 1234

FAQ’s What makes a good rower?

· Athletic background in any sport

· Competitiveness

· Team player

· Eager to learn and improve

· Height is a plus, not a must

Why row in college?

· Be a KU Division 1 Student Athlete

· Make life-long friendships

· Get in great shape

· Be a part of something bigger than yourself

· Compete against teams from all over the country

· Access to all the resources of a Kansas student-athlete, including free meal plan that is 175 dollars per week for local restaurants, grocery stores, and dining halls

How can I best prepare for tryouts?

· Show up fit through cardio and strength training (recommended 4x a week)

· Show up with excitement for a new sport and have a competitive mindset

Does it cost anything?

· If named to the roster, there is a one-time registration fee of $100 that all college athletes pay.

When is the season?

· The season coincides with the academic year. Practice begins in late August and goes until early May.

How do I balance school and rowing?

· Manage your time well and maintain open communication with coaches. Our team does a very good job maintaining balance.

What support is available to student athletes?

· As a student athlete you will have access to a full-time academic counselor, athletic training and medical staff, tutoring, strength and conditioning coach, nutritionist, mental health professionals, four full-time coaches and a boatman.

If you have questions after completing the questionnaire, please feel free to reach out to Coach Julia at camillucci@ku.edu or 785-331-6503.

Next Steps for Trying Out:
1. In order to tryout, you will need to get a Sports physical and cardiac screening completed by your doctor prior to the start of tryouts. The earlier you can get this done, the better. All you need to do is have your doctor complete a classic sports physical.

2. Your doctor must include the required 1.) Sickle Cell Testing documentation and 2.) additional medical documentation if you have had a condition or have had any major surgeries. Please make sure they include separate documentation that you have had Sickle Cell (Most of you had this done as a baby so check before getting retested) testing completed and do not just check the box that says it is completed. Please include prior medical documentation regarding conditions that would require further physician documentation. Examples include recent surgeries (anything within the last 3 years), all concussions, all cardiac conditions, all neurological conditions, and anything you are currently being treated for by a physician.

3. Come to one of our information sessions listed above, either via zoom or in-person, and we will share more information about our team, the tryout process, and what being a Kansas student-athlete might look like for you.

4. Attend tryouts Dates TBD– we will communicate locations during the informational sessions. During tryouts, we will teach you to erg, as well as evaluate athleticism through general activities such as biking, running, and body weight circuits.

University of Kansas Athletics