Do you want to be a Badger athlete and compete for a Big Ten Championship?
If so, you’ve come to the right place! We’re looking for the next group of athletic, strong, and competitive women who are willing to give their all for their teammates and get their boat across the line first!
We’ll teach you everything you need to know about rowing to compete against schools all across the country and race for a Big Ten medal!
What you need to do:
Admitted students for the 2025-2026 school year:
1. Get a physical from your doctor and fill out the
Participation Physical Exam Form
2. Visit our table at SOAR to talk to current rowers and previous walk-ons currently
on the team
3. Stay active this summer to get ready for tryouts. Run, swim, hike or strength train to
build endurance and strength.
4. Attend an open house at
Porter Boathouse to learn about the upcoming season
• August 27 @ 3:30
• August 28 @ 3:30
• August 29 @ 3:30
Future Wisconsin students:
1. Fill out this
linked questionnaire
2. Let us know once you are admitted to Wisconsin!
Questions and Answers
Q: Do I need experience to join?
A: No! Anyone is welcome to try out for the team. We’re looking for students with athletic backgrounds who are willing to work hard, compete, and be an integral part of a team.
Q: What would make me a good rower?
A: We’re looking for someone that has a combination of the traits below:
• Athletic background: especially endurance sports
• Desire to win and be the best
• Strong work ethic
• Ability to push their body to new levels
• A complete team player who will do anything for the women in the boat with them
Q: What percentage of the team started rowing in college?
A: Throughout the years, approximately 50% of our varsity team has not started their rowing journey until they started school at Wisconsin. Many of these women have gone on to earn Big Ten medals, race at the NCAA championships, and represent their country at the World Stage.
Q: What events do we race?
A: The main season in the spring consists of 2,000 meter races in boats with 8 rowers and 1 coxswain. These races are multiple lanes across where you are trying to get your boat ahead of everyone else.
Q: What does racing season look like?
A: The main racing season starts in mid March and goes through mid May. We’ll travel to four-five races to states across the country such as Florida and Tennessee and end the season at a championship regatta (rowing race).
Q: Would I miss a lot of school for travel?
A: Regattas occur on weekends so you’ll only miss a couple Thursdays and Fridays in the spring. We go on two training trips, but these are during winter and spring break.
Q: Would I have time to manage a hard major?
A: Yes! Many of our rowers are on pre-med, engineering, and other STEM tracks. Chances are you’ll have teammates with the same major and classes as you!
Q: What’s the difference between light and open weight?
A: Anyone under 130 lbs will compete with the lightweight team and race at the IRA Championship. Anyone over 130 lbs will compete with the openweight team and race at the Big Ten Championship.
Other questions? Email wisconsinrowing@athletics.wisc.edu and a member of the staff will get back to you.
