My name is Kevork Atinizian. I am a High School Junior and a coxswain for a private school in the Greater Boston Area. The highest-level regatta which I have participated in is NEIRA, the New England Interscholastic Rowing Association Championships. I coxed my school’s varsity third boat to ninth place out of the eleven total participating schools. I have some recordings of myself which I am very proud of. I am thinking of participating in more regattas such as Club Nationals and the Canadian Henley. Because I am entering my Junior year, should I fill out the College recruiting questionnaire and email coaches now or wait until I finish future regattas?
If you’re starting junior year it’s not too early to start contacting coaches, but don’t be shocked if many or most don’t respond to you right away - they are in the midst of finishing up their recruiting for entry next fall, and getting their teams into shape. Try again in the winter, and then see who responds.
Also, sorry to say, while coxing recruiting spots exist, they are very very scarce. I can’t say I know of many cases, but from the few I’ve seen, ‘recruited’ coxes are typically kids who have really top grades and easily meet the college’s academic criteria. Coxing is simply the ‘hook’ that distinguishes one applicant with top grades and test scores from the many others with similar academics.