This is coming from a cox herself, and for what it’s worth (since spring season is coming up, unless your school does not have a fall season), coxing is very time consuming. I rowed for my novice year, suffered a wrist problem, and had to switch to coxing. When you are rowing, you are actively working out, do the 2.5 hrs of practice (at least for our school) felt and was productive, but as a cox, you land practices may make you feel useless. A way to get past this is to work out with your boat members when possible. This keeps the cox in shape and really helps you feel like you are a part o the team. I am 5’4 and around 120 so the height/weight issue should be no problem. Anyways, what I wanted to say was that crew is a sport that can only be done if you have dedication and passion. In other words, you have to love the sport to stick with it. Getting up early for morning runs, whole-day regattas every weekend, and every day afterschool practice is a whole lot of time that is hard to spare. HOWEVER, I do recommend that all interested prospective athletes give crew a shot, especially for coxswains. The job of a cox can be mentally stressful, but it is one of those spots where you will be appreciated for your size and weight as an ATHLETE. Hope you found this helpful, and that everything worked out well. I know this is a very late response, but I couldn’t resist!
My daughter got into an Ivy – recruited as a coxswain. I was amazed that she pulled this off, but she was confident and determined. She joined the club team midway through Freshman year in high school. She rowed at first but because of her size she switched to coxing. But, I do agree with the others on the forum. Your daughter should do what she enjoys.
@GSchools Thanks for the response! I really appreciate your dedication to sport considering it can be very hard. Thanks again.
@CoxswainParent I love the name of your account! Anyway, my daughter would have to start half way through freshmen year too. I was just wondering how experienced your daughter was. Meaning, did she win any regattas and more? Thanks for your response! I hope your daughter is enjoying college.