Will being very involved in a sport help me get in (EVEN IF I'M NOT RECRUITED)?

<p>My GPA should end up being a 3.5 average unweighted and a 3.7 weighted, which I know is low, but I participated in a club outside of school for rowing. 4 years, August-May. About 25 hours a week. 4-7 am practices at least once a week. Coach's Award, voted Most Inspirational, went to nationals this past year. Team captain last year and this year. Only like 2 other people in my school do it. That's what colleges want right, quality, not quantity? And it's somewhat unique. I do have other good extracurriculars though.</p>

<p>So can this sport that I loved and my other good extracurricular activities make up for my low GPA, even if I am not getting recruited to USC? (USC does not have a lightweight rowing team)</p>