Canisius University Athletics

Have you dreamed of becoming a Division I athlete? This is your chance! The Canisius women’s rowing team wants you! The rowing team is different than most of Canisius’ athletic teams, as some of the student-athletes on the team never rowed before coming to college. If you are interested in receiving more information or trying out, fill out the questionnaire HERE!

Do I need any experience?
Absolutely no experience is necessary!  We will teach you everything you need to know during tryouts and during your first year on the team.
 
Who are we looking for?
Rowers: Rowers come in all different sizes, but we are looking for young women who are athletic and hard workers.
Coxswains: Coxswains are usually less than 110 pounds, competitive and leaders. Coxswains steer, coach, motivate, organize and execute race strategies.
 
How do I try out?
Tryouts and meetings are during the first two weeks of the fall semester. To express interest in trying out, fill out the questionnaire OR email brace1@canisius.edu
 
When are practices?
We practice six days a week and work around your class schedule to make sure you can attend practice. 
 
Where do we practice?
We practice in one of two locations. We have an on-campus rowing facility located within the Koessler Athletic Center. We also row out of the Frank Lloyd Wright & Fontana Boathouse near downtown Buffalo. We provide transportation if needed to those student-athletes who live on campus. 
 
What does being a varsity student-athlete mean?
There are many benefits of being a student-athlete at Canisius:

• Member of a Division I athletic program
• Tutoring and academic support services
• Compete and travel for free 

Will rowing affect my academics?
Absolutely not! The team’s current GPA is a 3.46, one of six programs at Canisius to have a GPA at, or above, a 3.4!

As a student-athlete, you will receive free tutoring and academic mentoring to make sure you stay on top of your classes! If anything, rowing can help you succeed as a student. 
 
Are walk-on rowers successful?
Yes! Did you know that four members of the Olympic Gold Medal-winning Women’s Eight at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro didn’t row until college? In addition, Canisius has had multiple walk-on rowers and coxswains in our top 20 over the last few seasons.

Testimonials:
Bridget Brogan ‘21
    "Before coming to Canisius, I had dedicated more than ten years of my life to various athletic teams. So, I originally planned on taking a step back from sports in college to focus more on my academic life. This new philosophy of mine flew out the window only after being at Canisius for a little over a week, as it took me only 10 days at college to realize I needed a competitive and active atmosphere back in my life that I couldn't achieve for myself simply by going to the gym. When I heard that the woman's rowing team was accepting walk-ons, I just had to jump at the chance!
    "Since joining the rowing team I have been introduced to a whole new world that I never knew I could be a part of and let alone even existed! Each day is a new learning experience that teaches me more about myself as an individual, an athlete and more importantly, a teammate. This program has pushed me past athletic goals of my past and has shown me how much I am truly capable of as an athlete. Rowing has not only given me a new purpose at Canisius, as well as a new bedtime, but a brand-new support system that will always have my back. This team has quickly become my family that makes my time at Canisius all the more valuable, insane and all around amazing!"

Addie Naylor '26
"I walked on to the team because I had always wanted to continue my athletic experience in college. Rowing has given me an amazing opportunity to learn an entirely new sport! I have gained so many rewarding experiences and many new friendships!
"Rowing has given me the ability to stay competitive and to excel at a new sport!  There are many benefits and outlets of support that make the student-athlete schedule very manageable."