Can I become a good rower?

Should I stay a rower or become a coxswain?

• I'm a sophomore in high school and I just joined the local crew team at the beginning of January this year. This is my first sport since softball in elementary school (which I sucked at), so I'm pretty weak and flabby compared to the other girls on the novice team and, needless to say, I'm not very good (consistently E-boat during races, erg splits ~2:10, <2:15). I know that I'll definitely be unsuccessful next year on the varsity team. Recently my coaches seem to be pushing me towards coxing, and they've had me cox fours before. My parents want me to keep rowing since they're crossing their fingers for an athletic recruitment to a prestigious school for me, and I like being a rower because it keeps me in shape. However, I know my chances of recruitment are absolutely zero and my friends/coaches at crew seem to prefer me as a coxswain. I also make the coxswain weight limit of under 110lb at 5'2" and 107lb. Thoughts and suggestions? :-(

• Answer:

  It really depends how you feel and what your coaches think! But in case you didnt know, you can get recruited as a coxswain. College boats need good coxswains not just good rowers!