Lehigh Rowing Programs Offer Walk-on Opportunities

The Bethlehem university actively recruits students without prior rowing experience for its men's and women's teams.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in College Applications

Bold vector editorial illustration of a single wooden racing oar leaning against a stone riverbank, representing collegiate athletic recruitment. — Lehigh University is actively seeking students to join its men's and women's rowing teams through annual walk-on recruitment opportunities. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should college athletic programs prioritize recruiting students with no prior experience in the sport?

Lehigh University provides walk-on opportunities for students interested in joining its rowing programs, even if they have no previous experience. The university recruits prospective team members annually at the campus club fair.

Why it matters

Because rowing is not widely accessible to high school athletes, university walk-on programs are essential for finding and developing talent. These athletes often provide critical depth and leadership for the rowing teams at Lehigh University.

The men's rowing team conducts eight practices per week during the season, with walk-ons making up the majority of the roster. The tryout process for interested students typically lasts approximately two weeks.

The players

Lehigh University

This private research university located in Bethlehem maintains competitive rowing programs for both men and women.

Peter Costas

He serves as the director of rowing at Lehigh University and has seen a walk-on captain lead the women's team every year of his tenure.

The details

Coaches evaluate prospective athletes based on general athleticism and a willingness to learn the sport through land training, on-water practice, and video feedback. The program supports development by pairing recruits with experienced teammates and utilizing off-season rowing machines and winter training trips in Florida.

Every year the women's team appoints a walk-on as captain.
The program recruits student candidates at the club fair at the start of each academic year.
The rowing tryout process lasts for approximately two weeks.
Teams use rowing machines for training throughout the off-season.
The rowing program travels to Florida for training in the winter.

Culture Shift

Lehigh University follows the established industry trend of using walk-on recruitment to supplement team rosters in sports with high barriers to entry like rowing. This approach allows schools to cultivate talent from a broader student population, diverging from traditional recruiting pipelines.

Students at the Bethlehem campus can participate in the rowing program by attending the annual club fair to start the two-week tryout process. This offers a tangible opportunity for athletes to engage in collegiate sports without requiring a high school background in the discipline.

The takeaway

Interested students should prepare for an intensive two-week tryout process that emphasizes athletic potential over existing technical skill. Aspiring rowers can integrate into the team culture by leveraging institutional resources like off-season machine training and winter travel.