Brown University
Key Facts:
Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Division: Division I
Conference: The Ivy League
Womens NCAA 2023 Rank: 7th, Varsity finish: 10th, Last Championship Title: 2011
Mens IRA 2023 Rank: 6th, Varsity finish: 7th, Last Championship Title: 1995
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Rowing at Brown University: Excellence on the Water and Beyond
Brown University, founded in 1764, is part of the Ivy League and consistently ranked among the nation's top educational institutions. Located in the vibrant city of Providence, Rhode Island, Brown University offers a remarkable rowing experience that combines excellence on the water with a commitment to holistic student-athlete development. The Bears' rowing program consistently ranking among the top varsity programs and producing exceptional athletes. Brown's rowers are known for their unwavering determination and unyielding competitive spirit. They approach each race with tenacity and resilience, embodying the true essence of fierce competitors on the water.
Coaching Excellence
Brown's rowing program is led by top-tier coaches who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the team. Paul Cooke, a 1989 Brown graduate, has an impressive coaching career, entering his 23rd season as Men's Crew Head Coaching Chair and 30th season at Brown. Cooke's leadership guided the Varsity 8 to bronze at the 2022 IRA Championships, and he consistently achieved top-10 finishes with the Varsity 8 making 10 straight grand final appearances. Cooke's leadership has shaped the team into a powerhouse in the world of collegiate rowing. Coach Cooke is joined by the highly skilled British duo of Rufus Biggs and Scott Cockle.
The women's team benefits from the exceptional coaching of Head Coach John Murphy, who has been instrumental in elevating the women's rowing program to new heights. Coach Murphy enters his 40th season of coaching Brown Woman’s Crew and has won seven NCAA championships in the 24 seasons since the competition began. He coaches alongside his wife and associate head coach Phoebe Murphy and both Phoebe and John earned induction into the CRCA Hall of Fame in 2014. The Murphy’s are assisted by Tessa Gobbo, a 2013 graduate of Brown and Olympic Champion in the women’s eight at Rio 2016.
Cutting-Edge Facilities
Brown's rowing program enjoys access to state-of-the-art facilities that support the athletes' development and performance. The Marston Boathouse, located on the Seekonk River, serves as the heart of Brown's rowing activities. It was recently renovated finished in 2021. This modern facility is equipped with cutting-edge ergometers providing student-athletes with everything they need to excel. Both the men’s and women’s teams also make use of the Zucconi Strength Center on Brown’s campus, a S&C center dedicated for Brown’s varsity athletes.
The Seekonk River is a 6km stretch including a 2km straight and serves as an ideal training and racing venue for Brown's rowing teams. The Seekonk is a tidal river whose movements demand the highest level of oarsmanship. It provides the perfect setting for rowers to hone their skills and compete at a championship standard.
The Marston Boathouse
Year-Round Competition
Brown's rowing teams face fierce competition throughout the year. Ivy League rivalries with institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and Princeton provide an exciting backdrop to the dual racing season. These matchups, including the historic Brown-Harvard regatta, epitomize the intensity of Ivy League rowing and showcase the team's dedication to success. A new addition to the men’s racing schedule is the Yale-Brown-Washington season opener at Nathan Benderson Park Florida. In addition to Ivy League competition, Brown's rowers participate in prestigious regattas such as the Head of the Charles, the San Diego Crew Classic and often sends crews to Henley Royal Regatta.
Balancing Academics and Athletics
Rowing at Brown is demanding, requiring a significant commitment of time and energy. Student-athletes dedicate up to 20 hours a week to their training regimen, combining early morning practices with rigorous land workouts. Brown's supportive academic environment, however, ensures that athletes can excel both in their studies and on the water. Professors are understanding of the demands of rowing, and academic advisors provide valuable guidance to help student-athletes balance their academic and athletic pursuits.
Brown University's rowing program boasts a rich history of championship victories at both the national and Ivy League levels. The Bears have consistently ranked among the top programs, securing numerous Ivy League titles and making their mark on the national stage with victories in events like the IRA National Championship Regatta.
Brown's tradition of success extends beyond collegiate rowing, with a proud history of producing athletes who have gone on to represent their countries on the Olympic stage. Many Brown rowers have donned their national colors and competed in the Olympic Games, further emphasizing the program's commitment to excellence and its role in nurturing world-class talent in the sport of rowing.
World-Class Academics
One of the hallmarks of Brown University's academic system is its unique approach to undergraduate education. Brown follows an open curriculum model, allowing students the freedom to explore a wide range of subjects and design their own educational path. This approach is particularly advantageous for student-athletes, as it provides the flexibility to balance rigorous athletic commitments with academic pursuits.
At Brown, students are encouraged to explore their interests and passions before officially declaring a major (or ‘concentration’ as it is called at Brown). This means that rowers have the opportunity to delve into various academic disciplines, from the humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences and engineering, before making a decision. The emphasis on exploration and encouragement to try new things allows student-athletes to tailor their education to align with their unique goals and aspirations, ensuring that they not only excel on the water but also receive a well-rounded and intellectually enriching education. The academic environment at Brown empowers student-athletes to make informed decisions about their majors and encourages a holistic approach to their personal and intellectual growth.
Rowing at Brown University is not just about intense competition and dedication; it's about being part of a tradition of excellence and personal development. From the historic Brown-Harvard regatta to the commitment to both athletics and academics, Brown's rowing program prepares student-athletes to excel not only on the water but also in their future careers, embodying the values of teamwork, perseverance, and academic achievement. Rowers at Brown have the opportunity to be a part of this esteemed tradition while forging their own path to success both in and out of the boat.
How to get recruited to row at Brown:
To start your recruiting journey, begin by filling out the rowing recruiting questionnaires on the Brown rowing website. After completing the questionnaire, take the initiative to send an introductory email to the rowing recruiting coach, providing essential details about yourself. This helps create a strong initial impression and lays the foundation for effective communication with the coach.
Get expert help on how to secure scholarships and get recruited to row in college: