Northeastern University
Northeastern campus in the Spring
Key Facts:
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, East Coast
Division: Division I
Conference: Coastal Athletic Association
Womens 2023 Rank: 18th, Varsity finish: 18th, Last Championship Title: N/A
Mens IRA 2023 Rank: 9th, Varsity finish: 6th, Last Championship Title: 1991
Get expert help on how to secure scholarships and get recruited to row in college:
Rowing at Northeastern: A dynamic environment
Preparing for Established in 1898, Northeastern University epitomizes a "global, experiential, research university built on a tradition of engagement with the world." Located in Boston, Massachusetts, with satellite campuses from Silicon Valley to Toronto, Northeastern educates over 24,000 students across North America. Rooted in experiential learning, the university ensures that 90 percent of undergraduates engage in professional co-op experiences with global giants like ESPN and MTV. Offering flexibility, students can opt for a four-year degree with two co-op semesters or a five-year path with three co-op semesters.
Beyond academics, Northeastern fosters a vibrant community with 400+ clubs and a robust sports legacy encompassing 18 varsity sports and 43 club sports—all proudly representing the Northeastern Huskies. The NU rowing teams consistently compete on the national stage, with the men's team a consistent feature in the IRA A-final. NU rowers are known for their grit, determination, and strong will.
Coaching Excellence
In July 2023, Alex Perkins was announced as the new head coach for the men's rowing program. Having served as interim head coach in the 2022 season, Perkins guided the team to a sixth-place finish at the 2023 IRA Championships. A University of Washington graduate, Perkins was a member of the Huskies' 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 National Championship-winning teams. Success at NU follows five seasons at Boston University, where Perkins played a pivotal role elevating the Terriers to program-best finishes at the Eastern Sprints, IRA Championships, and the Head of the Charles. Perkins is supported by assistant coaches Trevor Appier and Jimmy Catalano who help with rowing recruitment.
Entering his 26th season as the head coach of Northeastern women's rowing, Joe Wilhelm has steered the program to unprecedented success. With an impressive record, including nine consecutive CAA Championships and nine consecutive NCAA Championship appearances, Wilhelm's leadership has been pivotal. Recognized as CAA Coach of the Year in 2021 and 2022, Wilhelm's helped the team to 13th Woodbury Cup’s and 11th NCAA Championship appearance in 2023. Wilhelm's impact goes beyond Northeastern, with over 35 years of coaching experience and contributions to the U.S. rowing community. Supported by assistant coaches Andrew Wieler and Ariel Handler who help with the rowing recruitment.
Cutting-Edge Facilities
Situated 15 minutes from campus along the Charles River, the Henderson Boathouse stands as the proud home of Northeastern University Men's & Women's Rowing. Renovated in 2016, Northeastern boathouse boasts four expansive boat bays and a gym with rowing machine.
Beyond the boathouse, the rowing teams enjoy a comprehensive on-campus training center at the Cabot Centre. This hub of athletic development features ergs, a rowing tank, RP3 ergs, a weights room, and facilitates access to physiotherapy, hot and cold tubs, acupuncture, normatech boots, and fueling stations for recovery. Athletes even benefit from the convenience of getting their rowing laundry taken care of. The Henderson Boathouse and the Cabot Centre enables Northeastern's rowers to hone their skills and receive top-notch training.
Year-Round Competition
In the fall, Northeastern rowing teams engage in distinctive activities, including Class Day, where year groups compete, and the Turtle race, a coxed pair competition for a coveted plaque and t-shirt. Northeastern also faces BU and Harvard rowing teams in the fall head race known as the Foot of the Charles.
As the Spring season approaches, NU kicks off with a spring break camp in Florida in March, featuring competition in the IRA invitational against Yale and Washington. During the Ivy League-dominated Spring, Northeastern confronts rivals like Harvard, UPenn, and Brown.
The pinnacle of the season includes the IRA and NCAA national championships, following the respective conference championships. Northeastern rowers also showcase their skills at the Head of the Charles and Henley Royal Regatta.
Balancing Academics and Athletics
Engaging in rowing at Northeastern demands a significant investment of time and energy, as student-athletes dedicate up to 20 hours per week training. However, Northeastern rowing supports their recruited athletes with a variety of academic support services.
These include free tutors, dedicated athlete tutors, athlete study halls, and assistance from academic advisors for scheduling and early class selection supports academic success. Professors at Northeastern are understanding of the challenges associated with rowing at Northeastern, and academic advisors play a crucial role helping student-athletes strike a balance between their academic and athletic pursuits.
Living arrangements also reflect the team's close-knit nature, with most Freshman and Sophomores opting for on-campus living, sharing rooms with fellow rowers, while Upperclassmen typically live off-campus in their own apartments. Northeastern rowing scholarships heavily subsidize tuition and housing of their recruited athletes.
World-Class Academics
Northeastern University's Cooperative Education Program, established in 1909, distinguishes itself as one of the oldest and most extensive co-op programs globally, spanning 148 countries since 2006. This program blends classroom learning with hands-on experiences, ensuring graduates are equipped for immediate success in their chosen fields.
Student-athletes actively participate in co-op work experiences during their junior fall, leveraging opportunities posted by employers on the NU careers page each term. To align with their academic plans, rowers often opt for summer classes at Northeastern.
This renowned co-op program contributes to Northeastern's track record of producing highly sought-after graduates, with 93% of alumni employed or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of graduation. Although co-op participation isn't mandatory, nearly all students, including rowers, recognize its value and choose to engage.
Beyond work experience, Northeastern offers a diverse range of academic fields, featuring over 90 majors from accounting to theatre. Among those recruited to row at Northeastern, popular majors include computer science, engineering, and business.
Northeastern University also provides students with easy access to nightlife, shopping, and iconic landmarks like Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox. The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, situated across the street, offers free admission to Northeastern students.
How to get recruited to row at Northeastern:
To start your recruiting journey, begin by filling out the rowing recruiting questionnaires on Northeastern’s 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: