ROWING AT STANFORD

Rowing has been an active sport at Stanford since 1904, just 19 years after the founding of the university itself. Rowing itself is the oldest intercollegiate sport in America.

The Stanford Men’s, Women’s and Lightweight Teams all have active walk-on programs, giving students regardless of their background or prior experience in the sport the opportunity to pursue collegiate athletics. Rowing is one of the top sports for walk-ons at Stanford and many who join as a walk-on do not begin rowing until college. Former student-athletes who have walked on to the teams have gone from learning how to row at Stanford, to earning a spot in their respective programs’ top boats, becoming All-Americans, winning National Championships, and even competing at the Olympics.

The Stanford Lightweight Women are one of the dynasties in college sports, winning nine of the ten IRA national championships between 2010 and 2019. Both the Stanford Men and Women’s Open Weight Teams have made multiple trips to the national championship podium, including the Women’s team winning the NCAA Championship in 2009 and 2023. 

Over 50 athletes from the Stanford Men’s, Women’s and Women’s Lightweight teams have represented the US and other national teams since the 1960s and nearly 30 Stanford rowers have competed at the Olympics, bringing home over fifteen gold, silver, and bronze medals. 

The Rowing Association inspires and supports Stanford Rowing through programs and activities that build inclusivity, enhance the competitiveness, lead positively in our communities, and ensure the unique experience of rowing for Stanford endures.

For alumni and friends of the programs, being a Stanford rower means building on this legacy.