Race for Team USA

2026 U23 High-Performance Winter Camp 

The USRowing U23 High-Performance (HP) Winter Camp aims to accelerate the development of the top U23-eligible athletes in the country by immersing them in a high-performance training environment. This camp serves as a critical identification point for athletes preparing to compete on the international stage and represent the United States at either the 2027 U23 World Rowing Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria or the 2027 World University Games in Chungcheong, South Korea. 

Purpose & Goals 

• Develop Future National Team Athletes: Provide advanced technical and physiological training aligned with senior national team standards.
• Identify Top Talent: Evaluate athletes’ readiness for international competition through small-boat speed orders and physiological testing.
• Reunite Returning Athletes: Bring together members of the 2026 U23 National Team to continue their development and provide an early opportunity to build chemistry for 2027 crew selection.
• Strengthen Pathways Alignment: Ensure a clear connection from HP Winter Camp into the U23 Selection Camp and World University Games identification.
• Elevate Standards: Expose athletes to national team methodology, expectations, and performance culture at the next level of the pathway.  

Target Audience 

Rowers: U23-eligible athletes demonstrating top national-level performance and potential to compete internationally. 
  
Coxswains: U23-eligible coxswains showing advanced leadership, technical, and communication skills appropriate for national team consideration. 
  
Athletes must apply to be considered and will be accepted by invitation only. Those targeting the 2027 U23 National Team or 2027 WUG are highly encouraged to apply. 

Expected Attendance 

• Location: Elite Athlete Training Center, Chula Vista, CA
• Dates: December 15–19, 2026
• Size: ~24–36 athletes per gender (48–72 athletes total)
• Cost: $895 per athlete
• Financial Note: The goal of this camp is to operate as revenue neutral—covering costs without generating surplus revenue. 

Training Center Information 

• The camp will be hosted at the Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista, California.
• Travel: Athletes flying in should book flights into San Diego International Airport (SAN). Transportation will be provided between SAN and the training center on arrival and departure days.
• Meals: Three meals per day are included in the training center dining hall.
• Housing: On-site housing is included. Bedding and towels are provided by the training center.
• Environment: On-site housing, training, and dining create a fully immersive high-performance environment. 

6. Staff Roles & Responsibilities 

• HP Winter Camp Head Coach: Oversees technical program, athlete selection, and camp execution.
• Assistant Coaches: Support small-boat coaching, testing, and data collection.
• Performance Staff: Administer physiological testing (lactate step tests) and movement assessments.
• Support Staff: Manage logistics, housing, meals, transportation, and administrative support. 

Run of Show (Sample Schedule) 

• Day 1: Arrival, boat rigging, technical review, light row, welcome meeting
• Day 2: Lactate step test (groups throughout day), small-boat training (AM/PM), evening athlete education session
• Day 3: Lactate step test (groups throughout day), small-boat training (AM/PM), evening athlete education session
• Day 4: Small-boat time trials (Winter Speed Order)
• Day 5: Final meetings, debrief, departure 

Testing & Evaluation Protocols 

• Physiological: Lactate step test
• Technical: Small-boat training sessions and racing
• Data Collection: Results compiled and connected to each athlete’s USRowing profile for use in U23 Selection Camp and WUC identification 

Educational Programming 

• National Team Culture & Expectations
• USRowing Technical Model & Boat Class Progression
• Performance Lifestyle Skills (recovery, nutrition, mental performance)
• Pathways Overview: Clear next steps for U23 Selection Camp and World University Games 

Communications & Outreach 

• Application Opens: September 1, 2026 (via USRowing Member Portal)
• Application Deadline: Monday, November 13, 2026
• Notifications: Athletes notified by November 25, 2026
• Pre-camp: Emails with travel, packing, and testing information
• Post-camp: Follow-up with results, feedback, and next steps in the U23 and WUG Pathways 

To Apply: Log in to your USRowing member portal HERE

• Once logged into your account select "Camps" from the lefthand menu
• Click "Apply" to U23 HP Winter Camp
• Update all Athlete Metrics
• Click "Submit"
• Answer/update additional question
• Click "Submit"

2027 Under 23 Selection Camp

Comprised of athletes that are invited for selection to race at the World Rowing Under 23 Championships and represent the United States on an international stage.

Application Open: January 1, 2027

Application Deadline: March 15, 2027

Application Assessment Period: March 15-April 1st

Athlete Notification: Rolling invites March 15-April 31

Waitlist: Yes

Testing Requirements: 2K and 6K completed by April 15. Athletes must submit their application by March 1 but can update their athlete profiles with new scores up until April 15. 

Anticipated Camp Start Date: June 9, 2027 (arrive June 8th)

Anticipated Camp Location: Princeton, NJ

Anticipated Camp Price: $1995

• Those selected to the 2027 World Rowing U23 Championships will be responsible for an additional fee (anticipated between $4500 and $6000). This fee will cover all expenses including travel and lodging.

Additional Application Items

Rowers: Video at race cadence is recommended. Please email the video link directly to our U23 Head Coach Sergio Espinoza - sergio.espinoza@usrowing.org

Coxswains

• Coxswains: All coxswains should read through the published Coxswain Selection Procedures. Upon reading the procedures, qualified coxswains may submit their additional materials (race recording, etc.) by completing this FORM no later than April 15. This is in addition to submitting their application through the USRowing Member Portal as instructed above (due by March 1). Additionally, please instruct your current Head Coach to submit your recommendation from by completing this FORM. All coxswain must submit an application through the USRowing Member Portal HERE
  • Coxswain Requirements for 2026: Coxswain identification and selection for a U23 Selection Camp will be based on a multi-faceted evaluation process, with a primary focus on time spent in 8+’s going World Class Speed.
    • Men's Crews: Sub 5:45
    • Women's Crews: Sub 6:25

Scholarship: USRowing has limited funds available through the United We Row Scholarship Program. To apply please fill out this FORM. This application is separate from the U23 Selection Camp application located in the member portal. Both must be completed to be considered.

2027 World University Games Team/Camp

The World University Games (WUG) occurs in odd numbered years and is an international competition between participating countries. The competition is overseen by FISU (International University Sports Federation). WUG has all (mostly) Olympic Sports together in one city over a one to two week time period, similar to an Olympic Games. Many rowing federations treat it as a development opportunity for athletes with international potential.

USRowing will invite 12-20 athletes per gender to go to the 2027 World Rowing University Games in Chungcheong, South Korea August 1-12. Additional invitation and selection information will be released no later than January.

General Information

Dates:  

August 1-12, 2027

Cost: 

This is a self-funded opportunity.  We estimate the costs to be between $6,000 and $8,000 per athlete, which will cover the full cost of the training camp (housing, coaching, equipment, etc.), the event competition fees, event lodging and food, event transportation, coaching, training fees, and a gear package.  Contributions are tax-deductible.

Eligibility:

Athletes on this team must meet the following criteria:

• Be a citizen of the United States and have a valid U.S. Passport
• Be a championship level member of USRowing
• Compliant with USRowing membership policies and US-ISUF policies
• Be registered in a university recognized by their countries national academic authority in at least 3 credits in the past calendar year, working towards a degree or diploma
• Be between 17 and 25 years old

Selection:

2K Standards:  Men:  Sub-6:10, Women:  Sub-7:10. Others may be considered depending on race results, coach recommendations, and demonstrated potential for the Senior National or U23 Team.

Invitations will be heavily weighted on coaches’ recommendations and the video clips submitted.  

There are no trials for this team, the group will be selected and priority boats determined as the camp evolves.  All those selected will be racing in an event.  We are not committed to filling every seat and will only accept candidates who have the potential to compete internationally.

Coxswains

• Coxswains: All coxswains should read through the published Coxswain Selection Procedures. Upon reading the procedures, qualified coxswains may submit their additional materials (race recording, etc.) by completing this FORM. This is in addition to submitting their application through the USRowing Member Portal as instructed above. Additionally, please instruct your current Head Coach to submit your recommendation from by completing this FORM. All coxswain must submit an application through the USRowing Member Portal HERE
  • Coxswain Requirements for 2026: Coxswain identification and selection for a World Univ ersity Camp will be based on a multi-faceted evaluation process, with a primary focus on time spent in 8+’s going World Class Speed.
    • Men's Crews: Sub 5:45
    • Women's Crews: Sub 6:25

United We Row Scholarship Program

The United We Row Scholarship provides financial assistance to athletes who are looking to pursue their passion for rowing by participating in USRowing camps and programs. Whether you’re an aspiring rower facing financial challenges, a leader promoting inclusivity, or a high-potential athlete, this scholarship is here to support your journey.

Who Can Apply?

The scholarship is open to rowers of all levels and encourages applications from those who:

• Face financial barriers to rowing.
• Demonstrate athletic potential and dedication.
• Identify as part of an underrepresented group (e.g., race/ethnicity, LGBTQ+ status, disability, or first-generation athletes).

Application Process

Our process evaluates four key areas:

1. Financial Need – Reviewing financial challenges and need for support.
2. Athletic Background – Assessing 2k score, achievements, and potential.
3. Representation and Diversity Efforts – Recognizing identity and contributions to DEI initiatives.
4. Impact on Rowing – Evaluating how the scholarship will help grow the sport and increase inclusivity.

Click HERE to apply now and take the next step in your rowing journey!