Rowing

Mills Crew has a long proud history. Established in 1914, it is the oldest sport at Mills College. Our underlying philosophy is teamwork—we work hard together and we empower each other to reach towards our individual and common goals. The program is also dedicated to fostering a balance between academics and athletics.

The fall season begins in early September and runs through the end of October. The team races two to three times in the fall, ending with the Head of the American on Lake Natoma. The spring season begins in late January and runs through the first week in May. In the spring, the team races six to seven times. Highlights include the Blue Heron Regatta, the San Diego Crew Classic, and the West Coast Intercollegiate Rowing Championships. Teams that qualify continue on to the NCAA Division III Rowing Championship in mid to late May. Practice is held five to six days a week, usually in the early morning with occasional afternoon practices. Training consists of rowing, weight training, and dry land workouts.

The crew program had some major successes in the 1990s. The women's varsity 4+ won a Bronze medal at the 1994 National Championships. In 1995, the women's varsity 4+ and novice 4+ both won Gold medals at WIRA. In 1996, the women's varsity 4+ struck gold again at WIRA and won the National Championship. In 1998, the women's varsity 4+ qualified for the Inaugural NCAA Women's Rowing Championship.

As a Mills Student-Athlete, you are challenged to succeed in athletics as well as the classroom—it's all part of the mind-body connection. The discipline, confidence, and accomplishment you experience being an intercollegiate athlete will extend to all areas of your life.