President’s Letter
NCAA Changes & Our Game Plan for 2025
Hey Team—Syracuse Alumni Rowing Association, Parents, and Friends of SU Rowing,
For decades—some of you for 60 years—you’ve stood behind SU Rowing. Your passion,
commitment, and unwavering support has built a legacy that stands among the nation’s
best. Now, it’s time to take that commitment to the next level.
2025 & Beyond – The New Reality
College athletics is shifting fast. With NIL, the transfer portal, and the House vs. NCAA
settlement, the game is changing. If approved, starting July 1, 2025, D1 schools will be
required to share up to $20.5M in revenue with student-athletes. Let’s be real—those funds
will primarily flow to revenue-generating sports like football and basketball. Olympic
sports—including men’s rowing—face roster and budget cuts, while women’s rowing due to
Title IX will grow but remain financially constrained.
The SARA Board has recognized the urgent need for a unified and collective strategy. We’ve
engaged with SU Athletic Development, collaborated with coaches, and carefully assessed
the challenges ahead. What we haven’t done is communicated with you…
Now, it’s time to align our community and put this strategy into action—together. This is
our defining moment. If SU Rowing is to remain competitive and win the NCAA’s and IRA’s,
it will take all of us stepping up. We have the power, the resources, and the collective
strength to protect our competitive future—but we must act now.
Here’s What You Can Do Right Now:
Use Your Influence – Rally companies, die-hard alums, and supporters who believe
in SU Rowing.
Raise the Stakes – When SU Giving Day (March 27) comes, let’s show them we mean
business. Consider giving 20-50% more than you did last year into the Rowing Head
Coaches Funds.
Stay Connected – Show up. Attend races. Encourage the Coaches and Teams. Keep
the energy alive.
Key Dates to Know
March 8-13 – Spring Break Practice, Clemson, SC
March 15 – SU Women vs. UVA scrimmage, Charlottesville
March 27 – SU Giving Day – We’ll send details on how to maximize our impact.
April 12-13 - SU MROW & WROW at Redwood Shores, CA vs Cal, Stanford (MROW vs
Brown, too)
Your 2025 SARA Board – Ready for Action
We are at a critical crossroads. To keep this program strong, we need action—your power,
your influence, your commitment. Let’s strategize, plan, and execute.
If you're ready to act or discuss the next steps, reach out. We're here and ready to
strategize.