College Swimming

  • College Recruiting for Swimmers

  • How to Find a Great College Scholarship

  • Explore College Options for Swimmers

  • College Recruiting Questions for Swimmers and Parents

  • Contacting College Coaches: Templates for Swimmers

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College Recruiting for Swimmers

This guide is designed to assist swimmers in navigating the college recruiting process, ensuring they find a program that aligns with both their athletic and academic goals.  Below, you will find valuable tips, helpful links, and resources to help you select the best college program.

The Recruiting Process

College recruitment can be complex, so it is important that swimmers, coaches, and parents work together throughout the process.  The SWAS coaching staff is here to offer guidance, but each family’s involvement is essential.  It is crucial to stay informed about NCAA rules, which can change annually. 

How to approach the recruiting process:

  • Swimmer’s Role: You should have a clear understanding of what you are looking for in a college—whether it is location, type of team, or academic offerings.  Think about how you fit into the program academically, socially, and athletically.

  • Parents’ Role: Parents are essential in understanding the financial aspect of college, especially if scholarships are not involved.  Be open about what is feasible and what you want to achieve through the recruiting process.

  • Coach’s Role: Once you have narrowed down your college list, share it with your coach for input/guidance.

Key Factors to Consider

When evaluating potential colleges, keep the following factors in mind:

  • Location: Consider the region, proximity to home, and climate.  Does the location fit your lifestyle?

  • Academics: Review available majors, workload, and post-graduation opportunities.  It is important that the school supports both your athletic and academic ambitions.

  • Cost: Understand the total cost, including scholarships and financial aid.  College can be expensive, and it is vital to know what is affordable.

  • Size: Think about whether you prefer a large, medium, or small campus environment.

  • Coaching & Facilities: A productive working relationship with the coach and access to facilities are keys to your success.

  • College Atmosphere: Does the college environment, whether a large city or small town, match your preferences?

  • Team Culture: Consider the team dynamics—whether it is a men’s or women’s team, combined, or a tight-knit group.  Does the team culture align with what you are looking for?

College Recruiting Timeline

The recruiting timeline is always evolving.  It is important to stay updated on the latest NCAA rules.  For up-to-date information on recruiting timelines, refer to the NCAA website: NCAA Recruiting Rules.

Key Tips for the Recruiting Process

  • Keep a journal/log: Track conversations with coaches, including dates and key details.

  • Prioritize your goals: What is most important to you?  Swimming, academics, location, weather, extracurricular activities, etc. ?

  • Research programs: Explore team and school websites, such as CollegeSwimming.com and other resources to understand team dynamics and opportunities.

  • Be honest and transparent: Keep open communication with coaches about your interests and goals.

  • Prepare for recruiting trips: These are key opportunities to assess the program.  Be ready with questions and observations.

  • Eligibility: Make sure you are on track with NCAA eligibility through the NCAA Eligibility Center.

  • Consult your coach: Reach out for guidance.

Helpful Recruiting Resources

Here are some valuable links for further research on college recruiting:

Stay organized, stay informed, and take the time to thoroughly research your options.  The right program will align with your athletic and academic ambitions.
How to Find a Great College Scholarship

The link below is a comprehensive guide, authored by Shah J. Chaudhry and shared on Sports Engine, offering valuable insights into securing college scholarships.  It covers understanding different types of scholarships, preparing in advance, and effectively searching for opportunities.

How to Find a Great College Scholarship

This guide will help you navigate the scholarship process and provide the tools you need to increase your chances of securing funding for your education.

Explore College Options for Swimmers
Click the link below to download the College List, where you can explore and filter through a variety of colleges to find the best fit for your academic and athletic goals.

College List

 

College Recruiting Questions for Swimmers and Parents

When considering college programs, it is important for both the swimmer and their parents to thoroughly evaluate each option.  Below is a comprehensive list of questions to ask coaches, academic counselors, current team members, and yourself.  Be sure to take notes during visits and discussions, as these answers will help you make an informed decision.

Scholarship Information

Questions to ask a college swim coach:

  1. What times are required to be considered for a scholarship?  Are there additional financial aid opportunities?

  2. With a partial scholarship, what will my out-of-pocket expenses be?

  3. If I do not receive a scholarship as a freshman, what are the chances of being awarded one later?  How can I improve my chances?

  4. What is the process for annual scholarship renewal?  What are the criteria for receiving 5th year aid?  Can scholarships be revoked?

  5. Can the value of my scholarship change over the years?

  6. What happens if I am offered a non-athletic scholarship as well?

  7. What grants and additional funding options are available, and how can I access them?

Team and Practice Information

Questions to ask college swim coaches:

  1. How large is the team, and how many swimmers travel to competitions?

  2. Is the team co-ed?  If so, do men and women train together?  What is the relationship between the two groups?  Do they travel together for meets?

  3. What is the training structure during each season (yardage, types of training)?

  4. What is the typical weekly practice schedule, including both water and dryland workouts?  How many hours per week?

  5. How long is the swimming season?  Are attendance requirements different for scholarship and non-scholarship swimmers?

  6. What events would I likely swim in dual meets?

  7. What is the team’s travel schedule?  How many school days are missed, and how is travel arranged?

  8. Are there training trips (e.g., Christmas training trip)?  Is participation required?  How is this paid for?

  9. Is there a strength training coach dedicated to the swim team?

  10. Are there trainers assigned to the swim team for meets and practices?

  11. Are there opportunities for spring training, and what are the summer training expectations?

 

Academic Information

Questions to ask college swim coaches:

  1. Does the team practice or compete during final exams?

  2. Are tutoring services available for both scholarship and non-scholarship athletes?

  3. Is there an Athletic Academic Counseling department?  What level of access do athletes have?

  4. What is the team’s GPA and graduation rate?  What about the overall school and athletic department?

  5. Is study hall available or required for athletes?  If so, what are the hours?

  6. Can I contact current team members, especially those who swim my events?

Questions to ask the academic counselors:

  1. How can I best utilize academic counseling services?

  2. Can I approach you with non-academic concerns?

  3. How many credits should I take as a student-athlete?

  4. Are there professors that student-athletes should avoid?

Questions to ask the department of study:

  1. What are the program requirements and coursework expectations?

  2. Are there other student-athletes in my program?

  3. How does the school accommodate athletes who miss classes for team travel?  Are there options for getting missed notes?

  4. Does the university offer graduate programs that align with my interests?

  5. Can I balance this course of study with swimming?  What are the class schedules like?

  6. When do I need to declare my major?

 

Team Culture

Questions to ask current swimmers:

  1. Is the coach consistent and fair in their approach?

  2. Does the coach show favoritism?

  3. Does the coaching staff work well together?

  4. Is there an alcohol problem within the team?

  5. How is the overall team dynamic?  Do swimmers get along?

  6. What parts of town should I avoid?

Self-Reflection

Questions to ask yourself:

  1. Would I still choose this school if I were not a swimmer?

  2. Am I selecting an appropriate level for myself in terms of both athletics and academics?

  3. Does the staff and program align with my goals and needs?

  4. Do I feel socially comfortable with the team, particularly the underclassmen?

  5. Do I prefer an urban or smaller town environment for college?

  6. What would I do if the swim program were discontinued?

  7. How should I communicate with a coach if I am no longer interested?  Be sure to notify the coach as soon as a decision is made.

 

Credit: This information was adapted from the Mesa Aquatics Club (MAC) website.  For more details, please visit: https://www.mesaaquaticsclub.com/ .

 

Contacting College Coaches: Templates for Swimmers

Reach Out to College Coaches with Confidence
Connecting with college coaches is a crucial step in the recruiting process.  To help you get started, we have provided both an email template and a letter template that you can personalize with your information.  Whether you prefer to communicate electronically or by mail, these templates will ensure your message is professional and effective.

 

Use the links below to access and customize the format that works best for you:

 

Tips for Using These Templates:

  • Update the placeholders with your personal information before sending.

  • Double-check your grammar and spelling to maintain a professional tone.

  • It is great to add personal details about yourself, such as why you are interested in their program or unique accomplishments but keep it professional.

  • Keep your message concise and respectful.


 

Take the next step toward your college swimming goals with these resources!