Navigating the college recruiting process can be confusing and feel overwhelming. But with the right approach, you can avoid mistakes and find the perfect fit for your academic, athletic, and social goals. Here are some of the major dos and don’ts of college swimming recruiting to help you in your journey.
🟢 Do: Find schools that are “best fits” for you athletically and academically
Identifying the schools where you can thrive both in the pool and the classroom is crucial. Just as you are trying to find colleges that are your “best fits”, college coaches are trying to find student-athletes that will positively impact their team and take their program to new heights. If you are a member of SwimIntel, utilize your Best Fit Report and school profiles to build a list of 15-30 schools that are athletic and academic matches.
🛑 Don’t: Focus only on Division I While Division I swimming gets a lot of attention, some of the best coaching staffs and academic opportunities are at colleges outside D1. The top-end of D2 and D3 swimming is shockingly fast. Do not make the mistake of missing the school where you will be the happiest because you had D1 tunnel vision.
🟢 Do: Be proactive and reach out to coaches at your “best fit” schools
College swimming coaches rarely have the resources to reach out to very many potential recruits, so it’s up to you to initiate contact. Fill out recruiting questionnaires and send personalized introductory emails to the college coaches on your list. A great intro email template that you can customize can be found here.
🛑 Don’t: Wait for coaches to find you If you’re waiting for coaches to knock on your door, you’re making a mistake. It does not matter if you are the #22 ranked recruit in the country. If you do not raise your hand and let a coach know you are interested in their program, there is a good chance they will assume you have no interest. Being passive will cost you opportunities.
🟢 Do: Show coaches your potential
You are more than just your times. Tell coaches what makes you unique both in and out of the pool. College coaches are researching you, and they aren’t looking for perfection. They are looking for potential. Showcase your athletic, academic, and leadership accomplishments and tell your own story by filling out your student-athlete profile at SwimIntel.
A step-by-step guide can be found here.
🛑 Don’t: Use any recruiting service that emails coaches on your behalf Generic, mass emails from recruiting services often end up in a coach’s spam folder. That ridiculously overpriced recruiting service isn’t the one who will be swimming for the coach. You will. Coaches want direct communication from you. Paying to have someone represent you is an ineffective waste of money.
🟢 Do: Prioritize academics
Strong academics can make you a more attractive recruit and open doors to academic scholarships. Ensure your grades and test scores meet the requirements of your target schools. If you have a particular major in mind, make sure that major is offered at any college you are targeting. Ask yourself if you would still want to attend that college if you had a career-ending injury.
🛑 Don’t: Assume you will be admitted to a college just because you are fast Even if your times are stellar, you still need to meet the school’s academic standards. Many programs prioritize recruits who excel both in the classroom and the pool. The college admissions process is only getting tougher. Getting admissions support from the coach can be a must-have for some schools (e.g. Ivies).
🟢 Do: Keep college coaches updated regularly
Make the assumption that it is on you to keep the conversation going between the coach and you. Update them regularly or risk them thinking you have moved on and are no longer interested. A guide to crafting email updates to college coaches can be found here.
🛑 Don’t: Burn bridges Even if you don’t have an interest in a program, handle it professionally. Thank coaches for their time and interest. You never know when connections might come back around in the future.
🟢 Do: Have the financial conversation with the coach before you commit
Understand what costs you’ll be responsible for and whether you’re receiving an athletic or academic scholarship. Transparency about finances can save you from unpleasant surprises later.
🛑 Don’t: Assume you are going to get a massive athletic scholarship Swimming scholarships are limited and often divided among multiple athletes. Be realistic and explore other forms of financial aid to make college more affordable.
🟢 Do: Start early
The recruiting process begins earlier than many expect. You do not want to miss the opportunity to make it onto a coach’s recruiting board. Research programs, prepare your email templates, and reach out to coaches as early as the end of your sophomore year but no later than middle of your junior year. Division I and II coaches cannot talk to you until June 15 after your Sophomore year of high school. Other divisions can but rarely do. If you are late to the game, you can still find a roster spot but it gets increasingly more difficult the longer you wait.
🛑 Don’t: Overlook deadlines and academic requirements Missing deadlines for transcript requests or college applications can derail your chances of getting that roster spot offer. Stay organized and stay on top of requirements. Meet with your college guidance counselor to ensure you are taking the right classes to be NCAA eligible.
🟢 Do: Be professional and honest
Communicate respectfully and be truthful about your abilities, interests, and goals. Coaches value recruits who are authentic and reliable. You don’t want to start your college career off in a coach’s doghouse.
🛑 Don’t: Post stupid stuff online The internet is written in ink. If you become a member of a college team, you will be a representative of that team. Don’t post things on your social media account that will harm your reputation and embarrass your coach. Even if your account is private, assume the world will see it.
🟢 Do: Take that official/unofficial visit invitation
Campus visits give you a firsthand look at the team culture, facilities, and overall environment. Take advantage of these opportunities to figure out if this is the place that will make you happy.
🛑 Don’t: Assume a team is a good social fit until you spend time with them What looks good on paper may not always feel right in person. Spend time with the team and ask yourself if you can see yourself thriving in that environment. You won’t be happy in any environment unless you find “your people”. Make sure the team is your people.
🟢 Do: Be patient with the recruiting process; it usually takes months
Recruiting is a marathon, not a sprint. Coaches need time to evaluate recruits, and you’ll need time to find the right fit. Trust the process and stay persistent.
🛑 Don’t: Get frustrated If a coach doesn’t respond or the process takes longer than expected, don’t lose hope. Keep working hard, updating coaches on your list, and casting a wide net.
Final Thoughts
Getting recruited to swim in college is a challenging but life-changing journey. By following these dos and don’ts, you can better position yourself for success and find the program that’s the perfect fit for you. Remember, it’s not just about swimming fast – it’s about finding a team, coach, and school that sets you up for success and happiness.
