Swimming Recruits: 8 Tips For Managing The College Recruiting Process
The college swimming recruiting process can be intimidating for high school athletes, but with the right approach, it can also be an exciting opportunity to showcase your skills and potentially earn a scholarship.
But, some of the stats that are out there can make it clear how difficult it is to compete in college athletics.
In this post, we'll share 8 tips to help you navigate the recruiting process successfully and increase your chances of getting recruited.
Tip #1: Start The Process Early
Actionable Tip: Start researching and reaching out to college coaches as early as possible (ideally freshman year)
Mistake: Waiting until senior year to start the recruiting process
Starting the recruiting process early gives you more time to connect with coaches, learn about the different programs and schools, and showcase your skills. Waiting until senior year, on the other hand, puts you at a disadvantage and limits your options.
Keep in mind that the recruiting process is highly competitive, so the earlier you start, the better your chances of getting noticed by coaches.
Tip #2: Keep Your Grades Up
Actionable Tip: Maintain a strong academic record to demonstrate your commitment and potential as a student-athlete
Mistake: Letting grades slip and jeopardizing eligibility or college admission
Maintaining good grades is not only important for your academic success, but also for your eligibility to play sports in college. Coaches are looking for well-rounded student-athletes who can succeed both in the pool and in the classroom, so keeping your grades up can give you an edge in the recruiting process.
Tip #3: Be Coachable and Show Good Attitude
Actionable Tip: Show a positive and coachable attitude to demonstrate your willingness to learn and improve
Mistake: Being defensive or resistant to feedback from coaches or teammates
Coaches are not only looking for talented players, but also for athletes who are coachable, willing to learn, and have a positive attitude. Showing a good attitude and being receptive to feedback can help you stand out from other recruits.
Tip #4: Be Strategic in Your Communication
Actionable Tip: Be strategic in your communication with coaches, and make sure to personalize your messages to each program and coach
Mistake: Sending generic or mass emails to coaches, or failing to follow up after initial contact Stat: Coaches receive hundreds of emails from recruits, so standing out and making a connection is critical
When communicating with coaches, it's important to be strategic and personalized in your approach. Research the program and coach, and tailor your messages and interactions accordingly.
Sending generic or mass emails can make you seem disingenuous or uninterested, while personalized messages can help you build a relationship with the coach and demonstrate your genuine interest in the program.
Tip #5: Build Relationships with Coaches
Actionable Tip: Build relationships with coaches by staying in touch, updating them on your progress, and asking for feedback
Mistake: Only reaching out to coaches when you want something, or failing to build a rapport with them
Coaches are more likely to recruit athletes who they know and have built a relationship with. Building relationships with coaches can help you stand out from other recruits and demonstrate your commitment and potential as a swimmer.
Stay in touch with coaches, update them on your progress and achievements. By building a rapport with coaches, you increase your chances of being recruited and potentially earning a scholarship.
Tip #6: Consider Different Levels and Programs
Actionable Tip: Consider a range of programs and levels, and keep an open mind to different opportunities and paths
Mistake: Limiting yourself to a few top programs, or focusing too much on division and level
There are over 1,300 college swimming programs across all levels in the US. While it's important to have goals and aspirations, limiting yourself to a few top programs or focusing too much on division and level can limit your opportunities and potential in the recruiting process. Consider a range of programs and levels, and keep an open mind to different opportunities and paths. There are thousands of college swim programs in North America, so explore your options and find the program that's the best fit for you.
Tip #7: Be Patient and Persistent
Actionable Tip: Be patient and persistent in the recruiting process, and don't get discouraged by rejection or setbacks
Mistake: Giving up too soon, or getting discouraged by rejection or setbacks
The recruiting process can take months or even years and often involves rejection and setbacks. It's important to be patient and persistent, and to not get discouraged by rejection or setbacks.
Keep working hard, improving your skills, and building relationships with coaches, and eventually, the right opportunity will come along.
Tip #8: Keep Your Options Open
Actionable Tip: Keep your options open and be flexible, and don't be afraid to consider alternative paths or opportunities
Mistake: Closing yourself off to alternative paths or opportunities, or limiting your options
Around half of all college swimmers in the coming years will probably transfer at some point during their college career. Keeping your options open and being flexible can help you adapt to changing circumstances and find the best path for your career as a student-athlete.
Don't be afraid to consider alternative paths or opportunities, and keep an open mind to different programs and levels. Remember that the college experience is a journey, and sometimes the best path is not always the most obvious one.