Why College Swimming?
College swimming in the USA is a great way to continue to develop as a swimmer while getting a university degree at the same time.
On top of everything else, student-athletes learn to work and thrive in a team environment, which alters and shapes them into well-rounded, unselfish, team-oriented, and driven individuals. These qualities will help you be successful, whether in or out of the pool.
Scholarships
Unlike other college sports, most swim coaches will be very upfront about what time you will need to make their team and get a scholarship. There are about 650 universities (Women) and 530 universities (Men) that offer a swim program in the USA. Depending on your level, you can receive up to a full scholarship that covers; tuition, rent, living expenses, and sometimes even attractive pocket money.
In addition to swim scholarships, an athlete can qualify for academic scholarships (through grades and test scores) and international scholarships. It is possible to get a combination of the different types of scholarships
The following items can be covered by a scholarship:
Tuition
vary from $10000,- to $65000,-
Training gear
Room&Board
Insurance
It is mandatory to have health insurance and some schools require international students to take a school’s policy.
Books
Spending money
How are practice and season structured in the USA?
The training schedule is characterized by high intensity, and the coaching staff often includes several assistants. Up to six training sessions per week in the water and numerous weekly strength and endurance workouts. You will get, amongst other things, personalized training gear with your school’s logo and have access to top-class facilities and resources like physiotherapy, weight rooms, and more.
The total roster of a university swimming and diving team typically consists of 40 to 50 male and female swimmers and five to 10 divers. Universities compete at swim meets against other universities in their conference (usually around 8-10 universities), and points are awarded for higher place finishes. Teams need to gain enough team points to win meets. At the end of the regular season (approximately eight meets), the top-ranked teams from the conference tournament will qualify for the National tournament.
In addition to representing your university team, you also have the opportunity to qualify for national championships individually.
Overview of an academic year
Showtime! – During the season, you practice almost every day of the week and swim about 8 meets. There are meets scheduled in early January so you only have a short period off during the holidays. If your team has done well in the regular season, it is able to qualify for “post-season competition” and continues in tournament mode until the National Championship is held in the end of March.
Summer break – There is a possibility to stay in The USA and take summer classes or work in camps. Most students decide to go back to their families to enjoy the 2.5-month break to rest and individual preparation for the next season.
Day in the life of a student-athlete
Soccer & Academics are 100% coordinated, so you have the opportunity to excel in both the pool as well as in the classroom.
6:00
Weight/conditioningget ready for the
weight/conditioning/
swim training.
8:00
Shower/BreakfastShower and then have breakfast with teammates or friends in one of the dining facilities on the college campus.
8:45
Classes11:45
LunchLunch with teammates and friends again at one of the various food halls available on campus using your prepaid ‘meal plan’ card.
12:30
Classes14:30
Swim practiceArrive at the training room to prepare for practice. You may get stretched out or taped by an athletic trainer (physiotherapist)
17:30
Recover/Shower/DinnerBack to the training room to make sure you take care of yourself physically after practice (ice bath/physical therapy). After taking a shower, you will have dinner with teammates and friends.
19:00
Study/LeisureTime to get some studying or homework done. When other sports teams are in action, a good college athlete supports their fellow athletes! The rest of the evening is your own!
Did you know?
- To make the team, student swimmers are competing against teammates on a daily basis in order to make the travel squad.
- In 2021, a total of 53 college swimmers from 20 NCAA institutions were active on the US Olympic Swimming Team in Tokyo.
- Conference championships and the NCAA National Championships are broadcasted on live television.
Enthousiast geworden?
Zet dan de eerste stap om je mogelijkheden te bespreken.