collegiate swim Recruitment Decoded
College swimming coaches look for a combination of athletic talent, academic prowess, and personal qualities when recruiting swimmers for their programs. By far the two biggest factors are athletic performance followed closely by academic performance. But these alone are not determinative of whether a student-athlete gets an offer from a college coach. Here's an expanded overview of the key factors coaches generally consider:
Athletic Performance
Scoring points at conference championship
Coaches closely examine meet results and times, looking for student-athletes who can contribute immediately to the team's performance, particularly swimmers that can score points at conference championships. It’s not always important to be able to score in the A final because teams win conference championships on depth, meaning they have swimmers that can also score in the B final too.
For example, based on the 2024 Big Ten Women's Swimming & Diving Championships results, here are the times that were generally needed to score points and make finals in various events:
Individual Events
500 Freestyle:
A-Final qualification: Around 4:40-4:41
Scoring (Top 24): Approximately 4:47 or faster
200 Individual Medley:
A-Final qualification: Roughly 1:57-1:58
Scoring (Top 24): About 2:00-2:01 or faster
50 Freestyle:
A-Final qualification: Approximately 22.3-22.4 seconds
Scoring (Top 24): Around 22.7-22.8 seconds or faster
100 Butterfly:
A-Final qualification: About 52.5-52.6 seconds
Scoring (Top 24): Roughly 53.5 seconds or faster
400 Individual Medley:
A-Final qualification: Around 4:12-4:13
Scoring (Top 24): Approximately 4:18-4:19 or faster
200 Freestyle:
A-Final qualification: Roughly 1:45-1:46
Scoring (Top 24): About 1:47-1:48 or faster
100 Breaststroke:
A-Final qualification: Approximately 59.5-59.7 seconds
Scoring (Top 24): Around 1:01 or faster
100 Backstroke:
A-Final qualification: About 52.5-52.7 seconds
Scoring (Top 24): Roughly 54 seconds or faster
1650 Freestyle:
Scoring (Top 16): Approximately 16:13 or faster
200 Backstroke:
A-Final qualification: Roughly 1:54-1:55
Scoring (Top 24): About 1:58 or faster
100 Freestyle:
A-Final qualification: About 48.3-48.4 seconds
Scoring (Top 24): Roughly 49.5 seconds or faster
200 Breaststroke:
A-Final qualification: Approximately 2:09-2:10
Scoring (Top 24): Around 2:13-2:14 or faster
200 Butterfly:
A-Final qualification: Approximately 1:56-1:57
Scoring (Top 24): Around 2:00 or faster
Relay Events
200 Medley Relay:
Scoring (Top 8): Under 1:38.00
800 Freestyle Relay:
Scoring (Top 8): Under 7:05.00
400 Medley Relay:
Scoring (Top 8): Under 3:35.00
200 Freestyle Relay:
Scoring (Top 8): Under 1:29.00
400 Freestyle Relay:
Scoring (Top 8): Under 3:16.00
It's important to note that these times are approximate and can vary from year to year depending on the overall competitiveness of the field. Additionally, making the A-Final (top 8) typically requires faster times than just scoring points (top 24 in most events)
Versatility
Coaches place a premium on swimmers who demonstrate proficiency across multiple events and strokes. Remember, in collegiate swimming student-athletes may compete in three individual events and two relays. Being able to contribute (score points) in three individual and two relay events makes a swimmer very desirable as a recruit.
Potential
Many coaches look beyond current times to assess a swimmer's potential for improvement over their college career. They often track yearly progress to evaluate a swimmer's development trajectory and will likely compare a recruit to their current roster to predict their collegiate progression.
Academic Performance
GPA and Test Scores
NCAA D1 programs have strict academic eligibility requirements. Coaches typically look for:
A GPA of 2.3 or higher
Completion of required core courses
Competitive standardized test scores (e.g., ACT score of 24 or above)
Moreover, many universities set their own admission standards well above these NCAA eligibility requirements and may even have higher standards for more competitive programs (e.g. engineering, business, pre-med). You may hear the term “recruitable range” which means their minimum standard for recruitment.
Course Rigor
Some of the more selective universities also require the student-athlete challenging academic curriculum which values honors, AP, and IB courses.
Personal Qualities
Beyond athletic and academic achievements, coaches seek recruits who will positively contribute to the team culture and dynamic. Key qualities include:
Leadership: Coaches value athletes who can motivate and inspire their teammates.
Character: Integrity, sportsmanship, and a positive attitude are essential.
Coachability: The ability to accept feedback and adapt to new training methods is crucial.
Team Spirit: Coaches look for swimmers who prioritize team success over individual glory.
Work Ethic: Strong, consistent work ethic is crucial for success in the demanding environment of college swimming.
Goal Oriented: Coaches seek recruits who are goal-oriented and passionate about swimming
and who are committed to improving and helping the team succeed.
By the time a student-athlete is offered an official visit, the coaching staff has generally determined that the recruit meets the minimum academic requirements for admission and their times are or will be sufficient. During these recruiting trips is where the coaches and team determine whether the recruit is a good fit and these personal qualities can be determinative of whether an offer is extended to the swimmer.
Social Media Presence
Coaches often review social media profiles to gauge a recruit's character and interests. Positive posts about academic achievements, swimming successes, and community involvement can impress coaches. Although positive social media presence is unlikely to sway a coach, a negative one most certainly will.
First Impression
The initial interaction between a coach and a recruit can be crucial. Coaches look for confidence (without cockiness), clear communication, and genuine interest in the program during phone calls or in-person meetings.
conclusion
In conclusion, while fast times are important, college swimming coaches take a holistic approach to recruiting. They seek well-rounded individuals who can contribute to the team's success in the pool, in the classroom, and as members of the campus community. By understanding these criteria, prospective recruits can better position themselves for success in the highly competitive world of college swimming recruitment.