Hi all, So I'm starting college next year, and I swim often for recreation and exercise. I usually swim laps at my gym after school. I was on a club for two years in middle school before quitting. My friend and I are going to be attending the same college in the fall, it's a d3 school, but is not known as a particularly fast team, so the time standards are low. In fact, this school competes against NJCAA teams in addition to other d3 teams. My friend has been encouraging me to walk on the team and swim with her, but I'm not so sure. I spoke with the coach and gave him my times, and he said they were good enough. I'd ask him and my friend these questions, but my friend is on vacation and my potential coach will be out of the office until July. However, I'm not exactly sure what to expect as a walk on. How do I balance swimming and academics? Are practices tough and cover a ton of yardage? What do I expect at meets? Do men and women usually train together? What are the attendance requirements? I'm pretty nervous about this whole thing. Also, especially with the Olympics coverage 3 years ago, I've heard a lot of swimmers pee in the pool. I find this personally disgusting, and I'm not sure if I would want to be swimming with other people peeing in the pool, that's so gross. Do swimmers on college teams pee in the pool? Thanks everyone in advance Sarah
How do I balance swimming and academics?
This is your toughest question! Don't take more classes than your adviser recommends and make sure you get enough sleep. No secret sauce to this one, everyone is different.
Are practices tough and cover a ton of yardage?
Completely depends on the coach.
What do I expect at meets?
I don't imagine you will have much input in what events you swim, unless the coach/program is very laid back. Keep in mind that the coach is trying to win the meets or figure out what your best events will be, as opposed to making all of the student-athletes happy (everyone wants to do the 50 free). Sometimes this means doing the same events at every meet or perhaps not getting to swim in some meets at all.
Do men and women usually train together?
If there is only one head coach, probably.
What are the attendance requirements?
Depends on the coach, so you'll have to wait to ask. I swam DI and appreciated swimmers who made all the workouts and were always on time. As a former D3 assistant coach, I hoped for perfect attendance from my swimmers, but realized that swimming wasn't necessarily the highest priority. Excused absences happen, but the acceptable reasons will depend on your coach.
I'm pretty nervous about this whole thing.
Understandable! Good luck and have fun!
How do I balance swimming and academics?
This is your toughest question! Don't take more classes than your adviser recommends and make sure you get enough sleep. No secret sauce to this one, everyone is different.
Are practices tough and cover a ton of yardage?
Completely depends on the coach.
What do I expect at meets?
I don't imagine you will have much input in what events you swim, unless the coach/program is very laid back. Keep in mind that the coach is trying to win the meets or figure out what your best events will be, as opposed to making all of the student-athletes happy (everyone wants to do the 50 free). Sometimes this means doing the same events at every meet or perhaps not getting to swim in some meets at all.
Do men and women usually train together?
If there is only one head coach, probably.
What are the attendance requirements?
Depends on the coach, so you'll have to wait to ask. I swam DI and appreciated swimmers who made all the workouts and were always on time. As a former D3 assistant coach, I hoped for perfect attendance from my swimmers, but realized that swimming wasn't necessarily the highest priority. Excused absences happen, but the acceptable reasons will depend on your coach.
I'm pretty nervous about this whole thing.
Understandable! Good luck and have fun!
