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
Sarah speaking from experience there is a bit of an adjustment between club level swimming and collegiate swimming. One of the most difficult things I dealt with was balancing a sharp increase in weight training and the soreness that came with it. My swimming suffered during this time, but my body adjusted and I was swimming fast again within 3 months. This period of my collegiate career was extremely frustrating but I was lucky to have a very patient and supportive coach who had a plan for me.
As far as balancing practice, meets and academics, I believe that most schools require student athletes to attend mandatory study hall sessions in order to keep up with your classes. Your academic advisor will help you select the right number of classes to prevent mental fatigue during the semester.
Most importantly do not be nervous!! The coach and team understand that you going through a academic/athletic/life transition and they will be supportive. Do not be afraid to ask the coaches and upper classmen for advice and most importantly HAVE FUN!!!! Remember that on your first day of practice you are already part of a special family who will support you through good and bad time. The student-athlete experience is a great one and it only comes around once in your life, so absorb as much as you can, make great memories, and SWIM FAST!
By the way to quote Mr. Lochte, "a pool is just a big toilet." At one time or another most swimmers have pee'd in a pool!
Sarah speaking from experience there is a bit of an adjustment between club level swimming and collegiate swimming. One of the most difficult things I dealt with was balancing a sharp increase in weight training and the soreness that came with it. My swimming suffered during this time, but my body adjusted and I was swimming fast again within 3 months. This period of my collegiate career was extremely frustrating but I was lucky to have a very patient and supportive coach who had a plan for me.
As far as balancing practice, meets and academics, I believe that most schools require student athletes to attend mandatory study hall sessions in order to keep up with your classes. Your academic advisor will help you select the right number of classes to prevent mental fatigue during the semester.
Most importantly do not be nervous!! The coach and team understand that you going through a academic/athletic/life transition and they will be supportive. Do not be afraid to ask the coaches and upper classmen for advice and most importantly HAVE FUN!!!! Remember that on your first day of practice you are already part of a special family who will support you through good and bad time. The student-athlete experience is a great one and it only comes around once in your life, so absorb as much as you can, make great memories, and SWIM FAST!
By the way to quote Mr. Lochte, "a pool is just a big toilet." At one time or another most swimmers have pee'd in a pool!
