Greetings
I know from reading many posts that some of you have swam in college. I am the parent of an age group swimmer who has his sights set on a college scholarship. I was a sportsmed guy in a a Div 1 school in college and all of us worked many long hours and traveled a great deal to earn our way through. The athletes worked very hard of course and really paid in time for the funds they received in the form of books and tuition. I would rather pay for his schooling and see him study rather than swim. I do not want to steal his dreams though as a result of my cynical view of the system. Have any of you swam in college and what was your experience? Do you view it as a worthy goal or would you have done it differently? Any coaches out there with insight? All advice welcome. This is a great forum!
Many Thanks
Spudfin
I did as well, until I was injured. I went to a very academically demanding school, and was happier not swimming. However, I was also suffering severe burnout from a mega-yardage youth, so had probably had enough competitive swimming at that juncture. It is very difficult to combine a sport as demanding as swimming with academic excellence, but I have seen people successfully do it. It depends on the student, the program, etc. Personally, my college decision was based entirely on academics, not athletics. It worked out fine, and I have never regretted it. In fact, it has positively helped me in life. So has swimming, of course.
I did as well, until I was injured. I went to a very academically demanding school, and was happier not swimming. However, I was also suffering severe burnout from a mega-yardage youth, so had probably had enough competitive swimming at that juncture. It is very difficult to combine a sport as demanding as swimming with academic excellence, but I have seen people successfully do it. It depends on the student, the program, etc. Personally, my college decision was based entirely on academics, not athletics. It worked out fine, and I have never regretted it. In fact, it has positively helped me in life. So has swimming, of course.
