I'm always interested in hearing about the USMS demographics, but I couldn't find any information on USMS and college swimming. I was wondering roughly what percentage of US Masters swimmers swam in college and at what level. I also wanted to hear from you where you went, when, and what you loved / hated most about college swimming.
I did one year at a Div.1 college. It felt more like prison than fun.
What I loved about college swimming? When I didn't swim on the team my second year. College swimming felt like a job that I wasn't getting paid for. Since I didn't come from a well to do family like alot of college swimmers, I really couldn't afford to swim after my first year.
After some reflection, I am totally glad that I only did one year of college swimming. It wasn't my cup of tea.
What I hated about college swimming?
Living with fellow swimmers, Ugh!
Doing doubles during our taper meet.
Not having that magicial freshman year that I heard so much about from other college swimmers before me.
Swimming slow.
The training trip that turned out to be a waste of my winter break. I could have sleep at home during those two weeks and swam just as fast as our Conference meet. I did get to see Florida for the first time and that was cool.
Competing in yards. College swimming should totally be done in Long course. Yes, most pools are yards but at least the Conference Champs and up should be in Long Course. Heck, most of the time, they are at LCM capable pools anyway.
I did one year at a Div.1 college. It felt more like prison than fun.
What I loved about college swimming? When I didn't swim on the team my second year. College swimming felt like a job that I wasn't getting paid for. Since I didn't come from a well to do family like alot of college swimmers, I really couldn't afford to swim after my first year.
After some reflection, I am totally glad that I only did one year of college swimming. It wasn't my cup of tea.
What I hated about college swimming?
Living with fellow swimmers, Ugh!
Doing doubles during our taper meet.
Not having that magicial freshman year that I heard so much about from other college swimmers before me.
Swimming slow.
The training trip that turned out to be a waste of my winter break. I could have sleep at home during those two weeks and swam just as fast as our Conference meet. I did get to see Florida for the first time and that was cool.
Competing in yards. College swimming should totally be done in Long course. Yes, most pools are yards but at least the Conference Champs and up should be in Long Course. Heck, most of the time, they are at LCM capable pools anyway.
