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.
Former Member
Well this thread certainly explains a lot!
I swam age group from age 7 to 13. I didn't go near a pool for ten years and outside of a couple of sporadic fitness binges, I didn't really start swimming again until starting Masters 18 months ago at age 39. I think of myself as a "swimmer" having spent so many years and yards of my youth in the pool. It feels almost as good now as it did as a kid but I am nowhere near recapturing the relative success I had in competition. I don't know if I ever will get to a high level but I love it now and think I might be back in this thing for life.
Went to an all girls high school that didn't believe women should compete. I swam as often as I could get into the pool.
Got my lifeguarding and taught at camp. (no competition)
In college they offered two levels of swim classes, beginner and non beginner.
The coach wanted to start a women's team, but we didn't have enough people to participate.
Got distracted from swimming by children and job responsibilities. Came back a few years ago. I'm not fast, but I keep trying.
swam 1 yr at a d1 school...got injured in the weight room b/c the strength coach who worked w/ the swim team had no clue about swimming & had us lifting like fball players...not exactly what a distance swimmer needs...
had a herniated disk...coach wouldn't redshirt me even though i had barely practiced/never swam a meet...spent the rest of the season pulling...didn't do aflip turn until the week of the conference meet...swam slower than my freshman year of hs...
...spent 3 months in a brace (but avoided surgery)...took 3.5 yrs off completely...got back in the pool (sporadicly) after my fiance was killed in a car accident...since the 1st of the year, i've felt the need to get back into something competitive & am looking forward to a couple open water swims this summer (maybe even a LCM meet!)...
what a journey. just glad i've survived & am stronger for it now...:applaud:
