<p>D loves Williams and loves competitive swimming. Her grades and such are strong, making her a reasonable candidate for Williams. D doesn't want to apply, however, if there is no place on the swim team for non-recuited athletes -- or if the college expects a 5 hours/day swimming+dryland training commitment in order to avoid being cut from the team. </p>
<p>We have heard conflicting stories about how non-recuited athletes and other "below the college's average" athletes are treated on varsity teams at Williams. Does anyone have information? She emailed the swim coach a month ago, but has yet to receive a response (I know, NOT a good sign . . .)</p>
<p>I do not have a lot of information about Williams sports other than that they have perhaps the best D-3 sports program in the country. With that said I believe that academics take priority. During the recent tour I took of the school the tour guide emphasized that no classes are scheduled after 3 (or was the 4). This enables all the students to participate in their extra curricular activiites, i.e. athletics.</p>
<p>Perhaps some of the other parents who have visited with children who are interested in athletics can comment further, i.e. curmudgeon and momofwildchild.</p>
<p>I'm afraid it is all pretty sport-specific. I would suggest that D try calling the swim coach and ask that question. Don't be too discouraged by the lack of response to the email. There have been long stretches in email responses from some of the coaches S has contacted. Some coaches go away for the summer. The Williams coach has been very attentive to S, but it is a different sport. S will be going for a recruiting weekend on Sept 29 (H and I get to go, too).<br>
I would be surprised if they would cut anyone from the swim team. Just my opinion.</p>
<p>Williams swimming is cut into three groups, Varsity, then Level A, B, & C, level A is a competitive intermural team. The teams are leveled like this for all varsity sports, and you can move from level A to varsity from what I learned today...(I just go back from Williams about an hour ago :)) Level A is generally for those competitive athletes who are not yet ready for varsity but still like to compete, in some competitions, Level A teams can acts as Varsity B or subsitutes and fillers on Varsity. So, it's not just Varsity or nothing, you have a lot of options.</p>
<p>This sound possible. .. . Is it your sense that the A level athletes compete only against other Williams athletes? Or do they play against any other teams? Also, do you have a sense as to whether the coaches work with the A level athletes -- or are sub-varsity practises simply a "do it yourself" affair?</p>
<p>A, B, & C are all intermural, you can still work with coaches and uses all the facilities at Level A as much as you want, just note between 4:00-6:00, you just aren't intercollegiate unless a B-level team is needed. Also, I just checked, Williams doesn't cap off the swim team, walk-ons are common and it up to yourself, your ability, and academics that determine whether you say, but the coach said they don't cap off the team.</p>