D3 Swimming Questions!

Athletic Recruits
1

<p>Okay, sorry if I sound ignorant about this whole process- I'm currently a junior (HS) and just starting to look at colleges!</p>

<p>I'm looking at applying to a few D3 schools (not Kenyon or any of the powerhouse D3 swimming schools though) and would like to swim. I'm not the fastest swimmer, but am an accomplished triathlete. I have a high USAT national ranking. I am a better runner than I am swimmer, but enjoy swimming much more, and doubt I could follow a collegiate running program without getting injured... which seems to happen when I try to focus on running (I can't maintain over 30mpw without injury). My triathlon coach works closely with my swim coach (they're separate clubs), and both agree it is best to keep me on a swimming-emphasized training regimin.</p>

<p>Additionally, I have a very high GPA/class rank (top 10%), with a heavy course load of several honors/AP courses at a very academically competitive high school. I am not relying on swimming or athletics to get me into school or scholarships, as I believe that I have a much better chance of using academic merit for college acceptance/scholarship. </p>

<p>Would I have a shot at swimming D3? I looked at the times for the school I'm applying too, and my best times (as a HS junior, and I haven't swam competitively for a year yet) are right in the middle of their times. Also, what kind of practice time commitment am I looking at? And is D3 swimming pretty much go all school year? Should I contact the swim coach?</p>

2

<p>You might want to pm swimmingjew, he is DIII. I think you absolutely do, and now is the time to fill out those recruiting forms. In Nescac, the official practices under coach supervision can’t legally start until such and such a date, tho kids practice “unsupervised” all year.
If your times now are in the middle of the posted times, you absolutely can be recruited.</p>

3

<p>D3 swimming covers a wide array of programs from the “powerhouses” like Kenyon, Dennison, Emory to the not so competeitive programs. In GENERAL coaches are looking for swimmers who can “score” at that schools conference meet. Check your times against those meets, most of which have recently concluded. Would you have scored?? Do you think you will be at those times by the time you are a freshman??</p>

<p>In GENERAL teams practice 5 mornings and 4 afternoons a week plus Saturdays.</p>

<p>Im confused by your statement that you have only been swimming competitively for a year. Did you take time off or are you just starting to swim. This could be viewed as a negative with coaches because again IN GENERAL they would like athletes used to the rigors of year round swimming.</p>

<p>If you would like PM me your times and the schools you are going to be applying to and perhaps I can provide some more specific info.</p>

<p>Good luck</p>