My daughter just finished her senior high school swim season (even squeaked into States spot, woot!), and though she was varsity all 4, team captain, holds 3 records…she had always been adamant that she was not going to swim college (outside of a club team) so this was never about looking good on an application. She just absolutely LOVES the sport, and IMO, you need to love it to deal with what can be a time consuming grind, especially peak season. I agree with @ailinsh1 and the difference it makes, or any EC/sport makes. The commitment, the teamwork, the goal setting, the setbacks and the triumphs have, over the years, shaped who she is, and that gets reflected in all aspects of her life. Your DS needs to find his passion. My DD parlayed hers into also volunteer coaching developmental swimmers this year. The parents of her “swim babies” approach me all the time about how passionate she is about the sport, how she encourages the young ones to love it too, and how she can relate to them. That made me prouder than any record or time she has made throughout her swimming career.