<p>Can anyone tell me about the swim team? I noted that the girls won the Liberty League Championship but came in last at UAAs. How is the coach? Is it true that they train like a Division I team and there is a real push to bring in more competitive swimmers with faster times? Is the team close? Party types or more focused on academics? Thanks - I am also posting in the Athletics forum.</p>
<p>I will be swimming next year at the U of R. In my college search I was looking for a great school academically and a few specific things in the swim program including a sprint program, good coaches, a close team, good facilities, and most of all a place I felt I could improve my times. My recruit trip to UR highlighted all of these for me. All the coaches were very friendly, driven, and knowledgeable about the sport and the team really seemed to look out for one another. The pool is very nice and relatively new (a ten lane 25 yard pool with separate diving well). They have a good weight training program set up as well, another must for my college choice. The men and women swim together but are separated according to the distance/stroke they swim which I personally really like. UR is in the UAA conference which is very competitive. I applied to many of the UAA schools along with a few division 1 schools and Rochester was as fast as a few of the division 1 schools. I decided on Division 3 and the University of Rochester for their academic focus (coaches and students said multiple times that school always comes first which I liked, after all you are going to college for an education first and foremost!), desire to improve their team, great coaches, and close knit team. I would really encourage setting up a recruit trip with Coach Thompson…he rocks!</p>
<p>Rambler - thanks so much for your response. As I have been doing my research, I am also thinking DIII. I am pretty serious about my studies, swimming, and ECs. I definitely want to be able to become involved in some service activities and have a social life. Some of my friends from my club team and HS team who went D1 are finding it totally consumes their life. Some are even thinking of quitting so they can have time for other activities. My HS team is very close and I would love to continue to be part of a team that is like a family and always has your back. Sounds like U of R may fit that criteria. I am going to send in my recruit form and contact Coach Thompson. Congrats on your graduation and I hope you have an amazing time at Rochester. Swim fast! Thanks again!</p>