Why Should Swimmers Prioritize Going To College?

Becoming a student athlete and pursuing swimming in the United States offers an unparalleled journey towards excellence that sets it apart as the best choice for aspiring swimmers. The U.S. boasts a thriving college swimming culture, providing access to top-tier coaching, cutting-edge facilities, and a  fiercely competitive environment that fosters rapid skill development and growth. Student athletes in the U.S. benefit from a well-balanced system that emphasizes both academics and athletics, allowing them to excel in both domains. Moreover, it is crucial to bear in mind that colleges are for everyone – not just the exceptionally fast swimmers or those who prioritize swimming above all else. Colleges also welcome individuals seeking to enjoy the sport, those who wish to have a fun and fulfilling experience, the once that want a free or partly free education, and even those in search of a fairytale-like journey.

As a Norwegian, it’s natural to hold pride in one’s country, believing it to be at the forefront of excellence in various sports. However, when it comes to the world of swimming, the United States emerges as an undeniable superpower, standing tall among the best nations globally. Numerous factors contribute to their swimming supremacy, and one pivotal aspect lies in how they nurture and support their athletes. A prominent avenue that has propelled the U.S. to swimming glory is college swimming – a phenomenon that beckons the world’s finest swimmers to don the colors of American universities. Life as a student-athlete in the U.S. offers a lot of opportunities that will help you reach your full potential. 

Scholarship opportunities

Becoming a college swimmer in the U.S. offers attractive scholarship opportunities for talented athletes, enabling them to pursue a free or partially funded education while chasing their academic and athletic dreams. After years of relentless dedication and countless hours of swimming back and forth in the pool, college swimming becomes a rewarding culmination of their efforts, yielding tangible benefits that propel them towards success. Becoming a student-athlete builds a solid foundation for their future, setting them on a path to fulfillment and achievement both within and beyond the pool. With scholarships supporting their endeavors, college swimmers can embrace a promising and gratifying chapter in their lives. 

College Swimming 

Being a college swimmer means more than just being an individual athlete; it means becoming a proud representative of your university. It is a privilege and an honor to compete for your school, surrounded by teammates who share the same unwavering passion for the sport as you do. A team of 50 male and female swimmers that all want to get better and reach new heights together in- and out of the pool. In this tight-knit team culture, each swimmer strives for collective success, fueling a strong sense of camaraderie and support. Together, you embark on a journey of daily training sessions, shared travels to swim meets, and unwavering encouragement during challenging times. 

Being able to practice and getting that close to people is special. Your team will be your second family; living, eating, practicing, going to school, and being social together. Also, since athletes from the whole world go to college in the U.S, college athletes get the opportunity to explore and get to know other cultures, and for a lot of people can enrichen their personal development. 

Moreover, college swimming opens doors to prestigious competitions, granting exposure to scouts and opportunities to represent their universities at national and international levels. The support and resources available to student athletes create an environment conducive to reaching their full potential. The chance to train and compete alongside some of the world’s best swimmers further fuels motivation and ambition. 

Furthermore, college swimming goes the extra mile in offering a comprehensive support system that includes dedicated athletic trainers and nutritionists as part of the norm. This invaluable setup ensures that swimmers receive prompt treatment and care before and after practice, facilitating a speedy recovery from any strains or injuries. Additionally, the guidance from a nutritionist could offer at schools plays a crucial role in optimizing performance by providing tailored dietary plans, helping swimmers fuel their bodies with the right nutrients to perform at their absolute best.

However, it is important to also mention that becoming a student athlete is not all sunshine and rainbows. It requires good management skills,  and dedicated work. Early morning practice and long nights at the library are normal. Student-athletes often face tight schedules, challenging classes, training sessions, competitions, and study sessions. Effective time management becomes essential to strike a harmonious balance and ensure that neither their athletic nor academic performance suffers. Taking care of body and mind is important in order to perform at the wanted level. Therefore, being able to handle stress and pressure is crucial. 

School 

However, it is important to remember that you are a student-athlete and not just an athlete. In other words, it is important that schoolwork also gets prioritized, because without performing at school, you could lose scholarships and the eligibility to compete at swim meets. At the other side, being a student-athlete also gives you benefits in the way that your classes get scheduled after your practice schedule. In this way will all student-athletes get a personalized schedule in order to make your everyday better, but it also make everyone everyday different. Therefore, it is no excuse to not go to class or perform at school. 

Ultimately, embracing the life of a student athlete in the U.S. sets the stage for a remarkable journey of personal growth, achievement, and a promising pathway to a successful future in the sport. Life is more than just the sports, and becoming a student-athlete gives you the opportunity to continue doing the sport that you love, and pursuing a degree. The memories and friendships that you create with teammates and other athletes over the four years are special, and often last for a lifetime. However, it is important to also mention that becoming a student athlete demands a lot of time management, and dedicated work. Therefore, if you want to be a better version of yourself, reach new heights, get friends for life, and a good degree – college is for you! 

Check out some of the swimmers we’ve helped to the US to get a swimming scholarship.

Want to see if you qualify for a swimming scholarship? The first step is to complete our Free Assessment and we’ll evaluate your opportunities.