The college swim recruiting timeline, year by year
What to do each year of high school, from first times to signing
A parent's guide to college swim recruiting
This guide covers what recruiting costs, when it starts, what your role is, and when to get help, for parents of high school swimmers in Canada and the United States.
The guide
Four things every swim parent should know
1. Costs and scholarships
Scholarship rules are different in NCAA Division I, II, and III, the NAIA, and U SPORTS in Canada, and most swimmers who receive athletic aid get a partial award. Academic aid and need-based aid can matter as much as athletic money, so compare the full cost of attendance at every school, not just the athletic offer.
2. The timeline
Recruiting runs on a calendar set by each association, and the most important years are usually a swimmer's last two in high school. Knowing when coaches are allowed to reach out, and when official visits happen, helps your swimmer act at the right time instead of too early or too late.
3. Your role as a parent
Coaches want to hear from the swimmer. Your job is to help your swimmer stay organized, ask good questions about academics and cost, and keep the family's priorities in front of every decision. Let your swimmer write the emails and lead the calls.
4. Getting help
You don't have to figure this out alone. With a free swim profile, your swimmer shares their events, best times, grades, and goals with our team, led by Liam Donnelly, our Director of Swimming and a longtime college coach. We review it and reach out when programs in our network could be a fit. Families who want more can book an Advising Session for a written Recruitment Plan.
Articles
College swim recruiting articles for parents
Timeline
Costs and scholarships
How swimming scholarships work: NCAA, NAIA, and U SPORTS
How athletic aid differs by division and how to compare offers
Contacting coaches
How to email a college swim coach (with a template)
What coaches need to see, plus a template your swimmer can copy
Choosing a school
For Canadian swimmers: Canada or the US?
Seasons, scholarships, courses, and cost across the border
Have a question about your swimmer?
Create a free swim profile, and we'll reach out when programs in our network could be a fit.