College Recruiting: What Coaches Want

Swimming World and Junior Swimmer, Jan 2004 by Spoon, Ryan

While the college recruiting process can be overwhelming for athletes and their families, it can be significantly simplified through preparation.

The fall season can be hectic. Whether you are a freshman or a senior in high school, you are probably already aware of the enormous time commitment collegiate recruiting entails. But if you're prepared, the recruiting experience can be more manageable.

Preparation comes in many forms. However, the most important form of preparation is knowing what collegiate coaches look for in recruits. The following is a list of traits that most NCAA swimming coaches find desirable.

Success

Obviously, coaches pay close attention to a swimmer's past results. Certain coaches only recruit swimmers at the senior national level, while other programs seek swimmers of varied success. Past results are indicative of a recruit's talent and ability to compete and contribute in the NCAA atmosphere. In studying meet results, each coach attempts to fill the needs of his or her team, looking to fill team weaknesses first.

Potential

Many coaches are attracted more by a swimmer's potential than his or her achievements. In addition to looking at a recruit's best times, coaches also track yearly progress in an attempt to assess a swimmer's development and potential. Potential, of course, extends far beyond the pool. Athletes can highlight potential by explaining new dryland routines, training regimens, dietary focuses, etc.

Versatility

Swimmers who are capable of competing and contributing in several events and strokes can be more attractive than a one- or two-event specialist. Versatility is highly rewarded in the NCAA dual meet format, in which athletes are allowed to swim several events and relays. It tends to be even more highly prized by smaller teams that struggle to fill lanes during dual meets. Larger teams are likely to be more selective, recruiting stroke specialists with greater ease. Understanding the needs of particular teams will allow you to market yourself more effectively.

Leadership

Coaches seek talented swimmers and leaders. Leaders are not necessarily the fastest swimmers. However, they are important ingredients in a team's success. Team captains, for instance, are highly regarded for their leadership, dedication and ability to motivate. A leader improves his or her team through hard work, team focus and a contagious desire to improve personally and collectively.

Work Ethic/Dedication

Similarly, coaches desire swimmers with strong, consistent work ethics. A dedicated swimmer is not only bound to improve and contribute, but he or she will motivate others to train and compete with greater intensity. Dedication and hard work are necessary ingredients for swimming success.

Academics

Coaches seek recruits who are motivated both in the classroom as well as in the pool. Recruits must meet the academic requirements of a particular college or university. Furthermore, a coach wants to be sure that each recruit will remain academically eligible throughout his or her collegiate career. Swimming is just a subset of the collegiate experience-indeed, you may spend as much time studying as you will training-perhaps even more! That's why coaches desire recruits who can succeed both in and out of the pool and are excited by their success both in their studies and their sport.

Personality and Enthusiasm

Coaches will always be attracted to outgoing, personable recruits precisely because their teams will welcome those individuals. A teammate who carries a smile to practice and a contagious aura of enthusiasm is an enjoyable and effective peer. During recruiting trips or phone conversations, remember always to convey your enthusiasm and to smile! Recruiters look for more than just statistics!

Ryan Spoon is the founder of www.beRecruited.com. Recruiting questions may be submitted to ryan@berecruited.com.