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Swim Mom Musings: What Makes a College Swimmer Special

Braden Keith
by Braden Keith 3

December 24th, 2019 Swim Mom

Courtesy: Donna Hale

It is that time of year when I see hundreds of posts from parents wondering whether their student should pursue college swimming.  There is no right or wrong answer.  For my swimmer girl it has been life changing and worth the sacrifices.  And it was her lifelong dream.

Here are some things to consider as your athlete navigates this decision.

1. Educational goals must dominate.  Swimming needs to fit around those.  Do not pick a school for their swim team. Coaches resign.  Team dynamics are often not as they seem from a visit. You might get injured.  Fall in love with the school first.  No exceptions.

2. Figure out what swimming means to you.  I believe if you choose to compete in college, you  do it because you love it with your whole heart.  That passion – and your athlete knows if it’s in them and so do you – is what carries you through during the toughest times.  It is not easy to manage practice, dryland, meet travel and school. If your student, like mine, is in a STEM major, toss  in labs.

3. A sport like swimming generally gives you a built-in support system of best friends.  This can make college adjustment both easier and more fun. My daughter and her teammates love and support each other.  This has been an almost constant in this sport for her.  College, when you are in the right place, is the absolute icing on the cake. She respects her teammates and loves the dynamic created with a real team.

4. Research shows that competing at the college level impacts success in the working world.  It’s even more profound for girls.  The latest stat I read is that over 50 percent of top business leaders is US were once college athletes.  That is a powerful statistic.  You have to learn time management, supporting the needs of your team, sometimes before your own, and how to navigate winning and losing so they do not define you.  These are amazing leadership skills. This may be the single greatest lesson my daughter learned from swimming. No moment defines you but the way you handle yourself in all the moments, good and bad does. Character matters every day of your life. Savor the whole journey.

5. Answer the question honestly:  why do I swim?   If you can’t do it for the logo on the cap and with an unselfish approach then college swimming might not be for you.    College is about the team outcome.  Do you want the inspiring, crazy, responsibility of supporting your teammates, honoring your coaches, and representing your school?  Remember as the saying goes;  “to whom much is given, much is also required”

Donna Hale is 16 year swim mom.  Her daughter swims at University of Lynchburg.

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dennis n Denver
4 years ago

Wish I had read this before committing to the University I swam for. It is a life time decision – not just competing at the next level!

Daddy
Reply to  dennis n Denver
4 years ago

It really is. I wish we’d k own more. My daughter misfired first time and was in a toxic culture. It’s about who you Wanna be around.

Swim fad
Reply to  dennis n Denver
4 years ago

It’s all about the people you connect t with

About Braden Keith

Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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