🧭 Streamline Guide for College-Bound Student-Athletes

Part 1: Getting Started – Building Your College List

If you're serious about exploring the opportunity to compete in college, begin preparing before the spring semester of your sophomore year.

✅ Essential First Steps:

1. Create and maintain a profile on Swimcloud.

2. Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.

3. Read the NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete (PDF).

🧠 Know What You're Looking For:

Make a list of what's important to you in your search, including:

• Academic rigor

• Geographic location

• Size of the school

• Major(s) offered

• Coaching philosophy

• Team chemistry and culture

🗂 Start Researching Schools on Swimcloud:

As you search, note:

• NCAA Division and Conference

• School size

• Cost of attendance

• Financial aid availability

• Admission rate

• Events you could contribute to (3-5 events)

🗣 Meet with Your Coach:

Once you’ve built a working list of schools, sit down with your club and/or high school coach to discuss:

• Your top choices

• Schools you might be overlooking

• Reach vs realistic schools

• Recruiting questionnaires

• Emailing coaches (head and assistants)

🟨 Reminder: All of this only matters if you show up, work hard, and maintain a great attitude.

 

💬 Part 2: What to Expect – A Swimmer’s Guide to the Recruiting Process

This next section was written by Streamline athletes who have been through the process. It outlines what to expect, how to prepare, and what the timeline looks like — from your first emails to official visits.

👉 Click here to view the full Swimmer Recruiting Guide.

📘 Part 3: College Recruiting with Lori Payne

Webinar Recap & Support Resources

We were excited to host a recruiting webinar with Lori Payne, an experienced college recruiting advisor. She works directly with swimmers and families to help them navigate the process of finding the right academic and athletic fit.

Below are key points from the session, common questions from families, and how to get in touch with Lori.

📚 Academic Takeaways:

• Focus on academic and merit scholarships – many schools offer more through academics than athletics.

• Take both the ACT and SAT if possible – shows extra effort and may open more scholarship doors.

• Be selective with AP classes – 2 to 4 AP courses are usually enough.

• Aim for no more than 15 credit hours per semester in college to balance swimming and school.

🏫 NCAA Division Insights:

• Fewer than 150 Division I swim programs exist — D3 offers far more opportunities.

• Each division has different athletic demands, but all offer a college swim experience.

  • D1: 16 sports minimum

  • D2: 14 sports minimum

  • D3: 12 sports minimum

• There is a school for everyone – fit matters more than fame.

📱 Social Media Advice:

• Don’t believe everything you see online — everyone’s recruiting story is different.

• Be mindful of your social media. Coaches check!

❓ Common Q&A from the Webinar:

Q: What’s the first step in finding the right school or division?
A: Start with your priorities. Use Swimcloud for research, and talk to a recruiter like Lori Payne if you need guidance.

Q: What if I’ve never heard of a school?
A: That’s okay! Use Swimcloud to explore smaller conferences. Some of the best fits aren’t always the most well-known.

Q: Do I need a swim video?
A: Not required, but having race footage or technique clips can be helpful.

Q: What times do I need to swim in college?
A: It depends on the school and conference. There’s a fit for every serious swimmer.

Q: Is transferring out of D3 difficult?
A: No — transitions between divisions are common and flexible.

Q: How do I build a strong recruiting resume?
A: Keep improving times, test scores, and demonstrate leadership in and out of the pool.

Q: When should I start contacting colleges?
A: By Christmas of 9th grade is a great time to start.

Q: Is it too late for a 2026 swimmer?
A: Not at all. Follow the steps in [Part 1] and [Part 2] of our recruiting guide and get started today!

🤝 Work with Lori Payne

Lori offers one-on-one guidance for student-athletes and families. She can help with:

• Personalized school lists

• NCAA rules and timelines

• Email templates and outreach

• Resume and application support

Contact Lori
📧 [email protected]