Description
In this specially dedicated “New Recruits” issue of Swimming World Biweekly, meet some of the nation’s up and coming athletes from the graduating High School Class of 2019 as they navigate the college swim team recruiting process and make their verbal declarations. (PS) It’s the season! Don’t miss our annual Holiday Gift Guide for the swimmers in your life.
Each fall, college swimming coaches and the athletes on their teams put their best foot forward to show prospective athletes what their programs have to offer. High school seniors set off across the country—often traveling alone for the first time—to evaluate these teams and schools. At the end of an often exhausting few weeks of back-to-back overnight visits, these high school seniors will then have the opportunity to decide where they would like to swim, live and study for the next four years.
Once a coach offers a scholarship, a spot on the team or some support in the application process, the athletes are ready to make a final decision. Once that decision is made, many seniors will proudly share the news on social media—usually with a photo of themselves sporting their new college T-shirt!
Over the past few months, Swimming World has been delighted to hear from swimmers who have shared their pride, excitement, joy—and relief—as they announced their verbal commitments.
For some, this decision is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Many have also realized their untapped potential and the countless opportunities that lie ahead. Other athletes have reflected on the difficulty of the recruiting and decision process, but are confident that they have found their new home.
With the start of the early signing period for National Letters of Intent less than two weeks away, Swimming World proudly presents a sampling of these unofficial commitments made by members of the high school Class of 2019.
A few recruits might make an immediate impact on the national stage, while others are set to contribute to their team’s success at the conference level. The swimmers will enter their training groups with a mix of experience and a fresh perspective, ready to reach the next level.
Congrats to the high school Class of 2019—and the new college Class of 2023!
