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June 15 is just around the corner. That’s when college coaches can start reaching out to this year’s class of sophomores— and it’s when your emails can start getting responses.

So, what should you be doing now to make sure you’re ready?

1. Figure Out What You Want From a College

Before you start reaching out, you need to know what you’re looking for.

Academics, team culture, coaching style, location, intensity — what matters to you?

The more clear you are about your priorities, the more confident and focused your recruiting journey will feel. It’s not just about swimming fast — it’s about finding a program where you’ll thrive in and out of the pool.

2. Build a Strategic School List

Once you know what matters, you can start identifying schools that match.

We recommend building a list of 20+ programs with a good mix of:

• Safety Schools (you’re likely fast enough now)

• Target Schools (you’re on track with continued improvement)

• Stretch Schools (you may need bigger drops or more outreach)

Start by looking at SwimCloud rankings, school’s conference performances, and academic fit — and don’t forget to think about what type of experience you want.

3. Draft Your Initial Emails

Your first email to coaches shouldn’t just say “I’m interested.”

It should tell them why you’re a great fit, show your potential, and make it easy for them to want to respond.

Start drafting now — and don’t worry if it’s not perfect. A strong first draft puts you miles ahead of the swimmers who wait until the last minute.