COLLEGE RECRUITING
A practical guide for high school divers.
College recruiting rewards preparation. Start organized, keep your videos current, and use your coaches as a resource throughout the process.
RECRUITING ROADMAP
Know the contact timeline
For Division I swimming and diving, college coaches generally begin direct recruiting communication after June 15 following sophomore year. Official and unofficial visits can begin August 1 before junior year. Always confirm the current NCAA rules for your graduating class.
Build a school list
Start with a wide list of programs, then narrow it as you learn more about academics, location, roster needs, facilities, and coach response.
Find the diving coach
Use each school's athletics site, swimming and diving roster, and staff page. Make sure you are emailing the diving coach, not only the head swimming coach.
Create recruiting video
Use clear practice and competition footage. Include voluntary and optional dives on 1-meter, 3-meter, and platform if applicable. Keep clips short and easy to scan.
Keep a diving profile
A dedicated diving Instagram or YouTube playlist helps coaches see recent skills, meet progress, and consistency. Keep it focused on diving.
Set up NCAA resources
Create an NCAA Eligibility Center account when appropriate and keep your transcript, grades, test information, and NCAA number organized.
EMAILS TO COACHES
What to include.
- Brief diving bio and graduation year
- Major competitions attended, such as Zones, Nationals, AAU, or USA Diving meets
- Current school, GPA if strong, and academic interests
- Why the college or program interests you
- Links to recruiting video and diving profile
- Athlete email, phone number, and club coach contact
If you do not hear back after about two weeks, send one polite follow-up. Avoid repeatedly emailing the same coach.
CALLS & VISITS
Questions to ask.
- What does your pool and diving setup look like?
- Do you have a dryland facility?
- What boards or towers are available for training?
- What does a typical weekly training schedule look like?
- How do you support student-athletes academically?
- Are there academic advisors for athletes?
- What GPA expectations does the team have?
- Do athletes receive priority or early registration?
OFFICIAL VISITS
Treat visits like a real evaluation.
When a coach invites you to visit, use the trip to understand the campus, team culture, training environment, and academic support. Dress appropriately, be ready to introduce yourself, and ask good questions.
If possible, get in the pool and try the boards or tower so you can feel whether the training setup is right for you.
Alpha coaches can help families prepare videos, organize meet results, and think through which programs are realistic fits.