Class of '27 and Class of '28: Get Ready for Your National Signing Day

For high school swimmers with dreams of competing at the collegiate level, National Signing Day represents more than just a ceremony — it’s the culmination of years of hard work, discipline, and dedication both in and out of the pool. But the road to signing that National Letter of Intent (NLI) begins long before senior year.

If you’re a sophomore or junior, now is the time to start laying the foundation for recruiting success. Whether your goal is to swim in NCAA Division I, II, or III, NAIA, the steps you take today will determine your options tomorrow.

Many find the recruiting process overwhelming and time consuming and would like help navigating the journey.  College Swimming Consulting can help make the process smooth and easy.  Visit collegeswimmingconsulting.com for more information!

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get ready for your senior year and your big signing moment.

1. Understand the Recruiting Timeline

College swimming recruiting doesn’t happen overnight. Most coaches begin identifying potential recruits as early as  6/15 after sophomore year, and by junior year, serious conversations are already underway.

Here’s a quick timeline overview:

• Sophomore Year (10th Grade)

  
  

  Coaches can view your times, watch you compete, and begin building lists of potential recruits. You can start emailing coaches and completing recruiting questionnaires, but coaches have limits on when they can contact you directly (especially in NCAA Division I).

• Junior Year (11th Grade)

  
  

  This is when recruiting heats up. Coaches can start calling, texting, or meeting with you (usually after June 15 following sophomore year, per NCAA rules). You’ll likely take unofficial visits, narrow your school list, and continue improving your times.

• Senior Year (12th Grade)

  
  

  You’ll finalize offers, take official visits, and — if all goes well — sign your letter of intent during National Signing Day in November.

Knowing these milestones will help you stay on track and avoid scrambling later.

2. Keep Improving Your Times and Technique

No matter how strong your academics or communication skills are, your swim times remain the biggest factor in recruiting. Coaches evaluate athletes based on their event strengths, progression, and potential to score points at conference and national meets.

Here’s how to stay competitive:

• Set time goals every season that align with the level of college swimming you’re targeting. Compare your times with conference results from schools you’re interested in.

• Work on versatility. Coaches love swimmers who can contribute in multiple events or relays. If you’re a freestyler, develop your IM or stroke events.

• Prioritize technique and efficiency. Film your races and training sessions. Small technical improvements in starts, turns, and underwaters can make a huge difference in recruiting visibility.

• Train smart. Stay consistent, communicate with your coach about goals, and take care of your body through proper nutrition and recovery.

3. Focus on Academics Early

Strong grades and test scores can open doors to more programs — especially in Division III or Ivy League schools where athletic scholarships aren’t offered.

Coaches want reliable student-athletes who can balance demanding academics with training schedules. Use your sophomore and junior years to:

• Maintain a solid GPA. Many college programs have minimum academic standards, and stronger academics can make you more recruitable.

• Take challenging classes. AP, IB, or honors courses show academic readiness for college.

• Prepare for the SAT or ACT. Even if many schools are test-optional, good scores can still strengthen your application.

• Stay organized. Keep track of grades, coursework, and test dates. Recruiters often ask for unofficial transcripts early in the process.

4. Start Building Your Recruiting Profile

By the end of your sophomore year, you should have a recruiting profile ready to share with coaches. This is your marketing tool — a concise way to showcase your times, academics, and achievements.

Your profile should include:

• Basic info: name, high school, graduation year, and contact information.

• Event times: include your best short course and long course times with dates and meets.

• Academic info: GPA, test scores (if available), and academic honors.

• Athletic achievements: highlight championships, team roles, or records.

• Video clips: Include race footage, ideally from multiple angles, showcasing both starts and finishes.

5. Research and Connect with College Programs

The earlier you start researching, the better. There are over 500 college swimming programs across the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA — each with unique academic standards, team sizes, and competitive levels.

Here’s how to approach it:

• Make a list of target schools — include a mix of “reach,” “match,” and “safety” programs.

• Look up team results from conference championships to gauge how your times fit.

• Email coaches directly. Introduce yourself, attach your profile, include your event times, and express why you’re interested in their program.

• Fill out recruiting questionnaires on each school’s athletic website.

• Stay professional and proactive. Coaches appreciate swimmers who show initiative and follow up respectfully.

Remember: Division III and NAIA coaches can communicate earlier and often offer more flexibility, while Division I programs follow stricter timelines.

6. Learn the Rules: NCAA Eligibility and NLI Process

Before senior year, make sure you understand the eligibility requirements for college athletes:

• Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center if you plan to compete in Division I or II.

• Review your core course requirements and make sure you’re on track academically.

• Understand the difference between a verbal commitment and signing a National Letter of Intent (NLI).

The National Signing Day for swimming typically happens in November (early signing period), with another window in April. Once you sign your NLI, you’ve officially committed to that school.

7. Keep an Open Mind

Recruiting can be unpredictable. Times improve, rosters change, and scholarship availability fluctuates. Stay open to all possibilities — even schools or divisions you didn’t originally consider.

Some swimmers find the perfect fit at Division III schools, where they can balance competitive swimming with strong academics and a supportive environment. Others thrive at NAIA or junior college programs that offer more immediate opportunities.

The key is finding a team and coach who will help you grow as an athlete and as a person.

8. Prepare Mentally and Emotionally

The recruiting journey can be exciting but also stressful. Balancing training, school, and communication with coaches can feel overwhelming. Build a strong support network — talk regularly with your club coach, high school coach, and parents about your goals and progress.

Remember that swimming in college is a four-year commitment — focus on programs that value you beyond your times.

Stay grounded, trust your process, and remember that National Signing Day is just one milestone in your lifelong swimming journey.

Final Thoughts

For sophomores and juniors, preparing for National Signing Day isn’t just about faster splits — it’s about being strategic, organized, and proactive. Every email, practice, and race can bring you closer to your goal. Start early. Build relationships with coaches. Keep improving in the pool and in the classroom.  

THE KEY FACTOR IS TARGETING COLLEGES WHERE YOU FIT BEST!I can build a custom list of colleges based on your swimmer’s times, academic goals, and preferences. I’ve been told countless times how much easier the college recruiting process was with my assistance. Contact College Swimming Consulting to make sure you aren’t missing any colleges that would be the perfect fit for your swimmer!

By the time you’re a senior ready to put pen to paper, you’ll know you’ve earned every stroke of that signature.