College Swimming Recruiting: Why it’s Best to be a Bigger Fish in a Smaller Pond

For high school swimmers dreaming of competing in college, the natural instinct is often to aim as high as possible—Division I powerhouse programs, top 25 teams, Olympic Trial qualifiers. But while there’s no denying the prestige of elite programs, that path isn’t right for everyone. In fact, for many swimmers, being a “big fish in a small pond” can offer far greater rewards, both in and out of the pool.

If you're weighing offers or researching swim teams, this post will help you see why choosing a smaller program—where you're a standout rather than just another lane—can lead to a better, more fulfilling college swimming experience.

While it can be done without assistance, 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!

1. More Opportunities to Compete and Lead

In top-tier programs, freshmen and even upperclassmen can spend years fighting just to make a relay or score points at conference. Meanwhile, at smaller programs—whether DII, DIII, NAIA, or even lower-ranked DI schools—you may start making an impact on day one.

As a “big fish,” you’re more likely to:

• Swim in multiple events at dual meets and championships.

• Anchor relays and play key roles in scoring.

• Be a team captain or influential leader by your junior year.

• Qualify for nationals or break school records with less internal competition.

That kind of experience doesn’t just boost your confidence—it’s empowering. You feel like your presence matters, and that can reignite your passion for the sport.

2. More Personalized Coaching and Development

At high-profile swim programs, coaches often focus on their top-tier athletes—the swimmers vying for NCAA titles or Olympic berths. If you're not one of those 2-3 stars, it’s easy to feel like an afterthought. Workouts are less tailored. Feedback is minimal. You're one of many.

But at a smaller school where you’re one of the top performers:

• Coaches invest more time in you.

• You receive personalized training plans that match your strengths and goals.

• You're more likely to improve consistently over four years.

• There’s room for technical development instead of just yardage grind.

If you’ve plateaued or feel like you haven’t hit your peak yet, this kind of focused attention can be a game changer.

3. Less Pressure, More Enjoyment

Let’s face it—Division I swimming can feel like a job. Early morning practices, grueling training cycles, constant competition for spots, and high-pressure meets leave little room for fun or flexibility. For some, that’s motivating. For others, it’s a fast track to burnout.

In a smaller program where you’re a top contributor:

• The environment is more supportive than cutthroat.

• You can enjoy swimming again, rather than just survive it.

• You’re not constantly worried about getting cut or sidelined.

• You can focus on balance—enjoying your college experience, academics, and relationships without sacrificing performance.

College is more than a stopwatch. If you want to keep swimming fun and sustainable, choosing a program where you’re valued is a wise long-term move.

4. A Platform to Pursue Academic and Career Goals

The big fish in a small pond typically has more freedom and support to pursue academic and extracurricular interests:

• Professors know your name.

• You're not locked into an all-consuming athletic schedule.

• Internships, research, and study abroad become more accessible.

• Career resources and alumni networks may feel more personal.

Athletics should complement your education—not compete with it. And when you’re one of the top athletes at your school, doors open. You might even become a face of the athletic department, giving you extra leverage in networking and post-college job opportunities.

5. A Stronger Sense of Community and Impact

Being a standout swimmer in a smaller program often means you’re not just another name on a roster—you’re part of the team’s core identity. That sense of belonging and influence fosters deeper relationships with teammates and coaches.

You might:

• Help shape the team’s culture and training direction.

• Mentor younger swimmers and leave a legacy.

• Get involved in recruiting or team-building efforts.

• Feel like a true contributor to something bigger than yourself.

In large programs, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. At a smaller school, your voice is heard—and your impact felt.

6. You Still Get to Swim at a High Level

There’s a myth that only Division I offers “real” college swimming. That’s flat-out wrong.

Many swimmers at DIII, DII, NAIA, and even junior colleges:

• Compete at national championships.

• Swim times that would score at DI conference meets.

• Go on to coach, work in the swim industry, or qualify for Olympic Trials.

The difference? In smaller programs, you’re often the one scoring, anchoring, leading—not just training behind the scenes. That spotlight experience can be more rewarding than being the 20th fastest sprinter on a Power Five roster.

7. Room to Grow Into Your Potential

Sometimes swimmers bloom late. Maybe you’ve only recently dropped time, or you feel your best years are still ahead. Joining a program where you’re a big fish means:

• More swim time.

• More individual attention.

• More leadership roles.

• More opportunities to surprise people with how much better you can get.

In high-pressure programs, late bloomers often get overlooked. At smaller programs, coaches may give you more freedom to experiment, adjust your training, or find what works best for your body and mindset.

8. Scholarships and Financial Support

While not all programs can offer full athletic scholarships, smaller schools often offer:

• Merit scholarships based on academics.

• Need-based financial aid.

• Athletic aid at NAIA, NJCAA, and many DII schools.

If you’re a big fish, coaches are often willing to advocate for you with admissions and financial aid. That can mean less debt, more freedom after graduation, and more financial security for your family.

Final Thoughts: Choose Fit Over Prestige

The desire to compete at the highest possible level is natural. But swimming in college isn’t about impressing others—it’s about becoming your best self. Being a big fish in a small pond means you’re visible, valued, and vital.

You get:

• A leadership role.

• Personalized coaching.

• Competitive experiences.

• A healthier balance.

• A lasting impact.

Most importantly, you get a college experience shaped by growth, confidence, and purpose—not just grind and pressure.

So when you're looking at swim programs, ask yourself:

• Will I have a chance to grow and lead here?

• Will I be supported, seen, and celebrated?

• Will I still love swimming after four years?

If the answer is yes, don’t worry whether it’s a small pond. Be the biggest, boldest fish you can be—and make your mark.

Need Help Finding Schools That Match Your Swimming and Academic Goals?I can help you build a custom list of colleges based on your swim times, GPA, and preferences. If you're just getting started with recruiting, ask for help for a smooth process. The key factor is finding the colleges where you fit best academically and athletically.  Need help finding those colleges?  Contact College Swimming Consulting to get your customized list of best-fit colleges!