Swimming season may be over, but with summer looming, swimmers might be thinking about their offseason plans, their upcoming meets, and their college recruiting journeys… And you don't have to be a swimmer to take recruiting advice from University of Illinois at Chicago swimming & diving coach Tim Loeffler. 2aDays had the chance to pick his brain about all things recruiting and came back with some great tips. Here's what all athletes can learn from Coach Tim.
What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit?
Character. If coaches are contacting you, they are at the point where they feel that athletically you are a fit for their team. Now, they want to know if you will be someone who fits with their coaching philosophy and will be a great representative of their program.
What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?
Contact the coaches directly. Email is always best and make sure you have more than one coach on the email. Make it a short introduction with links to and recruiting profiles. Also, make sure you have your contact information, grades and test scores with the major you're interested in(it's ok to be undecided), and the best times to contact you.
Related: 10 Questions to Ask a College Swimming and Diving Coach
When should an athlete contact you and what is the best way?
We usually recommend juniors to be emailing us for swimming, the earlier in the year, the better. Have all contact information included as well as grade.
What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and in the pool?
Good grades are always appealing because it helps us figure out if you will be accepted at our university and if you can pursue the major you're looking for. Also, a lot of coaches are looking to maximize an athlete's financial aid, so if you have good grades, we can search for academic aid for you. The weight room isn't as necessary since we know a lot of high school and club programs don't have the proper equipment or staff. We do look for some type of out of the pool conditioning, even if it's cardio and abs. For the pool, make the most of what you have. It's not about the best clubs or facilities. It's about making the most of what you have, and being consistent.
What are your tips for being recruited?
1. Being prompt with responses, and schedule your calls. 2. Be honest with a team or coach–if you are not interested let them know sooner than later. 3. Look at a school for more than just their athletics. Take a step back and look at it as if you were a regular student, would you want to go there? 4. Stay on top of the NCAA Eligibility Center, and school applications.
What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?
Don't rule any school out in the beginning and be absolutely honest during the recruiting process.
What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape?
The clarity of the video so we are able to see their technique.
Related: Tips to Create a Swimming Highlight Video
What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruit's highlight tape?
Let us know what lane you are in and find a way to highlight it. Make sure it is clear and control the camera movement.
When do you recommend recruits put together and share their highlight reels? Is it best to make their highlight reel during the offseason, in the middle of season, or after each game?
During the offseason, I recommend attaching a copy of your upcoming meet schedule as well.
What advice do you have for recruits who get turned down by their dream schools? What are their options if they don't gain the recruiting attention they desire?
Recruiting is not about your “dream” school or the “best” school but the school that is the best fit for you. If you don't gain the recruiting attention you are looking for, I recommend two options. Start looking at new schools. Make a list of priorities and start searching for new schools that would fit those priorities. Meet with your coach and see what recommendations they have. They can also call on your behalf and maybe find more information from the college coach about where you stand in their recruiting.
How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?
Social media will hurt more than it can help. I try to steer away from recruit's social media but if something is brought to my attention, I have terminated recruiting an athlete because of something posted.
Have a story idea or know an awesome athlete/coach we should interview? Email us at [email protected]
* Originally published on April 12, 2022, by 2aDays Staff
