Talented South African swimmers who secure a swimming scholarship at a US university can study for their degree while competing at an elite level. However, the recruitment process for college swimming can be complicated and it is easy to feel overwhelmed by all the rules. Here’s how to navigate the process and maximise your chances of success.

US college swimming

There are around 600 women's and 500 men's swimming programmes across all the major athletic divisions. This includes NCAA Division I, Division II and Division III, as well as NAIA and junior colleges. Each institution offers an Olympic-sized pool and world-class training facilities. The US college swimming community has produced some of the world’s best swimmers, such as Missy Franklin, Ryan Lochte, Simone Manue, Ryk Neethling and Roland Schoeman.

Many South African swimmers who have won scholarships to US universities achieved phenomenal success on the world stage, including at the Olympics.

Sable International’s sports division has helped more than 700 student-athletes find places at top US colleges.

Antonie Pieterse

One such star is Antonie Pieterse, 20, from Pretoria, who has been breaking records at Roberts Wesleyan University in New York State. The talented first-year student studying physics and mechanical and aerospace engineering has already rewritten the Redhawks’ history books with 17 school records to his name.

Antonie is the first Redhawk swimmer to achieve an NCAA provisional qualifying time. He has led his relay teams to multiple record-breaking finishes and was named Swimmer of the Meet at the East Coast Conference Championship.

He started swimming lessons at just six months old and honed his skills at Harties Reflections Swimming and Lifesaving Club. Antonie said about his passion for the sport:

"Swimming is a mental challenge – the fact that you have to push through pain and fatigue and deal with the stress accompanying this competitive sport."

How to increase your chance of getting a swimming scholarship in the US

Achieve competitive swim times

If you want to give yourself the best chance of getting a scholarship, you must meet certain time requirements for your events. Research the average times for your preferred events at your target schools.

Maintain strong academic records

Most universities require student-athletes to meet academic standards. No matter how talented you are in the pool, a high enough GPA and competitive SAT or ACT scores will be needed for a scholarship. Good grades will also make you more appealing to coaches who value discipline and focus.

Read also: How to take the SAT in South Africa – our guide.

Build a standout athlete resume 

Highlight your academic achievements and swimming accolades, including personal bests, rankings and participation in major competitions.

Create a recruitment video

Highlight your skills, techniques and performance during races and training sessions. Coaches want to see how you handle competitive pressure and continuously improve. Include starts, turns, strokes and finishes in a high-quality video.

Start the process early

The recruiting process can be lengthy. Begin as early as Grade 9 to give yourself enough time to research, prepare and make an impression.

Work with recruitment professionals

Partnering with an agency that specialises in connecting student-athletes with US colleges, such as Sable International, can be invaluable. We can help identify potential scholarships, guide you through the application process and connect you with coaches at universities.

If you want to further your sporting career at a US university, get in contact with one of our sports recruiters who will be happy to chat to you about your options. Fill in our free online evaluation or send us an email at sports@sableinternational.com.

We are a professional services company that specialises in cross-border financial and immigration advice and solutions.

Our teams in the UK, South Africa and Australia can ensure that when you decide to move overseas, invest offshore or expand your business internationally, you'll do so with the backing of experienced local experts.