Best colleges for women's collegiate swimming?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior and swimming's my jam. I've been swimming competitively for most of my life and want to continue in college. Any recommendations on the best colleges for women's swimming teams? I'm curious about not only their athletic reputation but also academic strengths. Cheers!

Certainly! It sounds like you have a solid foundation in swimming, which is fantastic.

Starting with Division I, Stanford University is well-recognized for having a top-notch women's swim team, having won numerous NCAA championships. Alongside its stellar athletic program, Stanford also offers an outstanding academic environment with a wide array of majors.

The University of Virginia is another great option. Their women's swim team was the NCAA champion in 2021 and consistently ranks at the top of Division I. The academics at UVA are also noteworthy, especially in the fields of business and liberal arts.

Another university you may want to consider is the University of California, Berkeley. The Golden Bears have a history of strong women's swimming teams, and Berkeley is recognized globally for its superior academic programs, particularly in STEM.

At Division III, schools like Emory University and MIT are worth considering. Emory has had multiple years of championship victories in Division III. In addition to its solid swim team, Emory is widely recognized for its pre-med and business programs. Similarly, MIT, though more known for its engineering and computer science programs, also has a strong Division III women's swim team.

Now, keep in mind the process to be recruited for college swimming can be quite competitive, so it'll be crucial you start reaching out to coaches, showcasing your athletic abilities, and working to improve your swim times. Also, take the academic fit into account when making your list. These are all excellent institutions, but they can be very different in terms of size, location, vibe, and academic focus. Good luck on your path!