It seems like everyday another high school senior is making his or her commitment to a college program. How does a kid know what the right decision is? How does a parent know which school and swimming program will be the best fit? How do kids get the attention of a college program? And how do foreigners fit into this game?
No one has coached more NCAA D1 championship swim teams than David Marsh. Winning 12 team titles takes talent. While Auburn, David always seemed to find the hidden gems in the recruiting game and then turn them into super stars. He knows how the game is played and in this interview with Garrett McCaffrey he lets you in on some of the secrets.
Similar to Gardner-Webb as mentioned, what are other small schools with strong coaching?
There are tons…in no particular order.besides Kenyon and Gardner Webb….Williams (Kuster), Davidson (Young), Emory (Howell), Denison, (Parini)……to name a few….check out the various websites for dual meet rankings and you can search for coaching bios….you’ll find some strong coaching backgrounds at Div 3 (and Div 2) schools….
David did a great job sharing his perspective on college recruiting, but he was never at the D-II or D-III level. When you coach at a program like Auburn you are only focused on the teams ahead of you or the teams who are just behind you.
We have helped a lot of swimmers get connected with D-II, D-III and NAIA schools. Some of our top coaches are at the D-II, D-III, NAIA and at least a couple at the Junior College level. If you ranked all of the college teams nearly 20% of them would be at the D-II, D-III and NAIA level…….and yes, D-III schools are affordable.
Our policy is to stay with the families until the… Read more »
These pieces on recruiting are very helpful and Coach Marsh, given his experience as both a college coach and now a club coach is invaluable. However, there is way to much emphasis here on Div 1 swimming. ….Div 3 is where THE future of college swimming is to be found for men. Programs are expanding….Title IX is pretty much a non-issue….academics are excellent….a combination of academic aid and need-based aid makes many of these schools very affordable. How about some stories about how non-athletic aid at a very selective academic institution can make it more affordable than many big public universities where funding all too often subject to the winds of state financing. Look at that numbers….big time Div 1… Read more »
50 Titles is amazing.
I’ll throw us in as well..Liberty University..new program starting our third year this fall.
No disrespect is meant to Coach Marsh, who’s record of excellence is without equal at the Div 1 and elite level, but Jim Steen of Kenyon takes the title is one going to say “No one has coached more NCAA championship swim teams” with 50(29 men, 21 women), more than any other coach, in any sport, in any division.
Good catch. I meant no disrespect to Jim or Kenyon. Sorry for the oversight.
One more for you: Matt Mann of Michigan won 13 NCAA team titles from 1927 to 1954.
Great advice from Marsh. Look for the hidden gems, they are out there.