﻿{"id":314180,"date":"2018-06-16T13:00:29","date_gmt":"2018-06-16T20:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=314180"},"modified":"2018-06-15T06:27:03","modified_gmt":"2018-06-15T13:27:03","slug":"the-freshmans-guide-to-becoming-a-college-swimmer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/the-freshmans-guide-to-becoming-a-college-swimmer\/","title":{"rendered":"The Freshman&#8217;s Guide to Becoming A College Swimmer"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>By Isabelle Robuck, Swimming World College Intern.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>With summer right around the corner, college swimmers and divers around the globe are preparing for next season. Nothing feels better than catching up with your friends after three months apart and jumping back into routine!<\/p>\n<p>As the season starts, every team welcomes a new set of athletes to their family &#8211; the freshmen. Eager to learn their new routines, freshmen are full of energy, excitement, and &#8211; of course &#8211; a little bit of fear in the mix. For those scary new moments, we&#8217;ve created a freshman&#8217;s guide to college swimming to help calm your nerves and enjoy your first year!<\/p>\n<h2>1. It&#8217;s okay to be scared.<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_206689\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-206689\" data-attachment-id=\"206689\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/6-types-of-swimmers-taking-swim-lessons\/michael-flickr-scared-kid-swim-lessons\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/michael-flickr-scared-kid-swim-lessons.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2048,1365\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"michael-flickr-scared-kid-swim-lessons\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;michael-flickr-scared-kid-swim-lessons&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Photo Courtesy: Michael, flickr&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/michael-flickr-scared-kid-swim-lessons-700x500.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/michael-flickr-scared-kid-swim-lessons-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-206689\" src=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/michael-flickr-scared-kid-swim-lessons-700x500.jpg\" alt=\"michael-flickr-scared-kid-swim-lessons\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-206689\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Courtesy: Michael, flickr<\/p><\/div>\n<p>It really is okay: There\u2019s a lot to be scared of. Leaving home, being away from your family, starting a new life\u2026 It\u2019s a lot to take in. The transition is easier for some than others. No matter what, make sure to keep an open mind. Don\u2019t set expectations for how it\u2019s going to be &#8211; allow yourself to enjoy the unknown. Before you know it, you\u2019ll be having the time of your life!<\/p>\n<h2><b>2. Never be afraid\u00a0to say hello!<\/b><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_305858\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-305858\" data-attachment-id=\"305858\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/breeja-larson-waving-2018-apps-mesa\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/breeja-larson-waving-2018-apps-mesa-e1523675312939.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1200,801\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"breeja-larson-waving-2018-apps-mesa\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;breeja-larson-waving-2018-apps-mesa&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Photo Courtesy: Brooke Wright&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/breeja-larson-waving-2018-apps-mesa-700x500.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/breeja-larson-waving-2018-apps-mesa-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-305858\" src=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/breeja-larson-waving-2018-apps-mesa-700x500.jpg\" alt=\"breeja-larson-waving-2018-apps-mesa\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-305858\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Courtesy: Brooke Wright<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Being in a new place is a little scary for everyone. You\u2019re starting a completely new journey! However, it\u2019s important to step out of your comfort zone. Make new friends! Say hello to someone you don\u2019t know! Chances are, you\u2019ll make their day a little better just by saying hi. And who knows, you may end up finding a new friend!<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><strong>3. There is no such thing as a stupid question.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_310954\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-310954\" data-attachment-id=\"310954\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/7-things-to-consider-before-quitting-swimming\/pexels-photo-356079\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/pexels-photo-356079.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1880,1138\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"question\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;pexels-photo-356079&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Photo Courtesy: Pexels&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/pexels-photo-356079-700x500.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/pexels-photo-356079-1024x620.jpg\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-310954\" src=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/pexels-photo-356079-700x500.jpg\" alt=\"question-mark\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-310954\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Courtesy: Pexels<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Don\u2019t ever be afraid to ask questions. Whether it be about swimming, college, or life in general, seeking help shows that you\u2019re not only willing to learn the team&#8217;s culture and traditions but also that you feel comfortable enough to reach out for help.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>4. No one is going to do it for you.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_296983\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-296983\" data-attachment-id=\"296983\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/mcgee-moody-coach-south-carolina-sec-championships\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/mcgee-moody-coach-south-carolina-sec-championships.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1500,1000\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"mcgee-moody-coach-south-carolina-sec-championships\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;mcgee-moody-coach-south-carolina-sec-championships&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Photo Courtesy: Thomas Campbell\/Texas A&#038;M Athletics&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/mcgee-moody-coach-south-carolina-sec-championships-700x500.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/mcgee-moody-coach-south-carolina-sec-championships-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-296983\" src=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/mcgee-moody-coach-south-carolina-sec-championships-700x500.jpg\" alt=\"mcgee-moody-coach-south-carolina-sec-championships\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-296983\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Courtesy: Thomas Campbell\/Texas A&amp;M Athletics<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Swimming in hard. College is also hard, but being a freshman doesn\u2019t mean that everyone is going to blame your mistakes on the new name tag. Sure, you may mess up. This is a whole new world of experiences, and it is okay to make mistakes. However, it\u2019s important to learn from those mistakes rather than repeat them!<\/p>\n<h2><strong>5. Do your best to stay positive.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_195901\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-195901\" data-attachment-id=\"195901\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/breeja-larson-thumbs-up-mesa-2016\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/breeja-larson-thumbs-up-mesa-2016.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"6000,4000\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;7.1&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;NIKON D5200&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1460716980&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;300&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0005&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"breeja-larson-thumbs-up-mesa-2016\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;breeja-larson-thumbs-up-mesa-2016&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Photo Courtesy: Maddie Kyler&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/breeja-larson-thumbs-up-mesa-2016-700x500.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/breeja-larson-thumbs-up-mesa-2016-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-195901\" src=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/breeja-larson-thumbs-up-mesa-2016-700x500.jpg\" alt=\"breeja-larson-thumbs-up-mesa-2016\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-195901\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Courtesy: Maddie Kyler<\/p><\/div>\n<p>This one runs for everyone on the team, not just freshmen. During season, it\u2019s hard to push through practices when there really is no end in sight. Negativity is far more dangerous than we know, especially when we\u2019re exhausted. Focus your thoughts on the positive, and don\u2019t allow negativity to dictate your overall outcome!<\/p>\n<h2><strong>6. Every practice can be an opportunity for improvement.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_307924\" style=\"width: 610px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-307924\" data-attachment-id=\"307924\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/unsung-heroes-why-coach-key-success\/swim-1-lco\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/phil-emery-mentoring.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"600,364\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;BDN&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Bangor High School coach Phil Emery works with his swimmers during a practice on Jan. 22, 2003 at Husson College in Bangor. (The Weekly\\\/Linda Coan O&#039;Kresik)&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;SWIM 1 LCO&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"phil emery mentoring\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;5\/3&lt;br \/&gt;\nBangor High School coach Phil Emery works with his swimmers during a practice on Jan. 22, 2003 at Husson College in Bangor. (The Weekly\/Linda Coan O&#8217;Kresik)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Photo Courtesy: Linda Coan O&#8217;Kresik | BDN  &lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/phil-emery-mentoring.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/phil-emery-mentoring.jpg\" class=\"size-full wp-image-307924\" src=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/phil-emery-mentoring.jpg\" alt=\"Bangor High School coach Phil Emery works with his swimmers during a practice on Jan. 22, 2003 at Husson College in Bangor. (The Weekly\/Linda Coan O'Kresik)\" width=\"600\" height=\"364\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/phil-emery-mentoring.jpg 600w, https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/phil-emery-mentoring-533x323.jpg 533w, https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/phil-emery-mentoring-280x170.jpg 280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-307924\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Courtesy: Linda Coan O&#8217;Kresik | BDN<\/p><\/div>\n<p>You can improve yourself every set, every practice and every race. No one\u2019s perfect, so there is always something to improve upon. Never take your talents for granted, and find a hunger to be better. Stay positive and become the very best athlete you can be!<\/p>\n<h2><strong>7. Have fun and remember why you\u2019re there.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_314182\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-314182\" data-attachment-id=\"314182\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/the-freshmans-guide-to-becoming-a-college-swimmer\/processed-with-vsco-with-c1-preset-7\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/IMG_1061-1.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"4032,3024\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;1.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone X&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Processed with VSCO with c1 preset&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1514727558&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;Copyright 2017. All rights reserved.&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;20&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00041597337770383&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Processed with VSCO with c1 preset&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_1061\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Processed with VSCO with c1 preset&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Photo Courtesy: UNO Swim &amp;amp; Dive&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/IMG_1061-1-700x500.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/IMG_1061-1-1024x768.jpg\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-314182\" src=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/IMG_1061-1-700x500.jpg\" alt=\"Processed with VSCO with c1 preset\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-314182\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Courtesy: UNO Swim &amp; Dive<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Being a collegiate swimmer<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! When you find yourself in a rut, it\u2019s important to remember why you chose to swim in college. Everyone on the team has a purpose, so work on finding yours. College can be the best years of your life, so enjoy them for what they are!<\/p>\n<h2><strong>8. Cherish every moment.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_314183\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-314183\" data-attachment-id=\"314183\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/the-freshmans-guide-to-becoming-a-college-swimmer\/img_1229\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/IMG_1229.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"720,960\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_1229\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;IMG_1229&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Photo Courtesy: UNO Swim &amp;amp; Dive&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/IMG_1229-700x500.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/IMG_1229.jpg\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-314183\" src=\"https:\/\/vmrw8k5h.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/IMG_1229-700x500.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_1229\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-314183\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Courtesy: UNO Swim &amp; Dive<\/p><\/div>\n<p>It may not seem like it now, but your time as a college swimmer flies by. Even though it can get repetitive, be thankful for every opportunity you\u2019ve been given. Some days, you can&#8217;t wait for the season to be over. On other days, you will miss diving into the freezing water with your best friends.<\/p>\n<p>Freshmen &#8211; you will learn so many life skills and make unforgettable memories. Remember to make the most of every situation. Learn and grow, and &#8211; most importantly &#8211; cherish every moment you get. It\u2019ll be over before you know it!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Commentary<\/strong>: <em>All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Isabelle Robuck, Swimming World College Intern. With summer right around the corner, college swimmers and divers around the globe are preparing for next season. Nothing feels better than catching<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6527,"featured_media":314290,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"dois","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[6,17],"tags":[36297,33522,68629,68628,67870],"class_list":["post-314180","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-college","category-commentary","tag-college-swimming","tag-freshman","tag-freshman-swimmer","tag-guide-to-college-swimming","tag-isabelle-robuck"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.3 (Yoast SEO v24.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\r\n<title>The Freshman&#039;s Guide to Becoming A College Swimmer<\/title>\r\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Swimming in college can be a difficult transition. We&#039;ve created a freshman&#039;s guide to college swimming to help calm your nerves and enjoy your first year!\" \/>\r\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\r\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/the-freshmans-guide-to-becoming-a-college-swimmer\/\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Freshman&#039;s Guide to Becoming A College Swimmer\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Swimming in college can be a difficult transition. 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