Frequently Asked Questions
-
Absolutely not! You do not need to be one of the fastest swimmers in the country to go through the recruiting process successfully.
In fact, I began advising to help those who weren’t receiving as much outreach and attention from coaches. Those are typically the athletes who can benefit the most from recruiting advising.
Recruiting advising is meant to help athletes understand where they realistically fit, how the recruiting process works, how to communicate with coaches professionally, and navigate this process efficiently. Today, recruiting is primarily athlete-driven, meaning the athletes with a plan and understanding of the process will often be the most successful.
-
For those interested in D1 programs, the recruiting period begins June 15, before an athlete’s junior year. From this date on, coaches are officially allowed to contact athletes. However, there are no restrictions on when YOU can reach out to coaches. You can begin filling out questionnaires and messaging coaches before this date, just don’t expect a response. Division III & II schools don’t have the same restrictions, so communication is more flexible.
-
Waiting is often what creates unnecessary stress.
Recruiting rewards preparation. Athletes who understand the process before communication begins are more confident, more organized, and more effective in their outreach.
The research and planning phase begins long before June 15. When June 15 arrives, athletes should already have a plan, a list of schools they want to contact, and an understanding of how to communicate with coaches effectively.
With that being said, I work with many freshman and sophomore athletes to build realistic goals, lay the groundwork, and develop a plan before junior year.
-
I help athletes build their target school list, which is intended to evolve as we work together. Lists are developed based on current times, projected times, athletic, and personal goals.
-
I transferred colleges after my sophomore year, and I know how stressful the process can be. There are lots of questions to be asked before even entering the portal. It can be overwhelming, which is why I’d love to help you navigate this process. I will assist in finding schools that accept your academic credits and fit your athletic and personal goals. This is something we can discuss in a Starting Block Session.
-
Recruiting outcomes depend on many factors, including performance, fit, timing, communication, and how proactive an athlete is throughout the process.
Athletes who are proactive, organized, and consistent typically create the most opportunities for themselves. One Lap Ahead does not guarantee scholarships, but equips athletes with the tools to be successful.
If you do not receive emails when the recruiting period begins, it ABSOLUTELY does not mean you can’t swim in college.
-
Yes. Many athletes successfully navigate recruiting on their own.
My role is to provide clarity, structure, and guidance throughout the process. Instead of guessing what to do next, athletes receive a personalized plan, live feedback, and accountability along the way.
With hundreds of programs, changing NCAA rules, important deadlines, and countless decisions, my goal is to help athletes avoid common mistakes, stay organized, and make informed decisions with confidence.
-
Yes. I work with athletes pursuing opportunities in NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and NJCAA programs. Every athlete's recruiting journey is different, and the goal is to find the best athletic, academic, and personal fit.
-
Absolutely!
My Instagram videos are full of NCAA rule changes, CSCAA rule changes, transfer portal updates, and USA Swimming Updates. I post these to help any swimmer heading into the process, not just the ones who work with me.
Through conversations with current collegiate coaches, compliance officers, and NIL representatives, I am getting the most up-to-date knowledge for my athletes. This combined with my recent collegiate expereince also allows me to give athletes a current perspective