Divers to College

Q. Why is Divers To College different from other college recruiting services?

A. Other recruiting programs cover many sports (usually 15-25). Since these programs are not specific to each sport, the information gathered and exchanged is too general. Also, the number of diving coaches using these services is limited.

Q. Why should high school divers register for this service?

A. There are approximately 10,500 high school boys and girls swimming and diving teams in the United States, there is no way for college coaches to be aware of more than a few of the divers on these teams. Usually the coaches are only familiar with the divers in their own state and the handful of divers who participate at the highest levels of USA Diving’s Junior and Senior programs. Divers To College is the diver's best chance to reach the largest number of coaches.

Q. Why did Ron O’Brien start this service?

A. As a coach, he was continuously asked for advice on where a diver should attend college. It became obvious that college coaches and high school divers had a problem connecting with each other.

Q. What are the Teaching and Learning Styles Inventories?

A. These are unique questionnaires created by Dr. Don Greene, a renowned Sports Psychologist and former diver, and Dr. Ron O'Brien, 8-time US Olympic Diving Coach. Through a series of diving-specific questions, individual divers and coaches are able to identify their approaches to the learning process, in such categories as visual, kinesthetic, and cognitive learning, the relative amount of information given at any one time, and the preferred number of repetitions of dives done in daily practice.

Q. What about the matching process?

A. After divers and coaches validate their individual Teaching and Learning Profiles, they can be compared side-by-side to show specific areas where they match closely, as well as the categories where there is a noteworthy difference.

Q. When is the best year in school for divers to register?

A. The earlier in high school the better. By being visible to the registered diving coaches over a period of years, the coaches have more opportunities to find you and become familiar with your profile and what you are looking for in a college and coach. Also, by updating your information and video each year, coaches can follow your progress and improvement.

Q. Are there any NCAA rules we need to be aware of when using Divers To College?

A. No, all the procedures and information exchanged meets NCAA rules. College coaches need to be observant of NCAA rules regarding the diver’s grade in school and limitations on personal contact.

Q. Is it okay for divers to contact coaches?

A. Yes, once you have determined a definite interest in a particular college or coach you should call or email the coach to establish communication.

Q. Can I contact Ron O’Brien for advice and to answer questions?

A. Yes, by emailing your request to the website and asking for a response from him.

Q. Do I have to be a highly developed diver to even be considered by a college coach?

A. No, most college coaches are always looking for that “diamond in the rough” that they can turn into a successful college diver.

Q. How many colleges offer scholarships?

A. There are 142 NCAA Division I colleges that offer scholarships for men and 185 for women. At the Division II level there are 50 schools offering scholarships for men and 64 for women. Division III colleges do not offer athletic scholarships. Some NAIA and Junior Colleges also offer scholarships.

Q. Do divers need to be offered a scholarship to attend a Division I or II college and be a member of their diving team?

A. No, most of these schools have non-scholarship divers on their team.

If you have further questions please feel free to contact us.