UVic Swimming

Q1: What are you looking for in a ‘Vikes’ swimmer?

We are looking for athletes who want a comprehensive and supportive program that allows them to reach their highest aspirations in the sport. Several other factors are also considered: commitment to the sport, swimming background, versatility, recommendation from coach, your times, and your potential.

Q2: How fast do my times have to be to make the team?

The University season begins in September and culminates in the CIS Championships (the end of February). In order to compete in these Championships, swimmers must meet the qualifying standard for entry, which is close to the senior national standard. Therefore, most of the athletes that we actively recruit are at or are approaching the senior national level. However, we are also looking for athletes with the attributes in Q1.

At two pools: McKinnon Pool (25m) on the University campus and Saanich Commonwealth Place (50m), likely the best pool in the country and located 10 km away. In addition, dryland facilities, including the largest weight facility in Western Canada, and access to an on-site physiotherapy clinic should the need arise.

Q4: How often does the Team Train?

The schedule will differ depending on the needs and goals of individual athletes, training history, academic schedule and time of year. Athletes normally to train 8-11 times per week and can choose from 16 two-hour training sessions, depending on academic scheduling.

Q5: How much time should I be prepared to commit to the Vikes Swim Team?

The ability to prioritize and manage time is an important part of the educational experience for ‘Vikes’ student athletes. The amount of time team members commit to the swim team is significant and requires dedication and discipline on the part of the student athlete. In addition to daily practices and a Xmas training camp, the team competes in approximately one competitive meet per month. Whenever possible, meets are arranged around university exam schedules and require little travel or time away from school.

Q6: If the University competitive swim season (September-March) and competitions are primarily short-course, why do I need to train in a long-course pool? Also, do I need to train during long course season (April-July)?

Some athletes restrict their training to the short-course season; however, the UVic swim team is looking for athletes who want a comprehensive and supportive program that allows them to reach their highest aspirations in the sport. This includes the opportunity to compete in Canadian and World University Championships (FISU Games) as well as other national and/or international events. Also, UVic, like other Canadian universities, is currently shifting away from a two-semester (fall, winter) toward a three-semester system (fall, winter, summer) that will increasingly result in student-athletes remaining on campus throughout both short- and long-course seasons.

Q7: Can I continue to train and compete with my home Club while also swimming with the ‘Vikes’?

We believe that the home club relationship is of paramount importance to an athlete’s progress throughout their university swimming career. Ideally, an effective working partnership is developed involving the home club, the athlete, and the UVic swim team. During the short course season, athletes train with the UVic swim team and represent the university in selected competitions.

Students who wish to represent their club in SNC designated events during the academic year often do so under their club banner, with Varsity recognition (LOSC/UVic, GOLD/UVic, ETOB/UVic, UVic-PCS/UVic, etc.). Students who continue to train with the university over the summer due to academics generally represent their home club during the long course season.

Q8: How will swimming affect my academic performance?

Twenty-five percent of Vikes swim team members were also academic All Canadians last year. Over the years, many have gone on to law school, medical school and graduate programs (Masters, PhD, MBA).

Q9: Are athletic scholarships or other sources of financial assistance available?

Yes, some athletic scholarships and other sources of financial assistance (bursaries) are available. Funding levels are better than most and competitive with all other Canadian universities (e.g., covering up to 50%-75% of annual tuition fees).

Q10: If I do not receive a scholarship in my first year, can I earn one the following year or years?

Yes. In fact, this often happens.

Q 11: Why should I come to UVic rather than another Canadian or American University?

UVic is consistently ranked as one of the top comprehensive universities in the country (MacLean’s magazine). It offers an ideal university environment for numerous undergraduate and graduate students; its teaching and research resources and facilities are among the best. The University’s athletic programs are also first-rate. Its swim program is a unique collegiate program that aims to fulfill the individual athletic and academic needs of both National and International caliber athletes. Its top-notch coaching and world-class facilities support a program that has proven itself in the past and is committed toward the future. Other reasons include lower tuition, Canadian universities tend to be more aware of and responsive to the needs of Canadian swimmers, and men’s and women’s teams train and compete together rather than separately, and so on. And, for those who love the ocean, the outdoors and a temperate climate along with an urban environment that offers the best of everything, Victoria can’t be beat!