In this episode of Lane One: Making Waves, Summer sits down with Lori Payne from American College Connection — one of the most trusted voices in college swimming recruiting.
With decades of experience as a swimmer, coach, and recruiting advisor, Lori breaks down what athletes really need to know about finding the right program.
We cover:
- The biggest misconceptions about recruiting
- What college coaches look for beyond fast times
- How to stand out — even if you aren’t a “top recruit”
- How NIL actually impacts swimmers (and what families often misunderstand)
- The role academics play
- Practical advice for 15–16 year olds getting started
Whether you're a swimmer dreaming of competing in college or a parent trying to support your athlete, this episode is packed with clarity, honesty, and wisdom from someone who’s helped countless swimmers find their perfect fit.
- ACC - American College Connection Website: https://accrecruits.com/