Webinar Recap – Featuring Tamara Reeves
If you're a swimmer (or a parent of one) dreaming about the U.S. college pathway, this one’s for you.
In our recent webinar, former New Zealand record-holder and Auburn University alum Natasha Lloyd took us inside the world of U.S. college swimming—breaking down everything from scholarships to training schedules, academic support, and what it actually takes to thrive in a high-performance team environment.
Whether you're just starting to think about college or knee-deep in the recruiting process, here are the key takeaways from someone who’s been through it—and is now helping Kiwi and Aussie athletes navigate their own journeys.
Natasha’s journey started in a tiny Christchurch club pool, where she was coached by Bridgette Maan. That foundation helped her secure a scholarship to Auburn University, one of the most competitive swim programs in the U.S.
She competed internationally for New Zealand, swam at the World Championships, and now leads Platform’s swim division—helping others step into their own U.S. college opportunities.
According to Natasha, the decision comes down to five big factors:
Believe it or not, it’s often cheaper to study and train in the U.S. than at home.
Scholarships can cover tuition, accommodation, food, race suits, travel, and more. With the right academic and athletic profile, many families pay less than $10,000 USD per year—a fraction of the cost back home.
Everything is designed around athlete success:
While swimming is often seen as an individual sport, college transforms it into a team-first environment.
“Every day feels like a relay,” Natasha explains. “You’ve got your whole squad cheering, banging kickboards, and lifting each other through the hardest sessions. That’s why so many Olympians come out of the college system.”
College swimming isn’t just about sport—it’s about preparing for life.
In just four years, athletes graduate with a U.S. degree that’s recognised worldwide, while gaining access to alumni networks, internships, and career mentorship.
From cross-cultural friendships to personal growth, Natasha says the journey changed her life:
“My teammates came from Brazil, Britain, the U.S.—we lived together, trained together, and still stay in touch. It’s an experience that shapes you.”
Natasha breaks down U.S. swim scholarships into three core components:
Add in free gear, travel, tutoring, and athlete support, and the value is huge.
But full-ride scholarships are rare—less than 7% of swimmers receive one. Most families receive a combination of:
The magic happens when you combine all three.
Here’s a quick example Natasha shared (women’s 100m breaststroke, short course):
There’s a 15-second range—which means more athletes qualify than they think. And if your grades are strong, you can unlock even more opportunities through academic funding.
There are multiple levels of U.S. colleges, and each has its strengths:
Each has swim teams and scholarship options. The key is finding the right fit based on your times, grades, and goals.
Every swimmer’s path is unique, but here’s how Natasha structures it:
And yes—you can transfer later if the fit isn’t right. You’re not locked in forever.
Natasha’s message is simple:
“You don’t have to commit today. But you deserve to know what’s possible.”
Even if you're unsure if the U.S. is right for you, learning about your options can help you make informed choices—and avoid regret later on.
Whether you're an athlete dreaming of U.S. college sport or a parent trying to understand what’s involved, this webinar delivers insights you won’t find anywhere else.
