Abacoa & Alton Neighbors - April 2026

10 A B A C O A & A LT O N N E I G H B O R S | A P R I L 2 0 2 6 A STUDENT-ATHLETE’S PERSPECTIVE OF LIFE ON THE KU SWIM TEAM T housands of yards, countless flip turns, and endless hours of practice - just some of the many ingredients that make up a swimmer. Hidden beneath the spotlight of football, basketball, and hockey lies swimming. When does this incredible sport get the recognition it deserves? Across the world, swimming is overshadowed by more popular sports, where athletes are paid more, given better facilities, and supported by a larger and more visible fan base. Many people are unaware of the hardships and dedication required to become a successful collegiate swimmer. Five a.m. alarms and over 20 hours of training each week often mean sacrificing a social life. Floridian winters bring outdoor practices in 37-degree wind chills. Chlorine becomes your perfume, and your teammates become your family. Every sacrifice is made in pursuit of a shared goal: the national championship trophy. The moment where everything finally feels worth it. Since the Keiser University swimming and diving program began just 10 years ago, the men’s team has claimed six national championship wins, while the women have earned four. With more wins than losses, the Swim and Dive team is undeniably impressive. This success reveals the pure power and strength of the program while also drawing attention to how resources and recognition can vary by sport. The average Olympic swimmer earns roughly $40,000 a year, while the average NFL player's salary sits around $3.2 million. That’s nearly an 8,000% difference. For most athletes, making a career out of swimming is almost impossible. Swimmers stay in the sport not for fame or money, but because of genuine love and passion, which drives everything they do. Swimming also suffers from incredibly low media visibility outside of the Olympics, leaving athletes without the high-profile platforms other sports enjoy year-round. On many campuses, swimming goes largely Keiser University – Flagship Campus - By Eve Mair - - Photos provided by Keiser University Athletics - Chlorine and Sacrifice