We spoke to former Zimbabwean swimmer and Carlow man Brendan Ashby (35), who attended the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, on a swim scholarship 2000-2004.
Irish amateur golfer Paul Dunne, who caused such a stir at The Open, is also a graduate of an Alabama school and the product of a sport scholarship programme.
Ashby - who was born in Zimbabwe to Irish parents - qualified for the men's 100m backstroke and 50m and 100m freestyle events at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.
He also competed at the 2003 and 2001 World Championships and holds the 100m and 200m backstroke records in Zimbabwe.
What University did you attend?
I went to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, which is one of the two main colleges in Alabama. Auburn University being the other... The University of Alabama Birmingham is a smaller school but has a good golf team, primarily down to the fact that they recruit internationally and give student athletes from around the world a chance to attend university in the United States.
Brendan Ashby wears Alabama U Crimson Tide colours
How did you win a scholarship?
I was recruited by several colleges in the US and decided on The University of Alabama because they had a top 10 swimming programme and a really good business school. One of my really good friends also attended which helped in the decision-making process.
What did you study while you were there?
I studied business in college with a concentration on Marketing and Finance
What were the conditions like?
The Universities far supersede anything I have witnessed in other countries. They are massive institutions, often times with in excess of 30-50,000 students.
Was your tuition covered?
Yes my tuition was covered. Most of the Division 1 or larger more established colleges have impressive sports programmes. These programmes make tens to hundreds of millions of dollars each year from their American football, basketball and baseball teams by way of ticket sales, sponsorship, merchandising and TV rights. These funds are obviously used to fund other sports teams, and as such smaller sports such as golf and swimming benefit. Often times providing the best in class facilities as well as allowing these teams to recruit the most talented student athletes from around the world.
Brendan Ashby (second to right), pictured here with his UA swim teammates at the Athens Olympics, 2004
How important were grades?
Grades are very important and are indeed a requirement to maintain your scholarship. The sports programmes provide student athletes with specialist study halls and free private tutors to ensure the student athletes maintain the grades to keep them eligible under the student athlete governing body (NCAA).
What's in it for the college?
The colleges pride themselves on having the best sports programmes which helps with raising the profiles of the colleges and upping the enrolment figures year on year. A college like the University of Alabama is best known for its American football team and prides itself on having a top 10 team year after year.
Did you enjoy the experience?
Yes the experience was amazing and I would highly recommend it to any aspiring athletes to broaden their horizons both academically and give themselves the best opportunity of reaching their sporting goals.
Did you intend to pursue swimming, or were you pursuing your education?
Swimming is not a sport you can really continue professionally, so I personally took advantage of the scholarship to see how far I could get in my swimming career while getting as good an education as I possibly could without having to rack up student loans!
However, Ashby says some of the swimmers who were studying alongside him at Alabama universities have enjoyed great success, "My good friend and Zimbabwe teammate Kirsty Coventry, who went to college in Alabama at Auburn University won gold, silver and bronze medals at the 2004 Olympic games. She is the most decorated female swimmer in Olympic history".
What would you say to other people who might like to pursue sport scholarships?
To anyone interested in pursuing their chosen sport and attempting to go professional a scholarship to an American university will give you the best opportunity. The sports programmes are run like professional organisations and studying is built around your training schedule. I can’t imagine a better place to give you the training that is required to turn professional.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham's homepage paid tribute to golfer Paul Dunne last week
Paul Dunne went to University of Alabama, Birmingham. Is UAB's golf programme well regarded in the States?
University of Alabama, Birmingham wasn’t my campus, but so many of the schools in the South have good golf programmes because the climate is good pretty much year round. There is a vast array of golf courses too and the universities have top of the range facilities to allow the golfers to practice their game in a structured monitored environment daily.
Some of Ireland's best-known athletes have also benefited from scholarships at US universities. Sonia O'Sullivan and Eamon Coghlan spoke to Off the Ball about their experiences earlier this year.
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