Headcount Sport
A headcount sport is one where each scholarship must be a full ride and counts as one against the team total. NCAA D1 women's swimming is a headcount sport with 14 full scholarships per team — funded swimmers get full COA, and walk-ons fill the rest of the roster.
D1 men's basketball, women's basketball, women's tennis, women's gymnastics, women's volleyball, and women's swimming are the NCAA's headcount sports. Every funded athlete in these sports receives a full ride; partial scholarships do not exist.
Practical impact for women's D1 swim recruits: there are only 14 funded spots per team. Recruits below the top 14 are recruited as walk-ons (preferred or recruited) and pay regular COA — though many ultimately get aid through academics or need-based grants.
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