Calgary’s Nathan Versluys reflects on swimming career, team culture and the value of consistency
For Nathan Versluys, his time with the University of Calgary Dinos men’s swim team was about more than podium finishes or chasing personal bests. It was about building lifelong friendships, embracing the grind, and learning the value of consistency, in the pool and beyond.
The geography major recently wrapped up his varsity swimming career with the Dinos and is now easing into a new chapter as a surveyor. But the memories of early morning practices, training camps in Florida, and raucous team bus rides still resonate.
“Looking back on it, just a lot of fond memories,” said Versluys.
“Great relationships that I’ll probably have for the rest of my life, lifelong friends, lifelong mentors and coaches.”
A distance specialist in the 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle, Versluys gravitated toward endurance events, drawn to the challenge of long training sessions and the mental toughness they demanded. He anchored the Dinos’ efforts in both individual and relay events, including the 4x200m freestyle relay, often helping put the team in medal contention.
“There’s a pressure to perform, not just for yourself but for the team,” he said.
“You’re trying to win banners, score points, and move us up the university rankings.”
That sense of purpose helped drive his development as a student-athlete. While he admits he struggled with time management early on, he credits swimming with instilling discipline that translated into the classroom.
“I learned to manage my time better and not procrastinate as much. It’s about knowing what works for you, staying on top of things so you don’t have to choose between school and swimming.”
Versluys’ commitment to excellence extended beyond the pool. In recognition of his achievements in both academics and athletics, he was named a 2023-24 U SPORTS Top 8 Academic All-Canadian, an honour reserved for student-athletes who maintain an academic average of 80 per cent or higher while competing at the highest level of university sport.
His dedication also paid off in Calgary’s team success. One of his standout memories is helping the Dinos capture their first Canada West banner in a decade. The celebration, he says, was unforgettable.
“We were on the bus back from Lethbridge, and all the guys were just singing non-stop,” he said.
“Mike [the coach] thought we’d all be asleep after 20 minutes, but it was a two-hour bus ride and we were just being loud and obnoxious. It was so fun.”
Versluys also cherished the annual Christmas training camps in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. While the workouts were sometimes tough, the downtime in the evenings brought the team closer together.
“Everyone would be playing cards or crib or games at night. You remember those nights more than almost anything else.”
Versluys’ swimming journey began with summer lessons and eventually took over his winter sports calendar, replacing hockey. Drawn to both the individual and team aspects of the sport, he found a natural fit in swimming.
“I liked that it was about your performance, but you also contributed to a team score,” he said.
“There’s a relay, a team banner — it’s not just about you.”
The culture within the Dinos swim program also stood out. Upper-year athletes mentored rookies, helping them navigate varsity life, which Versluys said was key to his own growth.
“The fifth-year vets were always there to let you know if you were doing something right, or not. It helps you get through it.”
Even after stepping away from competitive swimming, Versluys still finds his way to the pool three times a week, not to chase records, but to reconnect with a lifelong rhythm.
“If I spend too much time out of the water, I just don’t feel right,” he said.
“I really miss competing, but what I miss most is the team. Just showing up every day, being with a group of people who are all trying to be their best.”
Off the pool deck, Versluys has leaned into other interests. He enjoys biking in the summer, watching the Tour de France, European football, and American football.
Though he’s unsure of what the future holds professionally, Versluys says he’s taking things in stride, confident that the consistency and resilience he built through swimming will serve him well.
“If you want something, you’ve got to work for it,” he said. “Just be consistent. If you keep working at it and do everything right, it usually ends up in your favour.”
His advice for incoming student-athletes?
“Live in the moment and enjoy it. It goes by a lot faster than you think.”