July 10, 2017
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Arguably the most improved swimmer in the nation, Penn State women's swimmer Ally McHugh (Philadelphia, Pa.) was named to the U.S. roster for next month's World University Games, in Taipei City, Taiwan, Aug. 20-27.
McHugh will race in the 400-meter individual medley, a race she finished fourth in at U.S. Phillips 66 Nationals in June. She will be joined in Taiwan by Penn State men's swimming alum Shane Ryan, who will be swimming for Ireland. The World University Games features swimmers ages 17-23 who are current college students or recent graduates.
"I'm really excited!" said McHugh. "A lot of things worked in my favor. I wasn't expecting to make a big team this summer. I think my coaches and I were looking into next summer and making those teams next summer. It all came a little earlier than expected, but I'm really happy with it."
McHugh finished in the Top 12 in all four of the events she competed in at Nationals, June 27-July 1, and surpassed all four of her personal bests entering the meet. According to SwimSwam.com, her plus-38 performance versus her pre-meet seeding was the best by any swimmer -- men's or women's -- at Nationals.
"I had a really good meet," said McHugh. "I wasn't expecting to go that fast, but I did, so all the training paid off."
The rising junior has seen dramatic improvement in long course events since arriving in Happy Valley, positioning her well for success at the national and now international stage.
400m IM
Before Penn State: 4:52.05
At Penn State: 4:40.25
Difference: -11.80 seconds
400m Free
Before Penn State: 4:28.19
At Penn State: 4:11.74
Difference: -16.45 seconds
800m Free
Before Penn State: 9:24.12
At Penn State: 8:35.01
Difference: -49.11 seconds
1500m Free
Before Penn State: 18:25.83
At Penn State: 16:16.20
Difference: -2:09.63
McHugh credits much of her success this season to assistant coach Erik Posegay, who joined the Nittany Lion staff prior to the season, and her teammates.
"Erik refocused my training on to my strengths and focusing on my weaker parts in my races, so that I could improve them, and it showed," said McHugh. "My weaknesses actually were my strengths at this meet. He really helped me find a new sense of confidence in myself and my abilities, and I think that helped me with all of the success I've had this year, especially from Big Tens, to NCAAs, to nationals, and now this new meet. I don't think I would have been able to do it without his training.
"My teammates have obviously been there during practice, so just having a team and a support system between the coaches and the team really helps."
McHugh is one of 40 swimmers on the United States roster and the first Penn State woman since Amy Modglin in 2011. Melissa Rodriguez competed in the 2013 games for Mexico.
It will not only be McHugh's first international meet, but her first trip out of the country.
"The furthest trip I have been on is to California," said McHugh. "I've never been out of the country, so it will be cool to go to [Taiwan] for the first time."