The Marshall University women have reeled in a verbal commitment from Rachel Hughes, a native of Louisville, Kentucky. Hughes is a swimmer for Cardinal Aquatics, and will graduate from Chrisitan Academy-Louisville High School.
Last season, Hughes was a 2-time finalist at the Kentucky Region 5 Championships. Her highest finish at that meet came in the 100 breast, where she was 6th overall. She also placed 7th in the 100 fly.
With her swims at regionals, Hughes advanced to the 2016 Kentucky State Championships in both the 100 breast and 100 fly. She narrowly missed the champiopnship final in the 100 breast at that meet, placing 9th overall. In the 100 fly, she finished 16th in a career-best 59.02.
Hughes’ Top Times:
| Event | Best Time |
| 100 breast | 1:05.08 |
| 200 breast | 2:21.79 |
| 200 IM | 2:11.61 |
| 400 IM | 4:41.29 |
| 100 fly | 59.02 |
Hughes should be an immediate factor for the Thundering Herd at the C-USA Championships. Last season, her personal best 1:05.08 would’ve been good enough to score in the B-final of the C-USA meet. She also would’ve landed in the B-final of the 200 breast with her 2:21.79.
At Marshall, Hughes will train with now-juniors Lauren Cowher and Emma Lockyer. At 2016 C-USAs, Lockyer was a B-finalist in the 200 breast, while Cowher was a B-finalist in the 100 breast.
If you have a commitment to report, please send an email to [email protected].