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Katie McLaughlin, one of the most highly-coveted recruits in the nation last year who signed with California for her freshman year this year, will cut short her stay at California this semester.
McLaughlin, who suffered a neck injury during the team’s training trip in Hawaii and only recently rejoined the team competitively at the Pac 12 Championships, has elected to return to Southern California to finish rehabbing her injury with friends and family to serve as a support system.
McLaughlin, a bronze medalist at the 2014 Pan Pacific Championships, was unable to qualify for this year’s NCAA Championships. She was only able to post a 51st-ranked 1:46.20 in the 200-yard free, a 53rd-ranked 49.06 in the 100-yard free and a 55th-ranked 1:57.77 in the 200-yard fly this year.
“Currently, Katie is working through the rehabilitation process and getting back to 100 percent,” California head coach Teri McKeever said. “After talking with her family, they decided it was in Katie’s best interest to return home to Southern California for the remainder of this semester so she can focus on making a full physical recovery. Katie’s health is of paramount concern to us and we will continue to support her throughout this process. She is a true Golden Bear. We look forward to Katie’s return and will support her every step of the way.”
McLaughlin is on record saying she plans on returning to the team as soon as she is able to complete her recovery.
“Throughout the course of the past couple of months, I have been working hard to recover fully from the injury I sustained,” McLaughlin said. “Although I was able to return to competition recently, I believe it is most important for me to get back to 100 percent as soon as possible. I want to be at my best for my team and coaches and excel at everything I do athletically and academically. So, after talking with my family, my coach Teri McKeever and my doctors, the decision was made that returning home to Southern California for the remainder of the semester will allow me to focus on making a full recovery and returning to Cal as quickly as possible. I truly appreciate the support of my family, friends, teammates and coaches and look forward to getting back on campus and rejoining my teammates soon.”
The big question is whether one of the up-and-coming butterfly stars in the United States can get back into form for a potential Olympic berth at Trials later this summer. Women’s butterfly is one of the areas where the United States women are not super deep, and anyone with the type of talent McLaughlin has when healthy could pick up a spot.
Praying for your full recovery Katie. You can do it!! Love you!
Katie I have all the faith that you will make a full and speedy recovery! We are all pulling for you. So proud of the young woman you have become!