Max McHugh, a four-time NCAA Division I national champion, has been named an assistant coach for the men's and women's swimming teams at Colorado College.
 
Following his graduation from the University of Minnesota in the spring of 2023, McHugh served as an assistant swimming coach at the University of St. Thomas for the 2023-24 season.
 
"Max brings a wealth of knowledge from his athletic experience as a Division I athlete and understands what it takes to compete at the highest level as an NCAA Champion and National team member," CC head coach Jen Buffin said. "His drive to be successful is going to have a significant impact on the development of our student-athletes as well as support our program's vision and goals."
 
In March 2023, McHugh finished his collegiate career by winning the NCAA 100 breaststroke title and finishing third in the 200 breast. He won three consecutive national titles in the 100 breast (2021, 2022, 2023), just the seventh male in NCAA history to win three consecutive titles in the event, and was also the 2021 NCAA Champion in the 200 breast.
 
He also won seven Big Ten titles and was named team MVP in four of his five seasons with the Gopher program. In addition, he was named the University of Minnesota Overall Student-Athlete of the Year in 2023.
 
"I am extremely excited to join the CC community and become a part of such an accomplished and passionate team," McHugh said. "It is clear to me why I was drawn to this program and eager to contribute. I look forward to collaborating with our talented student-athletes and staff to build on our legacy and reach new milestones together.
 
"I must thank Jen Buffin, (Director of Athletics) Lesley Irvine, and the entire search committee for their confidence in me and for making this opportunity possible. I can't wait to get started and contribute to our shared success."
 
McHugh was part of the 2021-22 U.S. National Team. In July 2021, he set a best time of 59.57 in the 100 breast, just 0.37 seconds shy of the time to make the 2023 World Championships team in the event.
 
McHugh excelled out of the pool as well. He was a first-team CSCAA Scholar All-American and an Academic All-Big Ten selection. He holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's in sports administration from the University of Minnesota, where he was a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Maroon and Gold Impacting the Community (MAGIC).