MINNEAPOLIS – Loyola University Maryland's swimming and diving program will once again be represented at the upcoming Paralympic Games in Tokyo, as 2018 alumna McKenzie Coan and junior McClain Hermes each earned a spot on the United States roster following the completion of trials over the weekend.

Coan, the reigning world champion in the 100 and 400-meter freestyle, will be making her third appearance in the Paralympics while Hermes is on the roster for a second time. A total of 34 swimmers (24 women, 10 men) will compete for the United States at the Paralympics, which are scheduled to take place from August 24 – September 5.

Loyola has had several Paralympic standouts in recent years, a legacy which will continue this summer. Head coach Brian Loeffler was honored as the Paralympic National Coach of the Year in 2014 after guiding four Paralympic athletes to one world and 10 American records.



Coan was a three-time gold medalist at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro after winning the 50m, 100m and 400m free events, and she is a 10-time medalist (five gold, five silver) at the World championships. Hermes, who will be entering her third season with the Greyhounds this fall, cracked the top eight in the 100 backstroke in Rio and claimed gold in the 400 free at the 2017 World championships.
 
Stephen Machak, a 2021 graduate who earned Loyola's Diane Geppi-Aikens Inspiration Award at the Iggys ceremony this spring, also competed for Team USA at the trials last week. 



A total of 146 swimming events will take place at this summer's Paralympic Games, with competition running from August 24 – September 3 in Tokyo.