Congratulations to UGA Swimming and Diving‘s Abby McCulloh on being named the SEC H. Boyd McWhorter Scholar-Athlete of the Year!
Abby McCulloh’s remarkable achievements as a student-athlete at the University of Georgia (UGA) have set a new standard of excellence in collegiate sports. In 2025, she was honored with the Southeastern Conference (SEC) H. Boyd McWhorter Scholar-Athlete of the Year award, a testament to her exceptional performance both in the pool and in the classroom. This accolade not only recognizes her athletic prowess but also underscores her commitment to academic excellence and community service.
As a senior on the UGA Swimming & Diving team, McCulloh has consistently demonstrated her dominance in distance freestyle events. In 2024, she clinched the NCAA and SEC championships in the 1,650-yard freestyle, setting a new Bauerle Pool record with a time of 15:37.74 . Her victory was particularly poignant as it occurred in her home pool in Athens, Georgia. Additionally, McCulloh secured bronze medals in both the 500-yard freestyle at the SEC Championships and the 1,650-yard freestyle at the NCAA Championships, further solidifying her status as one of the nation’s premier distance swimmers.OpendorseSwimSwam+5SwimSwam+5SwimSwam+5SwimSwam
Throughout her collegiate career, McCulloh has earned four CSCAA First Team All-America honors and has been named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2022 and the SEC All-First Team in 2024. She currently holds the second-fastest times in UGA history for both the 1,000-yard and 1,650-yard freestyle events .SwimSwamSwimSwam+1SwimSwam+1
McCulloh’s academic achievements are equally impressive. She graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA in Journalism, complemented by a minor in Sport Management. Her dedication to her studies earned her the 2024 Joel Eaves Scholar-Athlete Award, presented to the UGA female senior student-athlete with the highest GPA entering the school year . Beyond the classroom, McCulloh has been an active member of the UGA community, serving as a student representative on the UGA Athletic Association Board of Directors and participating in various service organizations.
McCulloh’s commitment to service extends beyond her academic and athletic endeavors. She has volunteered with organizations such as Athens Church, Swim Across America, Hilinski’s Hope, and participated in the MLK Day of Service, demonstrating her dedication to making a positive impact in her community .SwimSwam
By receiving the SEC H. Boyd McWhorter Scholar-Athlete of the Year award, McCulloh joins an esteemed group of individuals who have excelled in both athletics and academics. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to current and future student-athletes, illustrating the possibility of balancing rigorous academic pursuits with elite athletic performance. McCulloh’s legacy at UGA is a testament to the values of hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence.
Abby McCulloh’s receipt of the SEC H. Boyd McWhorter Scholar-Athlete of the Year award is a well-deserved recognition of her exceptional contributions to collegiate athletics, academics, and community service. Her story exemplifies the holistic development of a student-athlete and sets a benchmark for future generations. As she moves forward, McCulloh’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence the world of collegiate sports.
