Vanda Megyesi, a Hungarian breaststroke specialist, has verbally committed to join the Washington State University swimming team in the fall of 2027. This announcement marks an exciting development in her athletic career, as she prepares to take her swimming prowess to new heights. With her dedication and determination, Megyesi is poised to make a significant impact on the team and the conference.
Megyesi's swimming prowess is evident in her recent performances. At the XVIII. GYOR Open in December, she logged three new personal best times, showcasing her versatility in breaststroke, sprint free, and fly events. Her times in the 50 breast (33.30) and 100 breast (1:13.38) were particularly impressive, indicating her potential as a strong contributor to the team's success.
At the 2026 Hungarian National Championships, Megyesi further solidified her talent. She placed 7th in the 50 breast (33.01) and 9th in the 200 breast (2:36.11), demonstrating her ability to perform at a high level in both sprint and longer distance events. Her times in the 50 free (28.50) and 100 breast (1:13.08) also stood out, highlighting her versatility and speed.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Megyesi's commitment is her projected impact on the Washington State team. Based on her times, she would have ranked 3rd in the 50 breast and 200 breast and 5th in the 100 breast during the 2026 Mountain West Conference Championships. This places her in a strong position to contribute to the team's success from the start, especially with the graduation of top breaststroker Emily Lundgren.
The addition of Megyesi to the team is further strengthened by the presence of other talented swimmers, including Rebecca Welch, Tessa Aberle, Ayla Vodak, and Amy Hempenstall. These swimmers, along with Megyesi, will form a powerful training group, pushing each other to new heights and fostering a culture of excellence.
In my opinion, Megyesi's commitment to Washington State is a significant development in college swimming. Her talent, versatility, and dedication make her a valuable asset to any team. As she embarks on this new chapter, I am excited to see how she will contribute to the team's success and the conference as a whole. The future looks bright for Megyesi and the Washington State swimming program.