Alumni Spotlight: Abby Johnston McGrath

DURHAM, N.C. – GoDuke.com caught up with former Duke diver and Olympic silver medalist Abby Johnston McGrath, as she answered questions about the work she is currently doing and her time at Duke.

During her collegiate career, McGrath was a four-time All-American and won the National Championship on the three-meter board in 2011. She emulated great success at the conference level as well, being named the ACC Most Valuable Diver and ACC Diver of the Meet twice, each. In addition, the Upper Arlington, Ohio native swept the one- and three-meter boards at the 2010 and 2011 ACC Championships.

Check out what McGrath is currently up to and some reflections on her time as a Blue Devil below…

What is your current occupation?
"Emergency room resident at Duke Hospital."

How did Duke prepare you for your career?
"Being a part of the swim & dive team showed me how to work with people from diverse backgrounds towards a common goal. Medicine takes a lot of teamwork, especially in the emergency room when we are caring for critically ill patients. I thrive on the adrenaline, because it's so similar to being a college athlete."

How has COVID-19 impacted you?
"I am caring for COVID-19 positive patients every day and truly seeing the devastating impact this virus is having on people. Fortunately, our hospital is well stocked with PPE and I feel protected as much as possible, but there is always the fear of getting it and bringing it home to my family."

Do you have any fun hobbies?
"Chasing around my 1-year-old daughter! It is incredible to watch her grow and change every day. She loves the water and it makes me so happy that she got that trait from me."

What is your favorite DSDT memory?
"My favorite memory was ACCs at Georgia Tech my sophomore year. That team was magical and it was so much fun competing but also supporting my teammates."

What was one thing that you picked up or did following your athletic career?
"Running. Well kinda…I am trying to be a runner, but it's not going great."

If you could go back in time to the beginning of your freshman year, what is one piece of advice you would tell yourself?
"You belong at Duke for a reason, don't be intimidated!"

What message would you give to the current DSDT team?
"There's nothing better than post-Saturday morning brunch with your teammates."

#GoDuke

Alumni Spotlight: Abby Johnston McGrath

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