Futures C-Finalist Talia Bugel Commits to Bucknell

Fitter and Faster Swim Camps is the proud sponsor of SwimSwam’s College Recruiting Channel and all commitment news. For many, swimming in college is a lifelong dream that is pursued with dedication and determination. Fitter and Faster is proud to honor these athletes and those who supported them on their journey.

Talia Bugel, a senior at Fox Chapel Area High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has verbally committed to Bucknell University.

“I chose Bucknell because of it’s outstanding commitment to academics and the swimming/diving program.  I love the coaches, the team, the facility, and the beautiful campus!”

Bugel specializes in backstroke. At the 2022 PIAA Girls 3A Swimming & Diving Championships, Bugel placed 8th in the 100 back, and was part of the 2nd-finishing 200 medley relay, where she also swam back. Her individual performance is also an improvement from her sophomore year, when she finished 9th in the 100 back.

Bugel also swims for the Fox Chapel Killer Whales. At the 2022 Futures Championships in Geneva, Ohio, Bugel placed 18th in the 100 LCM back, and 19th in the 200 back. Earlier, in the spring, she competed at the 2022 Southern Region Speedo Champ Series, where she placed 3rd in the 100 back and won silver in the 200 back.

In addition, Bugel has a Futures cut in the 200 back.

Best short-course yards times:

• 50 free: 24.36
• 100 free: 52.89
• 100 back: 55.68
• 200 back: 2:00.00

Bucknell University is a member of the Patriot League. At the 2022 Patriot League Women’s Championships, Bucknell finished 2nd out of 10 teams, narrowly beating out the U.S. Military Academy. At that meet and if she swam her best time, Bugel would’ve out-performed every other Bucknell swimmer in the 200 back to take 5th place. She also would’ve been the top-performing Bucknell swimmer in the 100 back, finishing 7th.

The university, however, is bringing in a number of freshmen this year to bulk up its backstroke program. Incoming Emma Feld, for example, has a 2:00.12 best time in the 200 back, promising Bugel tough competition when she arrives in 2023. Another new freshman, Kyla Kelly, has Futures cuts in both the 100 and 200 back.

Bugel joins Sydney Dettman, a butterflier and freestyler, as well as Virginia Hastings, a freestyler and IMer, for the fall of 2023 so far.

If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected].

About the Fitter and Faster Swim Tour 

Fitter & Faster Swim Camps feature the most innovative teaching platforms for competitive swimmers of all levels. Camps are produced year-round throughout the USA and Canada. All camps are led by elite swimmers and coaches. Visit fitterandfaster.com to find or request a swim camp near you.

FFT SOCIAL

Instagram – @fitterandfasterswimtour
Facebook – @fitterandfastertour
Twitter – @fitterandfaster

^{FFT is a SwimSwam partner.}