TOLEDO, Ohio - University of Toledo director of cross country and track & field Andrea Grove-McDonough was recently named to the Team USA track & field coaching staff for the 2021 Summer World University Games in Chengdu, China. Grove-McDonough will serve as the assistant coach in charge of men's and women's middle distance and long distance events.

Opening ceremonies are set for Aug. 18. Track & field competition is scheduled to take place Aug. 23-28.

Grove-McDonough is entering her second season as Toledo's director of cross country and track & field. She has 12 years of collegiate head coaching experience in cross country and track & field. She previously held head coaching positions at North Carolina, Iowa State and UConn.

"I'm incredibly excited about the opportunity to have been selected as a member of the U.S. coaching staff for the 2021 World University Games," said Grove-McDongough. "I've had the honor of competing at the World University Games twice as an athlete so to come full circle now and be back at these games as a national team coach is really special. While I've had several athletes over my career compete on their respective national teams this is my first time as an official Team USA coach. 

"I am looking forward to being part of such a great staff, many of whom I've known for years both professionally and personally. I appreciate being tabbed by Head Coach Andrew Dubs for this role and for his confidence in me to help select and coach the athletes who will run the men's and women's middle- and long-distance events."

The World University Games are organized by the International University Sports Federation and held every other year. The event, which features 18 sports, is open to men and women between the ages of 17 and 24 who are currently or have been in the past year a student at a college or university.