Gators Lose Standout Swimmer Anita Bottazzo to Transfer Portal – WRUF 98.1 FM | 850 AM

Gators swimming is dropping considered one of its largest weapons to the switch portal.

Sophomore Anita Bottazzo broke the news on Instagram with a heartfelt message to Gator Nation.

“Being a Gator will always mean so much to me, and I will carry that pride and love with me forever,” Bottazzo wrote.

An worldwide recruit, Bottazzo arrived at Florida in 2024 from Venice, Italy. It didn’t take lengthy for her to make waves.

The seven-time All-American was a confirmed winner all through her two years in Gainesville. At this 12 months’s SEC Championships, she swept the breaststroke occasions, turning into the primary swimmer to take action since 2006. Her two convention titles contributed to 64 particular person factors on the meet in February, the place the Gators completed third.

In March, Bottazzo completed runner-up within the 100-yard breaststroke on the NCAA Championships with a time of 57.00. She and teammate Grace Rabb positioned sixth and seventh, respectively, within the 200-yard breaststroke. Bottazzo additionally competed in each medley relays, with every crew ending within the prime 5. The 200 medley relay group broke a program file with a time of 1:33.92. Florida closed out the NCAA Championships with a Tenth-place end.

As for potential touchdown spots, Virginia might show to be a powerful match. The Cavaliers claimed their sixth straight nationwide title to shut the season and are set to lose key contributors. Emma Weber and Zoe Skirboll, the one Virginia swimmers to position within the breaststroke occasions at NCAAs, are graduating, leaving room for a substitute.

Texas is also within the combine. The Longhorns defended their SEC title and positioned third nationally, however had restricted depth within the 100 breaststroke at NCAAs. Sophomore Piper Enge was this system’s solely scorer within the occasion, and Lindsey Hosch, one other listed breaststroke specialist, is about to graduate.

Considering the breakout season she is coming off, Bottazzo will probably be one of many prime prospects within the portal with two years of eligibility remaining.

Category: Gators Swimming and Diving, NCAA