Florida sophomore Anita Bottazzo, a seven-time All-American and SEC breaststroke champion, announced she is entering the transfer portal following a breakout season with the Gators. (Photo courtesy of Audrey Djuricich/FloridaGators.com)

Gators Lose Standout Swimmer Anita Bottazzo to Transfer Portal

Gators swimming is losing one of its biggest weapons to the transfer 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 international recruit, Bottazzo arrived at Florida in 2024 from Venice, Italy. It didn’t take long for her to make waves.

The seven-time All-American was a proven winner throughout her two years in Gainesville. At this year’s SEC Championships, she swept the breaststroke events, becoming the first swimmer to do so since 2006. Her two conference titles contributed to 64 individual points at the meet in February, where the Gators finished third.

In March, Bottazzo finished runner-up in the 100-yard breaststroke at the NCAA Championships with a time of 57.00. She and teammate Grace Rabb placed sixth and seventh, respectively, in the 200-yard breaststroke. Bottazzo also competed in both medley relays, with each team finishing in the top five. The 200 medley relay group broke a program record with a time of 1:33.92. Florida closed out the NCAA Championships with a 10th-place finish.

As for potential landing spots, Virginia could prove to be a strong fit. The Cavaliers claimed their sixth straight national title to close the season and are set to lose key contributors. Emma Weber and Zoe Skirboll, the only Virginia swimmers to place in the breaststroke events at NCAAs, are graduating, leaving room for a replacement.

Texas could also be in the mix. The Longhorns defended their SEC title and placed third nationally, but had limited depth in the 100 breaststroke at NCAAs. Sophomore Piper Enge was the program’s only scorer in the event, and Lindsey Hosch, another listed breaststroke specialist, is set to graduate.

Considering the breakout season she is coming off, Bottazzo will be one of the top prospects in the portal with two years of eligibility remaining.

Category: Gators Swimming and Diving, NCAA