Andrea “Mitch” D’arrigo
With the preferred name, Mitch, D’arrigo is a natural freestyle specialist from the University of Florida. Originally from Rome, Italy, D’arrigo was a five-star recruit coming out of Gainesville P.K. Yonge and initially had committed to the University of Virginia before attending Florida. D’arrigo is an eight-time NCAA All-American prior to beginning his junior year.
Gainesville P.K. Yonge
D’arrigo grew up in Italy, and often would vacation to the U.S. state of Florida growing up. As his older brother went to study at the University of Miami, D’arrigo desired to train and study in the U.S. as well. He attended Gainesville P.K. Yonge for a few years prior to stepping on Florida’s campus for the first time.
Although Florida heavily recruited D’arrigo the five-star recruit chose the University of Virginia; however, a week before classes started the school had a conflict with D’arrigo missing courses for the World Junior Championships. Administration ultimately denied him permission to compete in the meet, and he made the decision to return to Gainesville.
University of Florida
2013-2014
Expected to make big waves immediately, D’arrigo won three silver medals at the SEC Championships in each of his individual events — the 500, 200 and 1,650 yard freestyles. He advanced to the NCAA Championships, where he had a huge breakout meet. D’arrigo finished 6th in the 500-yard free, 7th in both the 200-yard free and the 1,650-yard free and was a member of Florida’s runner-up 800-yard free relay. D’arrigo was named the SEC Freshman of the Year.
2014-2015
As a sophomore D’arrigo won two SEC Championships, including his first individual SEC title in the 500-yard free in addition to the 800-yard free relay. At the NCAA Championships D’arrigo won four more All-America honors coming in individual and relay events. On day one D’arrigo had the 500-yard free, which he finished 6th in with a more reserved front half of his race. On day two D’arrigo had the 200-yard free, and he missed out on the championship final but still scored points for Florida as he finished 13th overall and 5th in the consolation final — he also helped his team finish 7th in the 800-yard free. On the last day D’arrigo finished 16th in the mile.
International Competition
D’arrigo has dual citizenship between Italy and the United States of America, but has represented Italy from the European Championships to the World Junior Championships. At a younger age D’arrigo won the 100 and 200-meter free races at the 2011 European Youth Olympic Festival and was a member of Italy’s 2011 World Junior Championship roster. More recently he won a silver medal at the 2014 European Championships in the 400-meter free and won two bronze medals at the 2013 World Junior Championships.
