NEW COMMIT: The University of Florida has successfully kept one of the top recruits in the state, and, as a matter of fact, the country, in the Sunshine State for her college career: Michaela Mattes of Sarasota has verbally committed to the Gators for 2023.
She told Swimming World:
“I’m so excited to announce that I will further my athletic and academic career at the University of Florida! Thank you to my family, coaches, teammates and friends who supported me through this process! I can’t wait to see what the future holds and to be a part Gator Nation! GO GATORS!!!!????”
Mattes, who trains with the Sarasota Sharks, placed ninth in the 800m free and 17th in the 400m free at Wave I of Olympic Trials back in June. She also won three events and was the runner-up in another at Florida Seniors this summer.
Mattes finished 10th in the 400m free, 11th in the 1500m free, and 13th in the 800m free at the Toyota U.S. Open last November. She also took fifth in both the 800m/1500m free at the TYR Pro Swim Series – San Antonio in January before going on to collect three gold medals at the Florida Senior South Championships.
Her best times include:
- 500 free – 4:42.98
- 1000 free – 9:46.56
- 1650 free – 16:21.06
- 400 IM – 4:15.39
- 200 free – 1:48.54
- 200 fly – 1:59.20
- 200 IM – 2:01.10
Also competing for Cardinal Mooney School, Mattes won both the 200 IM and 500 free as a sophomore while taking second and first, respectively, in those events as a freshman at the Florida 1A State Championships. She has also earned USA Swimming Scholastic All-American honors.
Mattes will be a great addition to the Gators’ roster when she arrives in Gainesville as a member of the Class of 2027. She will overlap one year with Elise Bauer and Lain Shahboz who both raced the 500 and mile at the 2021 NCAA Championships.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
