NEW COMMITS: The University of Georgia has landed two new verbal commitments for the fall of 2021 from Mia Abruzzo of Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, and Portland, Oregon native Lily Gardner.
Both swimmers will arrive in Athens as members of the class of 2025 along with Mary Martin, Elsa Fretz and Rachel Stege.
MIA ABRUZZO
Photo Courtesy: Mia Abruzzo
Abruzzo does her club swimming with Plymouth Whitemarsh Aquatics and owns a pair of Olympic Trials cuts with five additional Junior National standards. She capped off a stellar summer season with 100% best times and four finals appearances at Phillips 66 Nationals in August after winning the 800m free at Mid-Atlantic LCM Seniors. Last winter, she took the top spot in the 400 IM at Mid-Atlantic SCY Seniors.
A current junior at Notre Dame Academy, Abruzzo is a four-time Eastern Interscholastic League Championship and Independent School Championship gold medalist. She won the 100 fly and 200 IM during her sophomore season after winning the 500 free and 200 IM as a freshman. Her older brother, Andrew Abruzzo, is currently a sophomore for the Bulldogs.
She told SwimmingWorld:
“I am beyond excited to announce that I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at the University of Georgia. Huge thank you to my family, friends, coaches, and @ndaclassof2021 for all the help and support along the way! Go dawgs!”
Her best times include (SCY/LCM):
- 100 fly – 1:02.09/54.91
- 200 fly – 2:11.9/1:58.5
- 200 IM – 2:17.82/2:00.27
- 400 IM – 4:48.6/4:13.18
- 400/500 free – 4:19.21/4:51.90
- 1000/800 free – 10:02.36/8:53.89
LILY GARDNER
Photo Courtesy: Lily Gardner via CollegeSwimming
Gardner, who owns six Junior National cuts, swims year-round with Tualatin Hills Swim Club and most recently competed in four events at Juniors West last month. This past summer, she won the 200m free and took fifth in the 100m fly at Mount Hood Futures. Last short course season, she recorded six top-15 finishes at Federal Way Sectionals.
A current junior at Sunset High School, Gardner is a three-time Oregon 6A State Championship finalist. The USA Swimming Scholastic All-American won the 100 fly and 200 free as a sophomore after racing to seventh in the former event during her rookie season.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to swim for the University of Georgia! Thank you to my family, friends, and coaches for all the support. I cannot wait to be back in Athens! GO DAWGS!!!”
Her best times include (SCY/LCM):
- 50 free – 23.29/27.04
- 100 free – 50.18/57.23
- 200 free – 1:47.87/2:03.24
- 100 fly – 54.79/1:02.40
- 200 fly – 2:00.63/2:21.06
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
