Seven Questions with Freddi Mitchell ’25, women’s water polo

Freddi Mitchell ’25, originally from Chicago, is serving as one of the co-captains on the women’s water polo team this year.

In this edition of Seven Questions, Mitchell discusses her experience with the sport, memories with the team and favorite restaurant to eat at in Middlebury. 

Jack McGuire: How long have you been playing water polo? What is your experience with the sport?

Freddi Mitchell: So I started playing water polo when I was in middle school. We had this thing called Little League water polo, and my best friend and I were like, this seems cool. We like to swim. So we joined, and at first it really wasn't a blast. I didn't like it  too much. So then I stopped playing for a bit, and then Covid-19 came around, and I joined my high school water polo team my senior year, because it was either that or playing softball, and my friends were playing water polo. And it just happened, naturally.

JM: How did you get started playing at Midd?

FM: I went up to their table at the club fair. They kind of intimidated me at the club fair, but they were actually super awesome. I went to one of the co-ed practices in the fall. So I joined during, like, what's technically, the men's season, and they were all super welcoming.

JM: What made you stick with the team?

FM: Just the culture. Our coach, Brian, is really involved in not only us getting better at water polo, but also our lives. He gives really good advice for what we want to do next. I feel like the seniors when I was a freshman were super welcoming. It's also a good way to get your aggression out. 

JM: Do you have any specific fond memories with the Middlebury team? 

FM: My freshman year, we went back to the national championship. We got third, which was good, but that was really cool to be part of a team with such talented players. Especially now looking back on that, what was cool was just the sheer talent that we had that year and the mentorship was a really great experience. And also, every year we go on a spring break training trip to Florida, and that's always a blast. It’s a great way to bond with the team.

JM: Do you have any personal or team goals for this season?

FM: I think our big team goal is to try to win our division or take a shot at it. I really think we have a great team, one of the best teams we have had since my freshman year. I think the group of captains alongside me, like Teddy Parkinson ’25.5 and Rivinka De Silva ’26 are great water polo players. We kind of fill in the gaps and we cater to each other's strengths and weaknesses. So where I might lack a skill, someone is there to pick that up. So I think that's something I'm really proud about about this team. Chances are if we win our division, we could go back to the national championship. So I think that's potentially a goal. That and just having a fun time out there.

JM: How often do you guys compete and how could someone watch you guys play?

FM: We have three tournaments a semester, and one or two of them are home tournaments. So if you want to see us, our first home tournament this year is March 1-2 in the natatorium. We have an Instagram. You're welcome to follow @middwwapo, and we play about three games a day. It depends on the tournament.

JM: What's your favorite restaurant to eat at in town?

FM: I wish I could say Gritty McDuff’s in Freeport, Maine because we go there when we play Bowdoin and Bates, but I went to Sabai last night, so I want to say Sabai, but I actually think it's Tindia. Just the buffet on Sundays is great.