Caitlyn Mitryk’s college basketball journey began in the Big East. It now flourishes in the Sunshine State Conference.
Mitryk is a senior guard/forward on the Tampa Spartans women’s basketball team. The Lake Mary, Fla. native was a self-described tomboy in her youth and started playing basketball in middle school. She became a standout on the Lake Mary High School state championship team. In 2006, she moved on to the University of South Florida Bulls.
“My older sister went to USF,” Mitryk said. “I went there so I could know somebody at school. She and I are really close. I’ve been following her my whole life.”
After two years as a backup, Mitryk grew apart from the athletic and academic programs at USF. Two high school teammates, former Spartan Alexa Kane and current Spartan guard Angela Guiu, talked her into giving UT a try.
Last season was a banner year for Mitryk and the Spartans. She led the team in blocks (53) and finished second in assists (96), second in steals (40) and third in rebounds (182). She also boasted a .393 shooting percentage and went 30-for-88 (.341) on three-point shots.
Mitryk’s versatility is largely a product of her height. At 6-foot-1, she is tall for any guard, let alone an outside shooter.
“She’s a long guard,” head coach Tom Jessee said. “She can play the three or four positions. She can shoot from the outside and post up from the inside. She rebounds the ball and starts the transition offense. Her versatility is really good.”
Mitryk also brings her veteran leadership into her role as a team captain. Jessee said she brings a “winning attitude” to the team. Mitryk enjoys the advantages of playing at UT.
“The travel is just in the state of Florida,” Mitryk said. “At USF, we traveled all over the place. It took a lot of time and we missed a lot of class. And I like the coaching staff here a lot better. It’s much less of a business.”
“We did really well last year. We broke a few [UT] records and we made the top 32. This year we would like to make at least the Elite Eight.”
