A freshman from Avellino, Italy, Benedetta Pepe Pugliese of UNC Pembroke put together a strong January against some of the best competition in NCAA Division II and Division I. She won Swimmer of the Week in Conference Carolinas twice during the month of January.
Pepe Pugliese of UNC Pembroke opened the month by claiming first-place honors in the 200-yard individual medley (2:08.39) and the 200-yard breaststroke (2:20.92) at the Catawba Tri-Meet that featured sixth-ranked Wingate and 22nd-ranked Catawba. She also placed second in the 100-yard breaststroke. Pepe Pugliese also was a part of the 200-yard medley relay team that captured first place with a time of 1:52.34.
Pepe Pugliese of UNC Pembroke closed the month by winning three individual events at NCAA Division I UNC Asheville. The freshman logged an NCAA B Standard time in the 400-yard individual medley to highlight her performance. Pepe Pugliese won the 400-yard individual medley (4:27.87), the 200-yard breaststroke (2:20.98) and the 1000-yard freestyle (10:27.44) events.
2023-24 Conference Carolinas Women’s Swimming & Diving Freshman of the Month
January 2024
Benedetta Pepe Pugliese, UNC Pembroke