Williams' Pugliese Named NCAA Elite 88 Award Winner

Courtesy Williams Sports Information

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Sophomore midfielder Nick Pugliese (Rochester, N.Y.) of the Williams College men's soccer team was presented with the NCAA Elite 88 award on Thursday night at the Division III Men's Soccer Championship banquet.

The Elite 88 award, which was instituted this fall, is presented to the student-athlete with the highest grade point average who competes at the finals site of all 88 NCAA championships. Pugliese is undeclared with a 4.0 grade point average at Williams.

The Elite 88 award was founded by the NCAA to recognize the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers.

Pugliese and the rest of the Ephs will face defending national champion Messiah College during the first semifinal on Friday, Dec. 4, at 6:00 p.m. Eastern.