BOSTON, Mass. – The New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) announced its weekly awards for the period ending November 10 and Mount Holyoke College student-athlete Cathleen Pruden has been recognized. The sophomore standout was named the Swimmer of the Week after posting four victories in last week's defeat at Division II Assumption.
The Raleigh, N.C., native helped get MHC going right off the bat as she swam the last leg of the victorious 200-medley relay team, which posted a pool record time of 1:54.82. Pruden went on to win the first of three individual victories, beginning with the 1,000-freestyle, which she claimed with a time of 10:43.38. She then won the 500-free (5:17.90), followed by victory in her signature event, the 400-individual medley (4:42.98).
A former standout at the Ravencroft School, Pruden opened the season with a pair of victories, capturing the 1,000-free and the 200-back to help the Lyons post a 184-69 victory against the University of Saint Joseph.
Last year, Pruden placed herself in the history books multiple times. In addition to winning NEWMAC individual titles in the 1650-free and the 400-IM, Pruden was named the NEWMAC Rookie of the Year – a first for any Mount Holyoke swimmer. She earned Swimmer of the Week honors three times throughout the season and also figured in on 32 wins. Additionally, she put her name onto 11 school records – seven of which were individual efforts.
Pruden also recorded three individual victories, a relay win, an NCAA 'B' Cut, two meet records and a school record at the Seven Sisters Meet.
A four-year member of the varsity swimming team in high school, Pruden was a two-time captain. She earned four consecutive Most Valuable Player honors and was a three time TISAC All-Conference selection. The TISAC Swimmer of the Year as a senior, Pruden was an NCISAA 3A All-State honoree and swam in the NCISAA 3A State Championships and the NCS Senior State Championships for four consecutive seasons.
Mount Holyoke returns to action on Saturday when it hosts Westfield State University at the MHC Natatorium at 1pm.
