Michael Pepe is a freshman rower for the 2014-14 season. Pepe attended East Meadow High School where he was the captain of the varsity volleyball team. He also played defense for Plainedge soccer club, was a member of the All-County varsity bowling team, an All-division varsity tennis player and was a boy scout for six years. After bowling for most of his life, Pepe has acquired a 210 bowling average.
Pepe has chosen the number 6 as his jersey because he comes from a family of six, with parents Michael and Gina Pepe, two sisters-Jessica, 27, and Nicole, 23- and a brother, Thomas Pepe, 16. Jessica rowed for Columbia University while Nicole played volleyball at Mercy College.
Michael says he chose Iona “because of the sense of community, small class sizes and awesome campus atmosphere.”
One of his greatest accomplishments in life so far is graduating high school with honors and an advanced scholar’s diploma. Pepe also served as an advocate for the Nassau County Youth Court and volunteer for the Edmund Rice Society Orientation Leader Mid-Night Runs. The Youth Court program allows teens accused of minor, nonviolent offenses to be judged and punished by their peers instead of going through a traditional process. Punishments range from community service to oral and written apologies and fines.
Fun Facts
Nickname: Pepe
Major: Biology
Career Goal: Orthopedic Surgeon
Pregame Ritual: Listening to music and eating a piece of fruit and granola bar
Best Asset to the team: Strong work Ethic
Favorite Rowing Athlete: Tom Peszek
Favorite Non-Rowing Athlete: Hope Solo
Favorite Food: Lobster
Pets: Pug- Smokey
Hobbies: Biking, Watching Netflix, Hanging out with Friends
People Admired Most: Parents
Person Most Like to Meet: Shonda Rhimes
