Becky Pugh (McDonald) (2002-06), UNLV Associate Athletics Director, Student-Athlete Academic Services

Becky Pugh - then McDonald - came to UNLV looking for a challenge. Yes, the opportunity to get her degree and play softball in great weather and close to her home state Arizona certainly brought her to Las Vegas, but the chance to help the Rebels return to the NCAA postseason was also high on the list.

When she arrived in 2002, UNLV had not been to a NCAA regional since the program went on a seven-year run from 1990-96 that included three trips to the Women's College World Series. Pugh was determined to help get the team back there.

Pugh and her teammates faced plenty of adversity as they were part of a coaching change prior to the 2004 season, but they stayed the course under new coach Lonni Alameda and it paid off in 2005. The Rebels went 44-19 that year, finished second in the Mountain West and reached their first NCAA Regional since 1996.

By then, Pugh had worked her way onto the field, both in the circle and at the plate, and was part of a pitching staff that recorded an ERA of 1.90, which is still the lowest mark in a full season for a Rebel team over the last 20 years.

That season is still a special one in Pugh's memory, among other favorites during her playing career.

"I have so many great memories to choose from, but the 2005 season and the excitement of going to the postseason regionals tournament with that amazing team really sticks out in my mind. My other favorite memory was hitting a home run over the Eller Media scoreboard against top-ranked Arizona State - probably the furthest ball I ever hit!"

While the journey didn't come without its difficulties, overcoming those obstacles with the help of those around her at UNLV is what she credits for making her who she is today.

"My experience here was challenging but fulfilling. During this time in my life, I faced many adversities as a young adult and was given a chance to learn and grow from them. The people that I was surrounded with at UNLV (coaches, staff, teammates, professors, classmates) helped me to develop into the person I am today and I am grateful for that."

When her playing career ended, she approached her professional career with the same attitude she came to UNLV with - wanting to help make something great - and there was no better place to do it than here. Pugh started in the UNLV Athletic Department as a compliance assistant in 2006 and after earning a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education K-12 and a Master's Degree in Athletic Administration in 2009, she had made her way to Director of Compliance by 2010. Now, just over 10 years later, Pugh is an Associate Athletics Director, overseeing the Student-Athlete Academic Services (SAAS) department.

So what made her want to stay all these years and not pursue opportunities elsewhere?

"I have always been a very loyal person and once I have invested myself into something/someplace, I develop a passion to be a part of helping it become greater over time, in any way that I can," she said. "I knew that I wanted to teach in some way and I knew that I wanted to help others as well. Through my experiences at UNLV and the meaningful impact that the Student-Athlete Academic Services staff had on me and other student-athletes, I found myself drawn to the position I am currently in. This place has become my home and I love it. I met my husband [Chris Pugh, current Assistant Athletics Director, Facilities & Sport Operations] here and now have two amazing kids who get to experience the magic of UNLV and the cultural diversity of Las Vegas."

Pugh and the team she has built in SAAS has transformed the student-athlete academic experience here at UNLV, particularly as of late as the student-athletes have collectively recorded seven straight semesters above a 3.0 grade-point-average - something that had never been done before in the department's history.

Her approach to her current role is shaped by the lessons she learned back in her Rebel playing days.

"During my experience here, I really learned how to build a successful team, along with the importance of using your experiences and skills to help others."

Staying at UNLV has also meant she has a front row seat for following the Rebel softball program and she is excited about what the team has accomplished under Coach Fox and where the Rebels are headed. 

"I am very much looking forward to seeing the team mold into a powerhouse and finding enjoyment in their successes to come!"

UNLV Softball opens the 2021 campaign hosting the Rebel Kickoff this weekend, Feb. 12-14, at Eller Media Stadium. The Rebels begin the season against Southern Utah Friday at 3 p.m. 

Although fans are not yet able to attend games at Eller Media Stadium, every home game will be available to watch via live stream on Youtube or the Mountain West Network. Links to watch are available on the schedule page at UNLVRebels.com.