Paolo Benvenuto attended Seattle Preparatory School. He was an Academic All American in his sophomore, junior and senior years, as well as a Scholastic All American all four years of high school. He participated in Washington State meet all four years of high school, placing in the top eight in the 500 free and top 16 in the 200 free. Outside of the pool, Paolo was named most inspirational swimmer all four years of high school.

Paolo has also participated in several open water races, winning the Lake Washington open water swim in 2005 and placing second in 2004. He also placed 11th at the Open Water World Championship Qualifier meet in Texas in the 5K.

Paolo chose Yale for the academic opportunities it has as well as the intimate spirit among the swim team and respective colleges. He hopes to contribute to Yale Swimming in the upcoming years.