Lewis Cass senior Claire Pullen put together a solid four-year career in swimming.

It culminated with a runner-up finish in the 200-yard individual medley at the Warsaw Sectional last Saturday. She recorded a personal-best time of 2:24.6 en route to missing a spot in the state finals by just one place.

“I was really happy with my placing,” Pullen said. “I’m happy with my relay teams too. They did awesome.”

Cass’ 400 freestyle relay team that Pullen anchored also finished runner-up, in 4:04.5. Other members of that relay included Kirsten Carbaugh, Claire Crum and Savannah Jay.

Pullen also swam to a sixth-place finish in the 100 breaststroke in 1:15.98. She was also part of the Queenfish’ 200 medley relay team that placed fifth in 2:07.2 along with Carbaugh, Kelsey Sullivan and Crum.

Last spring Pullen started and played left field for another strong Cass softball team that went 22-6. She batted sixth and hit .300 for the season.

“This season I’m just ready to be a leader with all the other seniors and we’re just excited to get started really and work as a team and be more of a threat than people think we’re going to be,” she said.

The Kings will be dealing with heavy losses to graduation but have some starters back including Pullen, Kourtney Mayhill, Megan Carden and pitcher Morgan Lowe.

“We lost our infield,” Pullen said. “I’m really excited to see what everyone can do and who’s going to step up and be a player.”

The following is a question-and-answer session with Pullen.

Q. Of the sports you play, which is your favorite? Why?

A. I play softball and swim. Swimming is probably my favorite because it’s all on me. If I lose it’s no one’s fault but my own.

Q. How did you first get started in sports? At what age?

A. Well, I started T-ball when I was 6 and started swimming when I was probably 7 or 8.

Q. Do you have any family members who played sports?

A. My dad [Rob] played football and I think swam. My mom [Mariellen] played tennis, volleyball and basketball. My brother [Drew] played football.

Q. Have you ever played a sport that you were not successful at?

A. Basketball. Everyone knows it’s entertaining to watch me try. Also, tennis. I have no patience at all. Thanks for that Mamaw.

Q. How do you feel you’ve improved as an athlete since you first started playing?

A. I feel like there’s a new level I can push myself to. There’s no limit anymore.

Q. Who do you consider your biggest role model? Why?

A. My papaw, Marion Pullen. He has been through everything you could imagine and still finds a reason to smile every day. If he wants to do something he’ll find a way.

Q. What experiences have you had in sports have made you the athlete you are today?

A. Winning MIC as a sophomore in the 100 breaststroke. Being so young and winning makes me never want to stop trying. You always have a shot.

Q. What is something that not everyone knows about you?

A. I’m really emotional. A lot of people see me as intimidating and tough because of my brother and dad.

Q. What is your favorite memory of playing sports at your school?

A. Swim practices. We are always one big family. We are so weird. To my girls, “meow,” haha.

Q. What’s your favorite music, movie, TV show, etc.?

A. Music: depends on my mood. Movie: probably Bridesmaids. TV show: Modern Family. Book: I love Ellen Hopkins’ books and Lauren Conrad’s. Teams: IU basketball and Notre Dame football.

Q. Who is the best athlete in your respective sport you’ve ever gone up against?

A. Madeleine Mitchell from Heights. We both swim the breaststroke and we always give each other a race. She’s awesome.

Q. What are your goals for your future? Do you plan on attending college?

A. I plan to attend a four-year university. I have to decide if I want to swim or not but I probably will. I’m going to study telecommunications and focus on TV production.

Each week during the school year the Pharos-Tribune recognizes an athlete from one of five area high schools. The recipients are selected by each school’s athletic department.