Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Camden Pullen

Being a two-time captain is a rare feat in high school athletics. It requires an individual who not only possesses the physical talent to succeed, but also maturity, strong communication skills, and leadership at a young age. Senior thrower Camden Pullen has served as that captain for the track team, providing guidance during a time unlike any other for high school athletes, which is why she is this week’s Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Entering East her freshman year, Camden was encouraged by her parents to try out a sport. Ultimately she decided on track, not sure what to expect from the sport. However, her driven and goal-oriented personality quickly took her from a new member of the track team to someone who would set high goals and expectations for themself. “Track helped Camden build confidence and resilience and helped her grow into the leader she is today,” says Candida and Shawn Pullen, Camden’s parents.

Head coach Connor Downs witnessed firsthand what kind of work ethic and dedication Camden had for the sport and saw improvements in her abilities every day. “Camden has an above-average work ethic,” says Connor. He goes on to say, “She is one of our top attendees for offseason work, and when we don’t have thrower-specific drills, she will hop in the sprinter group. Since her freshman year, she has increased her personal best in the shot put by over 10ft and over 30ft in the disc.”

First-year throwers coach Dan Clausen stepped in this season and knew right away Camden was someone he wanted to work with. “I spoke to Camden early in the season and asked her to be coachable, ask questions, make suggestions, work with me, not against me, in order to make this a beneficial transition and have a positive outcome,” says Dan. He adds, “Camden accepted everything that was asked and was instrumental in helping her teammates to follow suit.”

Camden feels she has benefited from Coach Clausen’s mentorship this season, saying, “He came in and I think my technique has improved immensely. He is very focused in practice and helps all of us achieve our goals,” says Camden.

Despite a canceled indoor season, Camden has improved her personal best in the shot put to 34’, which is a 4’ improvement, and a personal best of 96’5” in the discus, which is an 8’ improvement. Camden has managed to score points for her team in each meet this season and has her goal set on qualifying for state and placing in the top 5 in the conference.

Camden has kept more than busy through various clubs, sports, and activities in addition to being a member of the track team. As a four-year member of the band program, Camden is a member of Mu Alpha Theta and Tri M while playing the tuba and sousaphone. Kelly Cooper, the head band director, says, “Camden has been a fantastic member of the OEHS band program. She always comes to rehearsals and performances with a great attitude. Her work ethic has truly helped to make her a strong musician.”

Outside of OE, Camden has spent the past 8 years studying karate at Sharkey Karate Studio in Naperville. “Last year Camden completed a lifelong goal of getting her Adult Black Belt from Sharkey’s,” says Candida and Shawn. They go on to say, “It is another example of Camden’s hard work and dedication to doing what she puts her mind to.”

Carrying a 4.0 G.P.A., Camden is an exemplary student and will be attending the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Camden plans on studying chemistry as an undergraduate before attending dental school. “Since the age of eight, she said she was going to be an orthodontist,” says Candida and Shawn. They go on to say, “Since then she has shadowed her dentist and an endodontist to experience what they do and make sure that is the career path she wanted to pursue. She will be successful because she has the discipline and drive to do whatever she sets her mind to.”

Steve Ideran, assistant coach for the track team and Camden’s advanced placement U.S. History teacher, is confident Camden will be very successful in the next step in her life, saying, “Camden is an incredibly disciplined student that is well prepared for the challenges of college and graduate school. I have no doubt that her work ethic, focus, and attention to detail will make her successful in whatever field she ultimately chooses.”

After graduation tomorrow, Camden will have to wait until after the state tournament to begin her summer and eventually move on to Nebraska. There is little doubt Camden will be overlooking her last opportunity to make an impact on the record books at OE and achieve her goals, something she advises future Wolves to do as well, saying, “Remember not to get too stressed and take things step by step. If you break down what you are trying to achieve and keep a level head it will be a lot easier to get everything done.” Camden will try and step into the record books and she helps lead her team into the conference meet and state tournament.