Claire Weld is a three-sport athlete who has been a student at Union Pines since she was a sophomore. She is from a military family and came to Moore County from West Point, New York. Last season, Claire was on the state championship lacrosse team. She also plays volleyball and is captain of the swim team.
“I started swimming when I was six, so swim has always kind of been in my life, but I just really like the sport and the team as a whole,” said Claire, who is a senior.
Even though swimming is her favorite sport and has been a major part of her life, her favorite athletic memory is the goal of every athlete: a perfect season and a state championship.
“It was really cool and special; you don’t get to be a part of something like that often,” said Claire about her lacrosse season. “The state championship was surreal. I mean, just being there and doing that for the first time ever for the team was really special, and keeping our undefeated season was really fun.”
The Viking swim team holds several records and is made up of several All-Conference athletes.
“I think going into this season, we knew we were going to be competitive in the conference,” said Claire. “I am really looking forward to our regional meet.”
Claire was described as an incredible leader by Athletic Director Chad Hill.
“This summer, Claire spearheaded the fundraising efforts by organizing and executing a summer swim camp for the community,” said Chad. “Her efforts allowed the swim team to raise enough money to cover the team’s financial needs for the season.”
She also made an effort to recruit for the team, helping it grow to 32 swimmers this season. Claire also organized two team bonding events this year: a gingerbread house competition and a pickleball tournament.
She is undecided about where she will attend college next fall but wants to major in biology. Her weighted GPA is around 4.4, and she is a member of the National Honors Society. Claire is also a member of HOSA—Future Health Professionals and Letters for Rose Club, which writes letters and cards for people in nursing homes.
“I want to thank our swim coach, Coach Lee Hicks,” said Claire. “He is such an amazing coach; he swam at ECU. He knows so much about the sport, and I don’t think I would be where I am. His wife, Chrissy, is new to coaching us, and she has added a lot to our team.”
If you want to nominate a middle or high school student-athlete for this series, please email [email protected].
Feature photo: Claire Weld. Photo contributed.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Curtis Self. Curtis has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2019.
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