Hulen signs to swim for DePauw University

The REPORTER

Hamilton Heights senior Sophia Hulen has signed a letter of intent to swim for DePauw University in Greencastle this fall. DePauw is a member of the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) and a NCAA Division III athletic institution. She is the daughter of Christopher and Lisa Hulen.

Hulen said DePauw stood out to her because of its strong academic programs and the opportunity to compete in college-level sports in a supportive environment.

“The strong balance between high-level academics and athletics made DePauw a perfect fit for me,” said Hulen, who plans to follow the university’s pre-law pathway. Hulen intends to pursue a major in communications and double minor in business administration and philosophy then attend law school after graduation.

Hulen, a multi-sport athlete (cheerleading, track and field), has had a strong passion for swimming since the beginning of high school. Since then, she has dedicated a great deal of time investing in her future as a competitive athlete while training at Hamilton Heights and through the Fishers Area Swimming Tigers (FAST) club. She is highly recognized as a competitive swimmer and holds numerous school records including the 200 Relay Medley and 400 Free Relay record holder, 2024 State Qualifier, Hoosier Conference 50 Free, 100 Free, 200 Medley Relay, 440 Free Relay record holder, 2024 Hamilton Heights Hoosier Conference Winter Sport Athlete, and 2021-22 Hamilton Heights High School Girls Swimming & Diving Rookie of the Year.

Hulen is as strong in the pool as she is in the classroom. She is Senior Class Vice President, a member of the National Honor Society, Hamilton Heights Business Professionals of America (BPA) Chapter, and Llama Trekkers 4-H Club. She serves as a Husky Ambassador, Hamilton County Llamas Youth President, and was Miss Hamilton County 1^st Runner Up.

She credits her parents for playing a large role in supporting her inside and outside the pool. In addition, she wanted to recognize her coaches Brett Riley, Venni Clarke, Trey Harrison, and Joe Keller for their guidance and encouragement to be the best athlete she could be.

“Sophia is one of those athletes who quietly gets the work done and leads by example,” Hamilton Heights High School Athletic Director Kurt Ogden said. “She’s an outstanding student, a very polite young lady and an excellent role model for what we want to see in our Hamilton Heights athletes. We will miss her, but we wish her well at DePauw University.”