Gulliver Prep senior Briana Pulido is a versatile athlete who is looking to make a big impact on her new school in 2012. Last year Pulido finished fourth in the 100 meter hurdles, 5th in the 300 meter hurdles, and 7th in the long jump at the 2A State Championships. See how playing multiple sports have helped her in track and field, her goals for herself and her new team, and the latest college news.
Track season is right around the corner. How excited are you for your senior year?
I am extremely excited. This is it for my high school career and I want to end strong and have the best season yet.
You transferred to Gulliver Prep from Archbishop Carroll. Why the switch?
I was becoming unhappy at my old school. Right as track season was starting I told my mom I wanted to leave. Many factors led to my decision, but I love my new team. Everyone is friendly and focused and ready for the season. I also have a great coach who pushes me and wants the best for me who was also my coach for cross country this year.
Gulliver Prep girls scored zero points at last year's state meet. You scored in three events the 100, 300 hurdles, and long jump. What kind of impact do you think you can have on this team?
I think I will have a great impact on the team. I feel like my new teammates look up to me in a sense and are motivated by my hard work and love for the sport.
Another new teammate is Joanna McCoy who transferred in as well. She will add depth to the distance events. Do you feel like Gulliver Prep can surprise some people this year?
I think Joanna with her distance events and me with my hurdles and jumps will be key contributors to the team. I also hope we can bring some girls to states this year. I think Gulliver
definitely will stand out to people this year.
What meets are you looking forward to the most?
The Louie Bing Invitational and Dade Christian's Last Chance Invitational and of course districts, regionals and states.
What are your goals individually and as a team?
My goal is to be a state champion, whether it be in only one event or more. As a team we want to be district champs, go on to regionals, and from there have some state qualifying girls.
I know you also participate in cross country and do basketball as well? What is it like balancing multiple sports and how do each help you become a better track and field athlete?
This year it is just cross country, basketball and track. My sophomore and junior year I played volleyball. I wish I could've played it this year as well. Balancing multiple sports is definitely a challenge and I think for me this year it has been my greatest challenge because I have been getting accustomed to a new school and a new atmosphere. This year it has also been difficult because cross country season overlapped into basketball season and now basketball is overlapping into the beginning of track. Cross country definitely was that sport I said I would never do again after freshman year, but I decided to go back to it this year and it has helped me keep in shape. Basketball helps me with my jumping and helps me with speed.
Not only do you play multiple sports that versatility extends onto the track where you compete in multiple events. What events are you going to focus on this year and do you have a favorite?
I love track simply because it is an individual sport and I know that however much I decide to put into my training will show in how well I do at meets. I don't have to count on teammates for my success nor worry about my teammates not giving it their all when I do. I can only put the praise or blame on myself and I love that. I plan on sticking to the events I've always done in high school the 100 and 300 meter hurdles, long jump, and high jump. My favorite event is the 100 meter hurdles.
A lot of kids made their college choices last week, but you did not. How has the recruiting process been for you?
I have made two official visits, one to UMass and one to Catholic University. UMass was great. It is in a great town and it is a good school. Something that is very different obviously is the temperature. It is a significant change from Miami weather that's for sure. I plan on deciding when I hear back from all the Universities I applied to and when I feel like I am receiving the best offer. I hope that in the next signing period I could be one of the athletes to sign.
What would make 2012 the best year of your high school track career?
What would make this the best year is that I achieve personal bests and that I come out as a state champion. Most of all though is that I have fun and am happy throughout the process.
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