Claremore’s Summer Pfieffer
By Elizabeth Contreras
Claremore High School senior Summer Pfieffer is proof that the right sport can find you when you least expect it. What began as a chance introduction has grown into a commitment that defines who she is in and out of the water. “I’ve been swimming for about 5 1/2 years,” explains Pfieffer, noting that it was her mom who casually introduced her to the sport through an unplanned, random practice.
That initial experience, simple as it was, sparked a passion that would shape her high school years and define much of her identity. Her passion quickly developed into a focus on freestyle and butterfly.
“I focus on mid distance freestyle events such as the 200 (yards) and 400 free because you get a mixture of both explosive sprint and rigorous long distance,” she explains.
For butterfly, she takes on the 100- and 200- yard events, embracing the technical challenge the stroke presents.
For Pfieffer, preparation is rooted in her overall approach to the sport. She lives by the phrase, “Hard work makes the floor, and technique builds the roof.” To her, it means that effort provides the foundation, but refining technique is what allows an athlete to keep raising their ceiling.
“You never want to stop improving or feel like you’ve ‘hit the roof,’” notes Pfieffer. “Instead, you’re constantly building your technique.”
Going into a race, Pfieffer relies heavily on visualization.
“Visualization allows me to control how I want a race to go, then be prepared on how to execute it,” she explains.
Pfieffer employs a very strategic approach grounded in intentional preparation. She doesn’t dive in hoping for the best. Instead, she plans her race, anticipates the challenge and mentally rehearses each part of it. Physically, Pfieffer makes sure her body is as ready as her mind. Dynamic warm-ups allow her to get in the zone and feel every muscle awake and alive.
“I make sure that blood is pumping, and my muscles are ready,” Pfieffer shares.
Her personal goals this season are to break the one-minute mark in the 100- yard butterfly and hit around 1:58 in the 200- yard freestyle, milestones that represent her dedication. But her ambitions extend beyond herself.
“A goal I have for the team is for everyone to make state and ideally make finals, and possibly podium,” shares Pfieffer.
Her commitment to constant improvement has required sacrifices along the way. Pfieffer says that even missing one day of training can feel like missing two.
“I have had to sacrifice a lot for the sport,” she acknowledges. Beyond the long hours and tough schedule, Pfieffer notes that many people aren’t aware that Claremore has a swim program. “Building a true team is definitely a dream of mine,” she explains.
As she looks ahead to swimming collegiately and exploring her interests in medicine, she takes with her the lessons of hard work and perseverance that have guided throughout her high school journey.
