Spikes dig into the surface and hands press against the ground on the track at the starting line as Coppell sophomore Miguel Lopez sets into the blocks. His body is still, but ready to explode forward.
Lopez began running hurdles in seventh grade at Coppell Middle School North after attending tryouts hosted by his favorite coach, Odell Jordan. During tryouts, Lopez quickly recognized his potential and knew hurdles were a fit for him.
“I realized I was good at this and I was beating everyone,” Lopez said.
Lopez’s time at CMS North served as a foundation for his growth in hurdles, with supportive coaching and early competition helping him refine his technique and confidence for the future.
“Having the coaches there and giving me all the support was an amazing opportunity,” Lopez said. “Even when there were moments where I wanted to stop, they would tell me that I am gifted.”
As Lopez entered high school, his early momentum was cut short by an injury the day he got moved up to varsity. In his freshman season, Lopez tore everything in his ankle besides his Achilles tendon during a workout.
“I immediately knew my season would be over and I thought I would not be able to run for a while, ” Lopez said.
However, with the help of trainers and coaches, Lopez recovered and worked his way back. In his first varsity meet at The Colony on Feb.12, Lopez exceeded expectations, coming from behind to win his first race.
Justin Wickard, Lopez’s personal coach outside of school, has seen his dedication from the beginning.
“What really stands out is how focused and determined he is,” Wickard said. “A lot of athletes have talent, but his mindset and how much he wants to improve is what makes a difference.”
Through Lopez’s journey, steady growth began to turn into standout performances. At the Southlake Carroll meet on Feb. 26, Lopez powered through each hurdle in the 110-meter race, finishing in 15.18 seconds and earning a spot in the USA top 25.
The success did not stop there.
(Riya Prasad)
That momentum continued on March 5 at the Coppell Relays, where Lopez broke the meet record in the 300 meter hurdles with a time of 40.8 seconds.
“He has that hunger,” Wickard said. “He wants that desire to be good.”
Aiden McFarlane, a 2024 Coppell graduate and hurdler at Stanford, previously worked with Lopez and offered guidance during his early development. He notices his strong mentality and approach to improvement.
”What Miguel is able to do with hurdles is so particular,” McFarlane said. “When an athlete is very hard on themselves, it shows that they really care a lot and that is something you can see in him.”
Through both setbacks and success, Lopez has learned how to stay grounded, focusing on growth while being grateful for the opportunities that are in front of him.
“Someone would love to be in the position I’m in right now, “ Lopez said. “I need to appreciate it and enjoy the journey.”
Looking ahead, Lopez plans to continue pursuing track at the next level, with hopes of running at the University of Miami. For now, his focus remains on the journey, keeping an open mindset about where the sport may take him.
”I think I am on a good track right now,” Lopez said. “But really wherever I end up, it doesn’t matter because it is the journey that keeps me going.”
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