As with all things 2020, Coppell’s first swim meet of the year will be held in unexpected conditions. This time, that means a dual against Trinity in its home YMCA pool at 3 p.m. tomorrow. 

“Usually, we don’t hold that many dual meets since our pool is very small but since we’re having the Trinity team cover over, it’s a very special meet since they get to witness us in our home pool and since we’ll also have the home team advantage,” Coppell senior swimmer Shreya Tirumala said.

The first meet the team attends is typically Ranger Relays at Lindley Aquatic Center at SMU, which happens in September but was canceled to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines. 

Tirumala thinks more than technical skill, the mentality Coppell takes to the meet will decide whether they win or lose. This year’s larger team as well, she says, should help them start their season successfully.

“We’ve competed with them a couple of times in the past, but we’re both equally competitive so we’re waiting to see who’ll bring more energy and spirit into the meet,” Tirumala said. “It’s going to be really fun.”

Even with swimmers only having a few weeks of practice time, Coppell remains excited and calm, seeing the meet as more of an indicator of improvement and opportunity to show team spirit.

“I hadn’t swum for five months and then I started swimming during the first week of school,” Tirumala said. “This is a meet that’ll test how far I’ve come in the four or five weeks that I’ve been training. And we’re just going to be cheering everyone on and supporting the team and we’re going to be racing hard tomorrow.”

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