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The official student news site of Coppell High School

Coppell Student Media
The official student news site of Coppell High School

Coppell Student Media
The official student news site of Coppell High School

Coppell Student Media
Ava Johnson

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor

Ava is a senior and the sports assignment editor for The Sidekick. If she’s not working on a piece, you can find her reading, spending time with loved ones, or listening to music. You can contact her at [email protected], or through Instagram at (@heylolitsava).

All content by Ava Johnson
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[Photo] On the red carpet

Avani Munji, Nrithya Mahesh, Nyah Rama, Katie Park, Manasa Borra, Sahasra Chakilam, and Sukirtha Muthiah
May 17, 2024
On May 2 in CHS Arena, 11 athletes signed to colleges across America. Read more to hear what the Coppell signees had to say.

Coppell High School’s Signing Day

Ava Johnson and Rhea Chowdhary
May 14, 2024
The Sidekick executive photography editor expresses her appreciation for the guidance and support given to her by editorial page editor Aliza Abidi. Senior odes is a series of recognition for graduating Sidekick seniors.

[Photo] An ode to The Sidekick’s seniors: Aliza Abidi

Kayla Nguyen, Executive Photography Editor
May 7, 2024
The Sidekick video editor Rhea Chowdhary appreciates her memories with staff designer Jayden Chui. Senior odes is a series of recognition for graduating Sidekick seniors.

[Photo] An ode to The Sidekick’s seniors: Jayden Chui

Rhea Chowdhary, Video Editor
May 6, 2024
The Coppell track team advances 31 runners to the Class 6A Region I Area meet on Friday at Denton Braswell High School.

Not done yet: Girls track and field secures second in district meet, breaking records along the way

Ava Johnson, Sports assignment editor
April 11, 2024
Flower Mound senior second baseman Adrian Rodriguez tags Coppell senior Braden Beene out at second. The Jaguars defeated the Cowboys, 3-0, at Coppell ISD Baseball/Softball Complex on Tuesday.

[Photo] Cowboys offense unable to prevail against Jaguars

Sukirtha Muthiah, Business Manager
April 10, 2024
Coppell junior midfielder Summer Chen evades Prosper freshman defender Charlie Tuzzolino in the second overtime. Prosper defeated Cowgirls, 2-1, on Tuesday in the Class 6A Region I bi-district playoffs during the second overtime period at Prosper’s Children’s Health Stadium.

Prosper overtime goal knocks Cowgirls out in first round of playoffs

Ava Johnson, Sports assignment editor
March 28, 2024
Coppell freshman Anna Grace Gauntt practices at CHS Small Gym on March 1. Gauntt is the CHS9 cheer captain and leads through a positive mindset.

[Photo] Bringing spirit to success

Anvita Bondada, Staff Writer
March 27, 2024
Plano sophomore defender Lainey Przywara defends Coppell sophomore forward Sofia Chavez at Buddy Echols Field on March 19. Coppell travels to Prosper for the Class 6A Region I bi-district playoffs at 6 p.m. tonight.

Girls soccer enters bi-district battle in Prosper

Ava Johnson, Sports assignment editor
March 26, 2024
Coppell sophomore Sophia Williams broke the school’s 800-meter run record set in 2010 on Feb. 24 at the Hebron Hawk Relays, setting a new record of 1:40. Williams has been in track and field since seventh grade at Coppell Middle School North, inspired by her older siblings’ athletic accomplishments.

[Photo] Williams sprinting past decade-long track record

Rhea Choudhary, Staff Writer
March 22, 2024
Coppell sophomore Ian Nichols makes a save against Lovejoy on Feb. 29. The Coppell boys lacrosse team hosts McKinney at 10:00 a.m. at Lesley Field in the Class A Super Regionals.

[Photo] Lacrosse prepares for home district opener against Jesuit

Sahasra Chakilam, News Editor
March 22, 2024
Plano junior midfielder Alycia Piesker defends Coppell senior defender Lauren Monroe at Buddy Echols Field. The Cowgirls defeated the Wildcats, 7-0, on Tuesday.

Girls soccer blanks Plano, 7-0, in seasons’s 14th shutout

Ava Johnson, Sports assignment editor
March 21, 2024
Hebron senior midfielder Jacey Beer defends Coppell junior midfielder Summer Chen at Buddy Echols Field on March 6. The Cowgirls host Plano in their final match of the regular season at Buddy Echols Field tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Girls soccer hosts Wildcats in final home match before playoffs

Ava Johnson, Sports assignment editor
March 19, 2024
Coppell junior forward J McGill shoots against Flower Mound at Buddy Echols Field on March 8. Flower Mound defeated Coppell, 3-2.

Cowboys fall to Jaguars in final home match

Ava Johnson, Sports assignment editor
March 18, 2024
Coppell senior forward Gareth Meza Murillo drives the ball away from Plano East sophomore forward/midfielder Jordy Rocha Cigarroa at Buddy Echols Field on Friday. The Cowboys host Flower Mound on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Buddy Echols Field in the final home match of the season.

Cowboys host district leader Flower Mound in critical final home match

Ava Johnson, Sports assignment editor
March 7, 2024
Runners compete in the 100 meter hurdles at the 2023 Coppell Relays. Coppell hosts this year’s relays on Thursday at Buddy Echols Field.

Track hosting annual Coppell Relays

Ava Johnson, Sports assignment editor
March 7, 2024
Lovejoy senior defender Zachary Branch deters Coppell sophomore attack Duncan Ross on Thursday at Lesley Field. The Leopards defeated the Cowboys, 11-3.

[Photo] Second half scoring too much as lacrosse falls to Lovejoy

Pranavi Ramineni, Staff Designer
March 4, 2024
Houston St. John’s senior Brooks Danile fights for possession against Coppell senior attack Chase Waddill and junior attack Cale Stricklin on Saturday at Lesley Field. The Mavericks defeated the Cowboys, 7-5.

Mavericks defeat Coppell after breaking fourth period tie

Ava Johnson, Sports assignment editor
March 1, 2024
Coppell senior midfielder Ella Spiller defends against Marcus junior forward Maddie Hayes at Buddy Echols Field on Tuesday. The match finished in a 0-0 tie.

Girls soccer maintains third place berth after scoreless match with Marcus

Ava Johnson, Sports assignment editor
February 28, 2024
Coppell sophomore goalie Ian Nichols misses a shot by Houston St. John’s senior attack Marshall Malone. St. John’s defeated Coppell, 7-5, at Lesley Field on Saturday.

[Photo] Multiple tie-breakers culminate in 7-5 loss against St. John’s

Nyah Rama, CHS9 Editor
February 27, 2024
Flower Mound defends Coppell junior midfielder Summer Chen at Buddy Echols Field on Feb. 9. The Cowgirls host Flower Mound Marcus on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in their second meeting.

Cowgirls seek to avenge tie against Marauders

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
February 27, 2024
Coppell senior defense Nate Sullivan evades Rockwall junior midfield Luke Marking at Lesley Field on Feb. 16. The Cowboys defeated Rockwall, 9-6, on Feb. 16.

Boys lacrosse secures first win of season against Rockwall

Ava Johnson and Rhea Chowdhary
February 25, 2024
Coppell sophomore midfield Duncan Ross and Rockwall senior midfield Ricci Ankton fight for possession at Lesley field on Feb. 16. The Cowboys play St. John’s School on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Lesley Field.

[Photo] Lacrosse hoping to capitalize off of last games success

Nyah Rama, CHS9 Editor
February 23, 2024
Coppell junior Kayla Shannon pitches against Southlake Carroll on Tuesday at the Coppell ISD Baseball/Softball Complex. The Dragons defeated the Cowgirls, 8-4.

Dragons blaze through softball home opener with four runs in fifth inning

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
February 23, 2024
Coppell senior guard Atia Medenica looks for an open teammate while being guarded by Allen sophomore guard Simone Richmond at Lake Dallas High School on Monday. The Cowgirls fell to the Eagles, 55-49, in the Class 6A Region I bi-district playoffs.

Allen avenges consecutive bi-district losses with unfaltering lead

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
February 15, 2024
Coppell High School Signing Day

Coppell High School Signing Day

Sameeha Syed, Avani Munji, and Ava Johnson
February 14, 2024
Coppell sophomore guard HC Harding shoots against Hebron junior guard Monet Brown on Jan. 30. The Cowgirls play Allen in the Class 6A Region I bi-district playoffs at Lake Dallas High School on Monday at 6:30 p.m.

Coppell transitions from regular season to playoffs

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
February 11, 2024
Coppell senior forward Arhan Lapsiwala shoots while being guarded by Plano sophomore Chris Hampton at CHS Arena on Tuesday. The Cowboys defeated the Wildcats, 64-62, on Senior Night.

Coppell squeaks by against Plano in back-and-forth Senior Night district affair

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
February 8, 2024
Coppell junior guard James Faison breaks through Flower Mound junior small forward Brandon Stauty and sophomore shooting guard Reid Jacobson. Coppell hosts Plano tonight at 7 p.m. at CHS Arena.

Cowboys adopt short-term memory mindset for Plano

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
February 6, 2024
Coppell senior guard Ella Spiller drives past Hebron senior guard Micah Cooper on Tuesday at CHS Arena. The Hawks defeated the Cowgirls, 62-38.

Cowgirls fall to Hebron in final home game

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
February 5, 2024
Coppell senior guard Ella Spiller looks to pass while being guarded by Flower Mound senior Kaitlyn Edmondson and junior guard Maya Bujak at CHS Arena on Friday. The Cowgirls host Hebron on Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. for Senior Night.

Hebron next on ‘revenge streak’

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
January 29, 2024
Coppell senior guard Ella Spiller and senior point guard Atia Medenica dive for the ball against Flower Mound at CHS Arena on Jan. 26. The Cowgirls defeated the Jaguars, 63-44.

Coppell rises to second with victory over Jaguars

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
January 28, 2024
Coppell senior guard Antonio Romo and Flower Mound senior Ryan Goyal claw for the ball in the second quarter. Coppell defeated Flower Mound 58-33 at CHS Arena on Friday. Ava Johnson.

[Photo] Coppell conquers Flower Mound with ease

Katie Park, Staff Writer
January 27, 2024
Coppell senior guard Atia Medenica shoots against Flower Mound Marcus on Jan. 19 at CHS Arena. Coppell hosts Flower Mound today at 6:15 p.m. at CHS Arena.

Cowgirls look to swipe second place from Jaguars

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
January 26, 2024
Marcus senior guard Kennedi Petteway guards Coppell junior shooting guard Landry Shearer as she drives. The Cowgirls defeated the Marauders, 59-45, on Friday at CHS Arena.

Second half sends Coppell to victory over Marcus

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
January 23, 2024
Coppell senior guard Atia Medenica drives against Plano East on Jan. 9 at CHS Arena. Today the Cowgirls face Flower Mound Marcus at 6:15 p.m. on home court.

Coppell looks to carry out wave of resurgence against Marcus

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
January 19, 2024
Coppell senior forward Arhan Lapsiwala passes to a teammate, with Horn sophomore guard Clinton Jones and senior guard Ethan Williams defending. Coppell defeated Horn, 57-55, at CHS Arena on Tuesday.

Coppell scrapes by with victory against Horn

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
December 7, 2023
Coppell junior forward Nathan Rusch communicates on the court against Lake Dallas on Nov. 17 at CHS Arena. Coppell faces Mesquite Horn tonight at 7:30 p.m. at CHS Arena.

Coppell hosts Horn for nondistrict game

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
December 5, 2023
The Coppell football team sings the alma mater after losing to Byron Nelson in the Class 6A Division II Region I semifinals. Byron Nelson defeated the Cowboys, 52-45, at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington on Saturday.

Cowboys playoff run cut short by Bobcats

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
November 27, 2023
Coppell junior linebacker Weston Polk tackles Jesuit junior running back Zane Williams at Ford Center in Frisco. Coppell defeated Dallas Jesuit. 42-23, advancing to the Class 6A Division II Region I regionals.

Slamming the door: Coppell regains momentum to surge past Jesuit

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
November 17, 2023
Dallas Jesuit quarterback Charlie Peters looks for an open receiver on Sept. 29 against Highland Park at SMU’s Ford Stadium. The Coppell football team plays the Rangers in the Class 6A Division II Region I area playoffs at Ford Center in Frisco on Thursday at 7 p.m. Photo courtesy Jaxx Rigelsky.

Scouting the opponent

Sri Achanta and Ava Johnson
November 15, 2023
Coppell High School Signing Day

Coppell High School Signing Day

Ava Johnson, Sameeha Syed, and Avani Munji
November 14, 2023
Coppell junior quarterback Edward Griffin scans for an open receiver before completing a pass to junior wide receiver Tucker Cusano for a first down during the first quarter against Denton Guyer in the Class 6A Division II Region I bi-district playoffs at Buddy Echols Field on Friday. The Cowboys defeated the Wildcats, 35-21, to advance to the area playoffs on Thursday with Dallas Jesuit.

Cowboy fight lives to see another day

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
November 11, 2023
Coppell senior wide receiver Luca Grusoli receives a pass from junior quarterback Edward Griffin and advances down the field. The Cowboys defeated Plano, 44-0, at John Clark Stadium on Nov. 3.

Cowboys shutout Plano in regular season finale

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
November 10, 2023
Coppell senior offensive lineman Alex Jackson addresses the Cowboys prior to playing Plano on Friday at John Clark Stadium. Coppell advanced to the first round of playoffs, playing Denton Guyer at Buddy Echols Field tonight at 7 p.m.

Getting ready for Guyer

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
November 10, 2023
Coppell senior guard Atia Medenica drives against Byron Nelson freshman Milea Tice on Tuesday at CHS Arena. The Cowgirls defeated the Bobcats, 63-48.

Home sweet home: State semifinalists return to CHS Arena to defeat Byron Nelson

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
November 10, 2023
Coppell sophomore Avery Ayres cheers as the Coppell football team plays Plano at Buddy Echols Field on Nov. 3. Ayres has been cheering competitively for 10 years and is on Coppell’s varsity cheer team

[Photo] Ayres utilizing 10 years of experience on the field

Medha Kanamarlapudi, Staff Photographer
November 10, 2023
Coppell junior guard Landry Sherrer shoots a free throw at Argyle on Friday. The Cowgirls play Byron Nelson in their first home game of the season tonight at 7:30 p.m. at CHS Arena. Photo courtesy Lindsey Sherrer.

Overcoming preseason pressure

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
November 7, 2023
The Coppell football team holds the Class 6-6A district championship trophy at John Clark Stadium on Friday. Coppell defeated Plano 44-0, to finish the regular season 10-0.

[Photo] Guyer awaits district champions as dream of state title begins

Namir Awan, Staff Photographer
November 4, 2023
Coppell coach Antonio Wiley addresses his team after its 51-21 victory against Flower Mound at Buddy Echols Field on Friday. The Cowboys remain unbeaten in District 6-6A and 9-0 overall in the season.

Clinched: Coppell corrals Flower Mound for district championship

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
October 29, 2023
Coppell senior wide receiver Baron Tipton catches a pass as Hebron junior wide receiver Gabriel White goes in for a tackle. The Cowboys host Flower Mound in its final home game of the regular season tonight at 5 p.m. at Buddy Echols Field.

Football shifts focus to securing district championship

Ava Johnson, Sports Assignment Editor
October 27, 2023
Coppell senior opposite hitter Mira Klem spikes the ball against Hebron at CHS Arena on Tuesday. The Cowgirls lost to Hebron, 3-2 (25-16, 25-10, 24-26, 11-25, 15-11), after a close back and forth match.

Close, but not enough

Ava Johnson, Sports assignment editor
October 20, 2023
Coppell senior libero Kate McDonald digs against Plano East on Friday at CHS Arena. The Cowgirls play Hebron tonight at 6:30 p.m. at CHS Arena in their penultimate home game of the regular season.

Volleyball battles Hawks to maintain playoff standing

Ava Johnson, Sports assignment editor
October 17, 2023
Coppell senior Juandiego Velazquez returns during his doubles match with junior Aneesh Thummala against McKinney Boyd on Tuesday at the Coppell Tennis Center. Coppell faces Flower Mound today in the Class 6A Region I quarterfinals at Flower Mound High School.

Tennis avenges past loss against Highland Park in area playoffs

Ava Johnson, Sports assignment editor
October 17, 2023
Marcus senior cornerback Cameron Canady tackles Coppell senior wide receiver Baron Tipton. Coppell defeated Marcus, 20-6, on Friday night at Marcus Marauder Stadium.

Coppell defense denies Marcus homecoming victory

Ava Johnson, Sports assignment editor
October 8, 2023
Coppell senior wide receiver Ayrion Sneed makes a diving catch against Lewisville at Buddy Echols Field on Sept. 29. Coppell faces Marcus tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Marcus Marauder Stadium in Flower Mound.

Cowboys motivated to maintain unbeaten mark against Marcus

Ava Johnson, Sports assignment editor
October 5, 2023
The Coppell volleyball team celebrates after winning a point against Flower Mound Marcus at CHS Arena on Friday. After the Coppell volleyball team graduated 10 seniors last year, the team is overcoming the struggles of having a younger team.

Youth movement overtakes volleyball team as it chases postseason berth

Ava Johnson, Sports assignment editor
September 25, 2023
The Coppell girls cross country team stretches at Buddy Echols Field after completing their morning run on Sep. 14. Tomorrow morning, the top 32 runners in the program will run at the Hoka/McNeil Invitational in Round Rock.

[Photo] Two meets away

Namir Awan, Staff Photographer
September 24, 2023
Coppell senior wide receiver Baron Tipton rushes past Keller Timber Creek junior wide receiver Antwan Bridges on Sept. 8 at Buddy Echols Field. The Cowboys face Plano West tomorrow at 7 p.m. at John Clark Stadium in their first District 6-6A game of the season. Ava Johnson

[Photo] Cowboys seek to stifle Plano West quarterback in district opener

Nyah Rama, CHS9 Editor
September 21, 2023
Coppell tennis coach Alyssa Noonan instructs JV1 tennis players during morning practice on Aug. 29 at CHS Tennis Center. Noonan’s history with tennis influences her coaching style as she implements new ideas during her first year in the Coppell tennis program.

Noonan navigating tennis program into new era

Ava Johnson, Sports assignment editor
September 12, 2023
Coppell junior quarterback Edward Griffin drops back to pass against South Grand Prairie at Gopher-Warrior Bowl on Friday. Coppell defeated the Warriors, 44-34.

‘Great day to be a Cowboy’

Ava Johnson, Sports assignment editor
September 2, 2023
The Coppell football team revisits its defensive strategy after a close game with Sachse in hopes of extending its winning streak to tomorrow’s game against South Grand Prairie. The Cowboys face the Warriors tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at Gopher-Warrior Bowl in Grand Prairie.

Cowboys solidify defensive line, preparing for battle against Warriors

Ava Johnson, Sports assignment editor
August 31, 2023
Coppell junior quarterback Edward Griffin locates one of his receivers during the Coppell Red and Black scrimmage. After preparing for weeks, the Coppell football team faces Sachse tonight at Buddy Echols Field at 8 p.m. for the season opener.

Cowboys hope to bring the heat against Mustangs in opener

Ava Johnson, Sports assignment editor
August 25, 2023
Coppell senior libero Kathryn McDonald digs in the back row on Aug. 5 at CHS Arena during a scrimmage against Highland Park. The Coppell volleyball team faces Royse City tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the first home preseason game.

Cowgirls to face Royse City for first home preseason match

Ava Johnson, Sports assignment editor
August 22, 2023
The Coppell girls basketball team plays at Coppell High School Arena. Staff writer Ava Johnson reports the systematic and cyclical issues behind the disparities in womens’ sports and journalism.

Separate playing fields: The systematic gender stigma in sports

Ava Johnson, Staff Writer
May 19, 2023
Coppell senior Sky Schuller won gold at the Class 6A State Track and Field Championships at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin on Saturday. She was the only competitor to clear 13 feet, 6 inches, solidifying her first place win.

Schuller reaching new heights, making Coppell history in pole vault

Ava Johnson, Staff Writer
May 15, 2023
Coppell senior pitcher Brandon Wenzel pitches against Little Elm on Saturday at Coppell ISD Baseball/Softball Complex. Coppell defeated Little Elm, 4-1.

Cowboys strikeout Lobos on Senior Day

Ava Johnson, Staff Writer
April 24, 2023
Coppell senior midfield Carson Boutte and Coppell freshman Duncan Ross chase Frisco senior midfield Harrison Montgomery for possession while Coppell freshman Jack Behr blocks. The Coppell boys lacrosse team defeated Frisco, 9-2, at Lesley field on Tuesday.

Cowboys defeat Black Bears on Senior Night

Ava Johnson, Staff Writer
April 24, 2023
The Sidekick Crossword: April 11

The Sidekick Crossword: April 11

Ava Johnson, Staff Writer
April 11, 2023
Coppell sophomore attack Edward Griffin looks to score against Southlake Carroll senior goalie Zane Mammoser. The Coppell boys lacrosse team fell to Southlake on Friday night, 9-7.

Dragons deliver defeat to Cowboys

Ava Johnson, Staff Writer
April 6, 2023
The Coppell girls basketball team receives a trophy and medals for being Class 6A semifinalists at Alamodome at San Antonio on Friday. Coppell narrowly fell to Northside Clark, 49-48, in the Class 6A semifinals on a last second 3-pointer by Clark’s Natalie Huff.

“The game just went two seconds too long”

Ava Johnson, Staff Writer
March 4, 2023
Plugging in... Cowgirls making history with first state tournament berth

Plugging in… Cowgirls making history with first state tournament berth

Angelina Liu and Ava Johnson
March 3, 2023
Coppell junior defender Berlynn Engelhardt blocks Lovejoy offense at Coppell Middle School North field on Feb. 28. Lovejoy defeated Coppell, 18-13.

Cowgirls fall to Leopards in first home game

Ava Johnson, Staff Writer
March 2, 2023
Coppell senior guard Macey Mercer and senior guard Jules LaMendola celebrate after winning against Little Elm at Wilkerson-Greines Activity Center in Fort Worth on Saturday. Coppell defeated Little Elm, 51-47, to advance to its first state tournament. Coppell plays Northside Clark in the Class 6A semifinals at 7 p.m. Friday at Alamodome in San Antonio.

State bound: Cowgirls saddle up for first state tournament in program history

Ava Johnson, Staff Writer
February 27, 2023
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