• Coppell ISD is on Winter Break through Monday, Jan. 6. Classes resume Tuesday, Jan. 7.
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
Kayla Nguyen

Kayla Nguyen, Sports Photography Editor

Kayla is a senior and the Sports Photography Editor for The Sidekick. She loves music and trying out new coffee shops with friends. Kayla loves taking photos and is especially a fan of sports photography. Outside of The Sidekick she loves running her digital camera Instagram account (@kaylasdigicams) and going to work.

All content by Kayla Nguyen
Winter brings fresh Coppell sports into season. Coppell coaches are looking with optimism towards new seasons and opportunities. Graphic by Kayla Nguyen.

[Photo] Winter sports gusting in optimism

Yug Talukdar, Assignment Editor
December 16, 2024
Coppell senior guard Drew Wagner hustles back on defense after a successful bucket by Coppell on Tuesday against Richardson on Tuesday at CHS Arena. Wagner’s adaptability and leadership has aided him in overcoming adversity throughout his basketball career. Photo by Kayla Nguyen

[Photo] Wagner energizing team with leadership

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
December 19, 2024
Richardson senior small forward Ashton Hawkins guards Coppell sophomore guard Robert Watson at CHS Arena on Tuesday. The Eagles defeated the Cowboys, 61-59. Photo by Kayla Nguyen

[Photo] Wagner’s sparks fall short

Raima Awan
December 5, 2024
Coppell senior cornerback Zachary Durbin embraces his mother, Rachel Durbin, following a loss to North Crowley at Vernon Newsom Stadium on Saturday. The Panthers defeated the Cowboys, 35-24, in the Class 6A Division I Region I semifinals. Photo by Kayla Nguyen

[Photo] State championship run screeches to halt

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
December 2, 2024
Coppell senior quarterback Edward Griffin looks to throw against Lake Highlands on Nov. 22 at John Clark Stadium. Coppell plays North Crowley at 2 p.m. Saturday at Mansfield's Vernon Newsom Stadium in the Class 6A Division I Region I semifinals. Photo by Kayla Nguyen

[Photo] State-ranked powerhouses clash in regional semifinal showdown

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
November 30, 2024
Coppell senior running back O’marion Mbakwe evades Lake Highlands sophomore defensive back Holden Layne on Friday at John Clark Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Wildcats, 38-10, in the Class 6A Division I Region I area playoffs. Photo by Kayla Nguyen

[Photo] Domination in second round sets up biggest game of season

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
November 25, 2024
Coppell senior wide receiver Harry Hassmann holds off Prosper sophomore linebacker Fahd Allan at Buddy Echols Field on Nov. 15. The Cowboys defeated Prosper in the Class 6A Division I Region I bi-district playoffs, 35-27. Photo by Kayla Nguyen.

Cowboys clip Eagles’ wings

Kayla Nguyen and Rhea Chowdhary
November 22, 2024
rosper junior linebacker Cade Smallwood tackles Coppell senior wide receiver Harry Hassmann on Nov. 15 at Buddy Echols Field. The Cowboys play Lake Highlands on Friday in the Class 6A Division I Region I area playoffs. Photo by Kayla Nguyen.

[Photo] State championship journey goes to Plano

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
November 21, 2024
Coppell senior running back Josh Lock evades the Prosper defense to score a touchdown at Buddy Echols Field on Friday. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles in the Class 6A Division I Region I bi-district Playoffs, 35-27.

[Photo] Fishpaw ends a night of comebacks

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
November 18, 2024
Coppell senior running back Joshua Lock outruns Prosper junior safety Logan Thompson and sophomore linebacker Fahd Allan to score a touchdown on Friday night at Buddy Echols Field. The Cowboys beat the Eagles 35-27. Photo by Kayla Nguyen

[Photo] Seniors keep championship dreams alive in playoffs round one

Nyah Rama, Editorial Page Editor
November 17, 2024
Coppell senior wide receiver Tucker Cusano breaks a tackle on Nov. 1 at Neal E. Wilson Jaguar Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Jaguars, 42-14, securing their spot as District 5-6A champions. Photo by Kayla Nguyen.

Cowboys juke Jaguars, secure District 5-6A championship

Kayla Nguyen and Nyah Rama
November 8, 2024
Coppell senior quarterback Edward Griffin stiff arms Flower Mound junior safety Corbin Ridenour on Friday at Neal E. Wilson Jaguar Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Jaguars, 42-14. Photo by Kayla Nguyen

[Photo] District champions reign again

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
November 4, 2024

Lassoing unique foods at the State Fair of Texas (video)

Rhea Chowdhary, Sabah Uddin, and Kayla Nguyen
October 25, 2024
Coppell senior defensive lineman Blake Isbell tackles Lewisville junior running back Tenel Hill at Max Goldsmith Stadium on Oct. 18. Isbell is a crucial piece to the Cowboys defense this year.

[Photo] Climbing up the ladder

Sabah Uddin, Communications Manager
October 25, 2024
Coppell senior quarterback Edward Griffin drops back to pass against Lewisville at Max Goldsmith Stadium on Oct. 18. The Cowboys play Denton Braswell at Buddy Echols Field on Friday at 7 p.m.

[Photo] Cowboys look to secure playoff spot against Bengals

Nyah Rama, Editorial Page Editor
October 25, 2024
The Coppell defense tackles Lewisville senior tight end Gabriel Lewis as he fights for yardage at the 40-yard line. The Cowboys beat the Farmers, 55-28, at the Max Goldsmith stadium on Friday.

[Photo] Griffin, Cowboys use second half to send Farmers out to pasture

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
October 20, 2024
Coppell senior safety Alex Kraus and senior outside linebacker Matthew Neitzel celebrate a fumble recovery against Denton Guyer at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex on Oct. 4. The Cowboys play Lewisville at Max Goldsmith Stadium on Friday at 7 p.m.

[Photo] The battle for No. 1

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
October 18, 2024
Coppell senior running back O’Marion Mbakwe breaks through the banner prior to kickoff against Waxahachie at Stuart B. Lumpkins Stadium on Sept. 6. Mbakwe plays a significant role in the Cowboys’ offense, showcasing his work ethic on and off the field.

[Photo] Running through hardships

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
October 15, 2024
Coppell senior safety Alex Kraus evades Denton Guyer sophomore tight end Zane Rowe and scores a touchdown off of an interception at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex on Friday. The Cowboys defeated the Wildcats, 31-24, in a Class 6A top 20 showdown.

Homecoming crashers

Kayla Nguyen, Sports Photography Editor
October 10, 2024
Coppell senior wide receiver Ethan Schuy breaks past Denton Guyer junior safety Jaylon Sterling for a touchdown at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex on Friday. The Cowboys defeated the Wildcats, 31-24.

[Photo] Kraus, Cowboys take Homecoming from Wildcats

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
October 5, 2024
Coppell senior quarterback Edward Griffin loses his helmet against Waxahachie on Sept. 6 at Stuart B. Lumpkins Stadium. Coppell opens District 5-6A play on Friday against Hebron at Buddy Echols Field.

[Photo] Consistency is key

Elizabeth De Santiago, Staff Writer
September 27, 2024
The Sidekick executive editor-in-chief Sukirtha Muthiah recounts her time in Colorado and the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. Muthiah details her dedicated search for a black bear and reminisces on the lessons she learned from her endeavors. Photo by Kayla Nguyen

[Photo] Letter from the editor: An un-bear-ably long search

Sukirtha Muthiah, Executive Editor-in-Chief
September 26, 2024
A blessing in disguise for Wiley, a challenge for Noonan, thankfulness for Wren and a young test for Ross. As fall sports are in season, Coppell coaches are making their mark on their programs.

[Photo] Fall sports bringing lessons to coaches

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
September 25, 2024
Coppell senior wide receiver Tucker Cusano runs a slant route, catching the ball in stride for the touchdown in overtime on Sept. 6 at Stuart B. Lumpkins Stadium, making the score 27-21 with Coppell leading. The Cowboys defeated Waxahachie, 28-27, in their first overtime game since October 2021.

Cowboys obstruct Indians in overtime game

Kayla Nguyen, Sports Photography Editor
September 19, 2024
Coppell senior running back O’Marion Mbakwe rushes the field past Waxahachie defense on Sept. 6 at Stuart B. Lumpkins Stadium. The Cowboys play Arlington Bowie at Wilemon Field in Arlington at 7 p.m. on Friday.

[Photo] Execute, execute, execute

Nyah Rama, Editorial Page Editor
September 13, 2024
Coppell senior wide receiver Tucker Cusano evades Waxahachie senior cornerback Elijah Thompson as he catches a touchdown at Stuart B. Lumpkins Stadium in Waxahachie on Friday. The Cowboys defeated the Indians, 28-27, in their first overtime game since October 2021.

[Photo] Cowboys down Indians in first OT game in three years

Namir Awan, Sports Editor
September 7, 2024
Coppell High School senior Brianna Henderson has accumulated more than 18,000 followers on TikTok (@brezyh). Henderson films fashion related content, posting curated style videos and brand sponsorships. Photo by Kayla Nguyen, Photo illustration by Sofia Exposito

[Photo] Henderson stars on TikTok with a passion for fashion

Pranavi Ramineni, Staff Designer
May 17, 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.

An ode to The Sidekick’s seniors: Aliza Abidi

Kayla Nguyen, Executive Photography Editor
May 7, 2024
Coppell High School sophomore Kaitlyn Tapia qualified for the Tournament of Champions, held this month at the University of Kentucky. Tapia has been involved in competitive debate for the past seven years.

[Photo] Tapia tallying trail of debate accolades (with video)

Minori Kunte, Staff Cartoonist
April 23, 2024
Coppell senior midfield Kate Nelson takes a shot at Coppell Middle School North on Tuesday. The Cowgirls defeated Lovejoy, 15-13. Kayla Nguyen

[Photo] Coppell girls lacrosse prevails over Lovejoy in thrilling game

Sabah Uddin
April 12, 2024
Coppell senior forward Sadie Ozymy defends Prosper sophomore defender Rhiannon Mahon at Prosper ISD Children’s Health Stadium on March 26. The Eagles defeated the Cowgirls, 2-1, in the Class 6A Region I bi-district playoffs during the second overtime period.

Eagles soar past Cowgirls in second overtime slam

Kayla Nguyen and Rhea Chowdhary
April 5, 2024
Coppell senior forward Gareth Meza Murillo breaks past Prosper senior defender Tate Jones at Prosper Children’s Health Stadium on March 26. The Eagles defeated the Cowboys, 2-0, in the Class 6A Region I bi-district playoffs.

Prosper prevails over Coppell in bi-district playoffs

Kayla Nguyen, Executive Photography Editor
April 5, 2024
Coppell senior defender Hannah Rosson cries following a loss to the Eagles at Prosper Children’s Health Stadium on Tuesday. Prosper defeated Coppell, 2-1, during second overtime in the Class 6A Region I bi-district playoffs.

[Photo] Prosper overtime goal knocks Cowgirls out in first round of playoffs

Ava Johnson, Sports assignment editor
March 28, 2024
Coppell senior goalkeeper Jacob Campbell misses a save on a free kick by Prosper senior forward Caden Berg at Prosper Children’s Health Stadium on Tuesday. The Eagles defeated the Cowboys, 2-0, in the Class 6A Region I bi-district playoffs.

[Photo] Playoff journey ends in defeat to Prosper

Namir Awan, Staff Writer
March 27, 2024
Coppell junior forward Caden Naef and Plano East senior midfielder Toby Nouanesengsy rush for possession at Buddy Echols Field on March 1. Coppell plays Prosper at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday in the Class 6A Division Region I bi-district playoffs at Children’s Health Stadium at PISD.

[Photo] Coppell set to clash with Prosper in playoff opener

Namir Awan, Staff Writer
March 25, 2024
Coppell High School junior Yashitha Chunduru was announced as president of Texas DECA on Feb. 17. Chunduru has been in DECA since her freshman year and has made an impact both in the club and District 11.

[Photo] Madam President: Chunduru stepping into role as Texas DECA President

Nyah Rama, CHS9 Editor
March 21, 2024
Coppell senior midfielder Anson Skorka and Plano East senior midfielder Duncan Sullivan rush to gain possession at Buddy Echols Field on Friday. The Cowboys tied the Panthers, 0-0.

Cowboys, Panthers battle to scoreless draw

Kayla Nguyen and Medha Kanamarlapudi
March 7, 2024
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