The Girls Swim Team competed in MSHSAA’s Class II Swimming and Diving State Championship, facing the most competitive schools in the state head on and placing third overall. Many readers may not recognize the extent of their achievement given the size of the team; the girls competed against teams who had more than twice as many swimmers as the MICDS squad. For example, Park Hill South—the reigning champion team—had 18 girls competing at the state level compared to the Rams’ five in the finals. Of those five, four were seniors: Grace Coppel, who placed 3rd in the 50 freestyle; Nina Schuerer, who placed 2nd in the 200 freestyle and 5th in the 500 freestyle; Lindsey Naber, who placed 2nd in the 100 backstroke and 4th in the 200 independent medley; and Sophia Goodwin, who competed alongside Coppel, Schuerer, and Naber in the 400 freestyle relay, where the team placed second.

Schuerer noted how it was a delightfully unexpected way to end her senior season. “I was excited to be with my friends, doing the thing that I love for one last time,” Schuerer said. 

Schuerer and Naber will be pursuing swimming at the collegiate level. Coppel will be pursuing cross country and track at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. 

Khannie Dastgah, Assistant Coach, noted the passion and rigor with which every Ram competed throughout the season.

“The athletes who competed at State did amazing! Our small but mighty team proved that every swim matters. The fact that our team came away with a 3rd place finish in the Class 2 Championships against all the ‘large schools’ and scored 161 points shows their grit and determination, and we are so proud of them! It was amazing watching them race and our athletes had PRs in almost every event!” Dastgah said.