Socorro High School sophomore Samirah Avila made history becoming the first Bulldog in 20 years to win a district championship in swimming in 2023. Avila took first place in the 200-yard freestyle in January’s District 1-6A tournament.
“It feels very nice,” Avila said. “This is something I’ve worked really hard for and that my coaches have prepared me for. And it’s an experience that I get to share with my teammates.”
Avila joined the Socorro swim team her first year in high school. She and her brother, Alvaro Avila, a freshman swimmer at Socorro High School, have also competed with the City of El Paso’s Aqua Posse swim club for six years.
Patricia Flores, Socorro’s head swim coach, said watching Samirah Avila take top honors at the district swim meet was the proudest day of her life.
“Samirah is a very committed, consistent, disciplined, and goal-driven athlete in and out of the water,” Flores said. “She trains countless hours, and her passion for the sport is real. She is also charismatic and fun to coach.”
Swimming has become a family sport for the Avilas. Samirah Avila and her brother Alvaro hit the pool every morning and afternoon except on Sundays. Off-season, she competes in cross country and track and field.
Avila has big dreams for her brother. She hopes he will surpass her swimming accomplishments.
“The only thing I’ve ever wanted for my brother is for him to be better than I am,” Avila said. “I won this year and want him to win next year. I want to set the standard for him, and for him to go above the standards I set for myself.”
Published March 3, 2023
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