With bright sunshine glimmering off clear blue water, Dripping Springs High swim coach Andrea McCarthy maintained a smile as big as Texas Saturday at Springs Community YMCA.

All around her was a sea of parents and fans who donned their best maroon and gold attire. All of them cheered as athletes splashed into the water at the sound of a bullhorn racing to finish first.

For McCarthy and her 47 Tiger swimming team members, a strong sense of pride went hand-in-hand with the program’s inaugura...