SETTING A RECORD PACE: The third-year senior captain has been the leading point scorer for Shipley this year, winning a wide variety of races, including the 50 free, 100 free, 200 free, 500 free, 100 fly, and 200IM.

Against George School, he won two events (200 IM and 100 fly) and was part of two winning relays, one of which set a school record. Against EA earlier this month in the 400 free relay, Adams, Will Strathmann, Danny Costanza, and Alex Iozzo each swam under a minute per leg to smash the School record by more than four seconds.

Adams holds a number of School records — in the 50 free, 100 free (57.65), 200 free relay, and 400 free relay.

Last year, Adams was the Gators’ MVP, won all-league honors as well as first team All-Main Line recognition. He finished first in the 100 free and third in both the 200IM and 400 free relay at the Friends School League Championships.

Shipley swimming head coach Tim Sullivan said, “Terrel is a very flexible athlete.  He can swim many events very well and is willing to do whatever we ask of him to help the team. When I create my swim line-up, I try to find the strengths of the other team and try to match up Terrel in those events. 

“He is an exciting swimmer to watch. On more than one occasion, he has led our 400 free relay team to victory by catching and passing his opponent in the last leg.”

Asked what accomplishment he was most proud of, Adams replied, “I am most proud of becoming a captain and being allowed to witness the Shipley swimming team evolve into a strong team over the years.”
 
FROM SERPENT TO GATOR: Adams, who first took up swimming competitively when he was 6 years old — for the Serpents swim team in West Philadelphia — continues to swim year-round for the Serpents.

Adams credits Serpents coach Boston Berry as his main swimming mentor: “He encouraged me to stick with swimming, and never to settle for second best.”

The Shipley senior plans to swim in college. Some of his top college choices are University of Pennsylvania, University of Virginia, Williams College, and Dickinson College. He would like to major in English.