Kacie Kiel
Kacie Kiel has a need. A need for speed.
The quicksilver sophomore, one of several JV veterans hoping to crack the Coupeville High School varsity girls’ hoop squad this coming basketball season, uses her fast feet to excel on defense.
Despite not being as physically imposing as some of her opponents, her quickness enabled her to play virtually every position last season for the Wolves. While primarily a guard or a wing player, she went down low with the big bodies in the post from time to time.
“I’m not really big enough, but I play hard down low,” Kiel said. “What I enjoy about basketball is that it’s really fast and I’m really fast and it’s all about team and if one member is not in it, then your team isn’t.
“My strengths are shooting and running,” she added. “I shoot good when I do, but I’m really fast so that helps me catch the players and play good defense.”
Kiel, who first hit the hard court in the third grade, as a member of the Boys and Girls Club, was a varsity player both her years in middle school. She started every game for the JV squad as a freshman and has worked at the game tirelessly, playing with other young Wolves like Monica Vidoni and Miranda Engle through camps, tournaments and off-season teams.
Her biggest stumbling block has been building confidence in her shot. While speed comes naturally, a killer instinct needs to be honed.
“What I should improve on is being aggressive and having confidence, because I don’t have confidence shooting and I’m not aggressive enough to drive to the basket,” Kiel said. “My dad tells me that before every game.”
The enjoyment she gets from her time on the floor is what drives her, and having the chance to play with older sister Katie, a Wolf senior, has been a highlight for Kacie.
“My favorite sport is basketball and it’s my favorite because it makes me forget everything and I can relax that way and I just like running and shooting, plus it gets me in better shape,” Kiel said. “My whole family contributes to my inspiration. They keep me motivated and always have my back when times are hard, especially my sister Katie, because she can always make me smile and I love playing with her.
Away from the court, Kiel is a big fan of the internet (“When I’m not busy with sports and school what keeps me intertwined is Facebook and Instagram”) and TV shows like “Survivor,” “The Voice” and “Ridiculousness” (“It’s the funniest show alive!”), while also doing well in school.
“The subject I like most in school is biology because we always do something cool in the class and science really catches my eye,” Kiel said. “One of my favorite teachers is Señor (Paul) Mendes because he always makes sure the students are doing well and he enjoys sports too.”
When basketball practice under new head coach David King starts next Monday, Nov. 12, Kiel will hit the floor running. As always.
“My goals are to become a team leader and play with passion and confidence,” Kiel said. “I want to believe in myself and have faith that I can get tons of rebounds and shots and, most of all, trust my team.”
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