Coupeville Sports

Emma Puharic, being awesome.

Puharic, back row, fourth from left, during her senior season as a Wolf.

Emma Puharic radiates warmth.

Irrepressibly charming, the former Coupeville High School softball star makes friends wherever she goes.

Whether it’s in her current life as a college student and waitress at two local eateries — Christopher’s on Whidbey and Ciao — or back in her days on the diamond, Puharic has always been at the center of what’s going on.

A four-year player for the Wolves, the 2010 grad remembers her softball career fondly for just that reason.

“I enjoyed being around my friends and getting the chance to get off-Island and travel with my teammates,” Puharic said. “I also liked meeting the younger girls each season that I am still friends with today.

“I’ve learned that it’s important to remember the friendships you’ve made through sports and high school,” she added. “I still talk to most of my friends that I had in school and I’m so glad that we are all still close.”

During her seasons in the red and black, Puharic alternated between right and left field, playing along side players such as Megan Smith, Taya Boonstra and Kaylie Kellison. Current Wolf seniors Maria Rockwell and Bessie Walstad were freshmen during her final year at CHS.

While she might not have reached the all-star levels of Smith, Puharic was a valuable role player for the Wolves, and her time as a softball slugger still resonate with her.

In particular, her coaches made an impression on her, both at the time and since.

“I think Jim Wheat made a big impact on us girls, he was a great coach and friend to us all,” Puharic said. “Coach Denny (Zylstra) was a sweetheart and I enjoyed the time I had when I played on his team.”

With the bat and mitt put away, she’s currently working towards an Associates in Art degree at Skagit Valley College, while trying to balance two jobs and “still trying to have somewhat of a life.”

Her future is boundless, but Puharic does have hopes of seeing a bit more of the world than just The Rock.

“I plan to move off-Island after school and take some time for myself,” she said. “I want to travel and take every opportunity that comes my way.”

Looking back, Puharic is happy with how her high school sports career played out and, now that she’s out in the real world, offers a bit of advice to those coming up behind her.

“Do your homework!,” Puharic said with a big laugh. “Just have a good time with it and enjoy it while you can.”