Coupeville Sports

Kiara Mercedes

Kiara Mercedes radiates pep and warmth.

Much like older sister Kylie Marie, the Coupeville High School freshman was seemingly born to be a cheerleader, bringing a natural, unforced sunniness to everything she does.

Already an established cheer vet at a young age, Kiara is being reunited with her sister this year as a member of the Wolf squad. The duo previously worked together in junior cheer.

“Kylie has been a big part in the drive behind my cheering,” Kiara said. “If it wasn’t for her I’d sure enjoy cheer, but she helps me focus on being dedicated. She inspires me to work harder.”

And that hard works pays off when CHS rolls out a virtually seamless performance.

“I love the fact that we all work together to become part of a “machine,” Kiara said. “I get to lift others up. We are a family and I just love how that feels.”

Just don’t be one of the non-believers who try to tell her what she does is an “activity” and not a true sport.

The longtime soccer player, who is taking off this season to focus fully on cheer (“Oh! I love soccer! I’ve done it since I was eight … I think this is the first year I haven’t participated in it, but to me it’s worth it”) doesn’t have time for your doubts.

“I don’t think people understand how hard we actually work,” Kiara said. “On TV and in movies cheerleaders are portrayed as these cute, ditzy, half-brained mean girls. Which is completely opposite of our outlook as a team.

“We work for months in advance of the first football game,” she added. “I’d say we work just as hard and as long as every other sport.”

When she’s not hard at work perfecting her stunts, she enjoys the music of One Direction (“It’s kinda corny, but it makes me wanna dance!”), and like her sister and parents, is a proud member of the Mormon faith.

“My sister is a huge part of what I do. Also, my parents and the way they raised me,” Kiara said. “I grew up in the Mormon church, and I absolutely love it! It’s formed me into the person that I am and I wouldn’t want it any other way!

“I go to church, which is an awesome way to spend my Sunday!”