Coupeville Sports

Emily Licence

Emily Licence is excited.

Excited about hitting high school (“I’m in the 9th grade finally, woohoo!”), and thrilled about her new role as a member of the Coupeville High School cheer squad.

“I started cheer this year, so I haven’t been cheering for too long and I joined because it gives me the opportunity to be loud and energetic (unlike in class),” Licence said, then laughed. “But, of course, I also joined to help spread the spirit and excitement to everyone else around me.”

Her new role gives her direction and companionship, both things she embraces.

“I enjoy cheer because it allows me to look forward to something after school instead of going home and wondering what I could be doing,” Licence said. “I also enjoy it because I get to spend time with my sisters.”

Also a big softball player, Licence credits her first sport with triggering her interest in those that, like cheer, have come afterwards.

“I enjoy playing softball,” she said. “Ever since I joined in 5th grade, it led me into taking interests a whole lot more in sports.

“If I haven’t had joined softball, I don’t think I would be doing cheer as I am now.”

And don’t tell her cheer is not a sport, an opinion CHS officials cling to when they label it an activity.

“Pshh … cheer not a sport? Oh come on, CHS officials!,” Licence said. “We work just as hard as anyone else playing a sport and use all that strength to lift GIRLS, HUMAN BODIES in the air.

“Think about it, we’re not just an activity, but a sport as well.”

When she’s not busy with sports, Licence enjoys putting in time playing music (“I also enjoy playing my guitar. It’s like my best friend for when I’m bored or in a happy mood. I just gotta play about it.”), but readily admits a distaste for at least one of her classes (“Oh yeah, I don’t like science and that’s a fact that’ll never change.”)

Her movie genre of choice is one that is guaranteed to keep her awake.

“I really enjoy watching a lot of scary movies, even if it means I end up curled up in a ball, peeking through my fingers in a movie chair or hiding my face in a pillow at home!,” Licence said.

No matter what she’s doing, on the field or off, the Wolf frosh doesn’t have to look very far to find a role model.

“My dad has taken a big impact on me as a father and as my coach in sports for four years now,” Licence said. “Without him there to push me to my limits into doing my best, I wouldn’t be the person I am.

“He showed me how to never give up on what you’re striving for and to always play and practice your best because you never know who’s watching!”