Coupeville Sports

Taya Boonstra: Legend

21 years ago a legend was born.

If rumors are correct, Taya Boonstra, at approximately ten seconds after birth, popped her eyes open, looked around and yelled “Hey, where’s my camera?!?!?”

Then, she found it, cocked a finger and winked at the photographer and we were off.

There is a long, proud tradition of camera-lovin’, photo bomb-workin’ young women attending Coupeville High School, but, really, when you get down to it, only two can go toe-to-toe at the very tip-top of the game.

One is urban legend/force of nature McKayla Bailey. The other the sensational, bright as a whip, fast ‘n fun Tatiana.

Or, as the Everett Herald used to love to call her from time to time, Taya Boonscara.

Taya is now, and has always been, a bright ray of sunshine in this world.

She is genuinely one of the sweetest, kindest, loveliest, most talented people you are ever likely to meet.

And I’m not just saying that because she once baked me cookies…

A lot of athletes have come and gone at CHS, and many more are on their way.

Some will achieve great athletic moments. Some will be top students. Some will be first-rate people.

Few will be able to combine all three aspects and effortlessly take it to the level that Miss Boonstra does every day.

As you celebrate your birthday today, Taya, and in every day after that, I hope you always know how much others think of you.

How proud of you we all are.

What a wonderful impact you have had, and continue to have, on everyone around you.

You spread grace and joy everywhere you go, Taya. That is a gift and you are the very definition of gifted, in every sense of the word.

Your first 21 years have been remarkable. All the years to come will just grow the legend even more.