Coupeville Sports

Tomi Herrera (left) hangs out with fellow Wolf cheerleader Gaby Halpin. (Photo courtesy Herrera)

Tomi Herrera is living out a life-long dream.

When the Coupeville High School freshman takes the sidelines this fall as a member of the Wolf cheer squad, it will be an adventure years in the making.

“I’ve always wanted to cheer ever since I was little,” Herrera said. “I don’t really know why, but it’s always seemed like a fun thing to do.

“What I enjoy the most is getting down the routines and performing them,” she added. “The bonding and friendship with all the girls is also one of the things I enjoy the most.”

The younger sister of CHS basketball player Brisa Herrera, she played volleyball and basketball in middle school (“neither were really my thing”) and hopes to play tennis this spring.

Her family provides a great deal of support to her, whether she’s involved in athletics or other endeavors.

“Brisa — we’re so different but she’s always helped me and supported me and so has my mom, they’re both always there for me,” Herrera said. “They encourage me to try and do my best.”

Good grades are a priority in her life, and she enjoys history class and drawing, often practicing calligraphy.

A fan of the Fast and Furious movie series, Herrera has a varied taste in music, listening to everything from classical to pop.

When she wears her Wolf uniform this fall, she will think of herself as an athlete, regardless of whether the school chooses to view cheer as such.

And, she and her teammates hope fans feel the same way.

“Cheer doesn’t only consist of dressing up and chanting cheers, it’s a team,” Herrera said. “We put in as much effort and time as any of the other sports do; we have a different style of practicing, but, then again, so does every sport.

“Some are a little tougher and more aggressive but they’re all still a sport,” she added. “We dance, learn routines and stunt. We practice hours and try to perfect it all like any of the other sports do.”