Coupeville Sports

Ja’Tarya Hoskins zooms to another win on the oval. (John Fisken photo)

Ja’Tarya Hoskins is a legacy who is well on the way to making a name for herself.

When she steps into the hallways at Coupeville High School to kick off her freshman year this fall, Hoskins will be following in big footsteps.

Older sister Jai’Lysa was a standout in three sports (cheer, basketball and track) and is in the Coupeville Sports Hall o’ Fame for her efforts.

But Ja’Tarya is already garnering her own attention, especially on the track oval, where she was a league champion both years at the middle school level.

After ruling the high jump as a 7th grader, she took home the crown in the 75 meter hurdles this spring.

While she plans to continue in track at the high school level, and possibly play basketball as well, it’s cheer which will garner Hoskins‘ attention first.

She’s already hard at work with the CHS cheer squad, taking part in spring practices.

“I cheered once when I was younger and I really loved it,” Hoskins said. “I started because Jai’Lysa really liked it, so I wanted to try it.”

Her older sister has been a mentor, and her own personal cheerleader.

“Jai’Lysa helped me be a better person because she always saw potential in me, even if everyone didn’t,” Hoskins said.

When she’s not involved in sports, Ja’Tarya enjoys a wide range of activities, from writing poetry, reading and drawing to singing and dancing.

While cheerleading may look easy from the outside, Hoskins appreciates the time and effort required, but also the payoff.

“You have to work hard to get the goals that you want,” she said. “No, you don’t play to win, but it’s fun and exciting.

“You get to meet new friends and they all become your sisters.”