Coupeville Sports

Coupeville soccer fans like Madison McMillan (left) and Jada Heaton get a 2-for-1 deal, with Wolf booters joining together to form co-ed teams in 2023. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

The tribes are merging.

In the wake of Coupeville High School cancelling its varsity girls’ soccer schedule due to a lack of players, those booters who did turn out will unite with their male counterparts to form a co-ed program.

The revamped Wolves will feature both varsity and JV teams, with player placement based on “game skill, determination, and leadership skills,” said girls’ coach Kimberly Kisch.

The set-up, which is only in place for the 2023 season at this point, will play against boys’ teams from the Northwest 2B/1B League.

Several of Coupeville’s rivals, such as Lopez Island, have fielded co-ed teams in previous seasons.

Schools at the 2B or 1B classification are allowed to use female players on male teams, if the school doesn’t have an active girls’ program in that sport.

For the Wolves, early practices drew 10 female players, while CHS Athletic Director Willie Smith stipulated the program needed 15 to be viable.

When it became apparent Coupeville couldn’t get to that number, the painful decision was made to cancel the varsity season for a girls’ program which has played 19 consecutive seasons since launching in 2004.

Smith and Kisch discussed other options, such as having the Wolves play a JV-only schedule, but that would likely require 7 v 7 games instead of the standard 11 v 11, with a very-limited set of opponents.

After consultation with CHS boys’ coach Robert Wood, the decision was handed to the players.

“After many discussions, team votes, and meetings, we decided we will merge our girls’ team with the boys,” Kisch said. “Ultimately we left the decision up to the team and they feel that this is the best option.”

Both coaches are intrigued by the possibilities of the new set-up, which will give Wolf girls a chance to keep their program alive, while adding a new wrinkle to the boys team.

“I truly believe that this will be a fantastic learning experience for all involved,” Kisch said. “Our coaching team is prepared to coordinate and organize a large team.

“We will have plenty of players for a first and second team, while also giving everyone plenty of field time.”

Wood, who has floated the idea of calling the unity team “CHS FC,” is raring to go with the Wolves set to open the season Sept. 12 at home against defending 2B/1B boys state champ Friday Harbor.

“One academy, with a first and second team,” he said. “Dreams do come true!”