Coupeville Sports

This baller grew up to coach at the same school where she once played. Circle of life, Cow Town-style. (Photo courtesy Kassie O’Neil)

Each wrote their own chapter in the story that is Coupeville High School girls’ basketball.

Whether they’re trailblazers from the ’70s, ballers from the ’00s, or modern-day hardcourt warriors, every woman who has worn that uniform is a part of history.

Saturday night the CHS gym shall be crammed (or so I hope) for the 50th anniversary of the program.

The Wolf boys’ tipoff at 5:15 PM against South Whidbey, with the girls slated to go at 7:00.

The heart of the anniversary celebration is set for halftime of the girls game, when the 1999-2000 team — the first to win at state — and the top 15 career scorers will be honored.

But the celebration will go on all night, and it’s going on now when former players such as Kassie (Lawson) O’Neil and Danette Beckley share their photos on Facebook, just waiting for me to poach them.

Having seen how this played out when the CHS boys held their 101st anniversary, I have just one thought for anyone wavering on attending.

Just do it.

Whether you scored one point or 1,549, whether you coached a season, or a decade, you are important.

You are part of the story, a very important part.

Pride of the ’80s. (Photo courtesy Danette Beckley)

Sisters, both by blood (24 and 3) and choice. (Photo courtesy Kassie O’Neil)