Coupeville Sports

Alita Blouin during her high school days. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

The circle is complete.

Alita Blouin, one of the best Coupeville High School athletes in recent years, has been tabbed for two jobs for the 2026-2027 school year, pending school board approval at Thursday’s meeting.

Ryan’s big sister, who graduated in 2023, is being hired as JV volleyball coach and JV girls’ basketball coach.

On the volleyball court, Blouin replaces Tianna Carlson, who stepped down after a season on the job, and will work with Wolf varsity guru Scout Smith.

In the world of hoops, “The Assassin” worked alongside Lark Gustafson last season to guide the JV program while Smith covered for varsity coach Megan Richter, who was out on maternity leave.

Richter stepped down permanently earlier this year, and Smith has applied for the varsity gig on a full-time basis, though no official announcement has been made yet by Athletic Director Willie Smith.

A member of the Coupeville Sports Hall o’ Fame for her exploits on the volleyball court and basketball hardwood, Blouin overcame numerous injuries during her prep days, showcasing a fiery spirit.

While she racked up stellar stats, my enduring image of her comes from her 8th grade volleyball campaign.

With CMS players going through warm-ups before a match, the spikers started to run laps around the floor.

Blouin, a team captain, was out in front, serious and locked-in. No coasting.

At which point, one of her teammates, Lucy Tenore, who is considerably taller, and has a much-longer stride, tried to pass her friend.

Blouin was not playing that. At all.

Tenore, smile growing bigger and bigger, tried a second time, then a third, but couldn’t get by.

That’s because Blouin, legs pumping, elbows ever at the alert, fended off her teammate at every turn, her face locked in a death mask of concentration.

Tenore, fully laughing at this point, finally relented, only to see Blouin kick it up a notch to a sprinter’s run to finish the final curve, one eye looking over her shoulder just in case anyone else wanted to get foolish.

That attitude carried “The Assassin” to great success, capped by an invitation to the 1B/2B/1A All-State volleyball matches after her senior season.