Ja’Kenya Hoskins powers to the hoop for a bucket. (Photos by JohnsPhotos.net)
Hoskins and Izzy Wells lead a strong group of female athletes who arrive at CHS as freshmen this fall.
The third sister is on her way, and she plans to be just as spectacular as her older siblings.
Ja’Kenya Hoskins, who will be a freshman at Coupeville High School in the fall, joins Ja’Tarya as a Wolf, while both follow in the footsteps left by legendary big sis Jai’Lysa.
It’s a family of superstars, comprised of exuberant, talented, strong young women who excel in the classroom and in the arena.
And whatever you do, don’t sleep on Ja’Kenya, who could quite easily be the most explosive athlete in the trio.
The youngest sister is a beast on the boards, ripping rebounds away from tentative rival players, then sprinting down-court to pick up easy buckets.
Put Ja’Kenya on the track, and she has jets in her feet, zinging around the oval in a style very similar to both older sisters.
Once she hits CHS, the youngest Hoskins plans to add cheer to her long list of accomplishments, just like Jai’Lysa and Ja’Tarya.
While she enjoys all of her pursuits (rare is the time when the outgoing young star isn’t flashing a smile as she bops through life), Hoskins gives an edge to hoops.
She and a tight group of teammates have played together for several years now, winning titles and reviving memories of Wolf juggernauts of the past.
“I would say basketball is my favorite sport, because of how it’s not just about you,” Hoskins said. “It’s about the teamwork and being there for your teammates.
“What I like most about being an athlete is being a part of a team and learning you can’t blame everything on your team,” she added. “You have to accept responsibility for your actions.”
On the hardwood Hoskins is an intense defender, and one quick to dive for loose balls or end up in a wrestling match for a rebound.
While she wants to maintain her intensity, she realizes she needs to pick her moments to go full-tilt.
“I would say some of my strengths as an athlete are I’m determined to the very end and I will put my full 100 percent in everything,” Hoskins said. “Areas I’d like to work on are keeping my cool, mainly in basketball.”
When she’s not playing or practicing, she likes to hang out with friends, both online and in person.
That carries over to people from other schools as well, as a common sight at middle school games was Hoskins delivering enthusiastic hugs to many of the rival players when they arrived in the CMS gym.
She knew all of them, they knew her, and every game was like a happy reunion for both sides.
Hoskins, who wants to “go to state at least once in track and basketball,” deeply appreciates her large support crew.
“People who have helped me make me the person I am are my Swish teammates like Isabelle (Wells), Kylie (Van Velkinburgh), Anya (Leavell), and Kiara (Contreras).
“My family always supports me in all my sports and always pushes me to do more.”
