Coupeville Sports

May Rose

It’s a good thing the Coupeville High School girls’ soccer season ends before the calendar reaches late November.

Otherwise, Wolf freshman May Rose might have a really big scheduling problem.

“I’m really excited for November 22 because “Catching Fire” is finally coming out!,” said the dedicated “Hunger Games” fanatic.

A strong student, Rose may one day write her own best seller (“So far, English is my strongest subject. I love to write. I can easily work with words”). For now, she’s beginning to pen a success story on the pitch.

A fleet-footed forward, she is like a mirror image of Wolf star Makana Stone at times, streaking down the field with quick strides while challenging the backpedaling defenders with the ball.

Not bad for a track runner who had never previously played on a soccer squad.

“This is my first year playing soccer; I joined because I’ve always loved watching soccer, and I thought it would be a great sport to play,” Rose said. “Soccer comes with a lot of strategy and I love how the game works

“I enjoy how soccer brings people together to form a great team,” she added. “Soccer is a well known sport and I love all the different skills you can use during the game.”

Away from the field, Rose listens to a wide variety of music, from country to current pop hits. On the field, she’s working hard to fine-tune her skills so her play will sing a happy tune.

“Right now I have many areas to work on as a beginner,” Rose said. “So, for now I cannot say I have any strong strengths because I am yet still working to improve.

“My goals would to improve my shooting and foot work, throughout my high school year at CHS,” she added. “I would love to hit the crossbar on a PK!”

Rose plans to also play a sport in the spring, but has yet to decide if she’ll go with tennis or head back to the track.

“Running is a very strong part of my life,” she said. “I love to run.”

No matter what she chooses, Rose will have a strong support group to draw on.

“My friends have really impacted me a lot throughout my life,” Rose said. “They have always been there to support me and help me improve throughout the season.

“My family has always been there to watch the games and cheer the Wolves on,” she added. “No matter how late I get home my parents are always there, waiting to hear all about the game.”

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Phoenix Webster

Phoenix Webster is ready to have an impact.

The Coupeville High School freshman soccer player is still adapting to learning a new sport, but she already has goals in place. And one of those goals — scoring a goal.

“I’m actually new to the whole soccer thing, but I’m a fast learner, so it shouldn’t be too hard for me,” Webster said. “I’m hoping to kick a goal really, since I haven’t played much. I know I will.”

Webster is a midfielder for the Wolves, who host Island arch-rival South Whidbey tonight at 6 PM. One of six ninth graders on the CHS roster, she has plans to play sports year-round for her school.

“I haven’t played any other sports yet this year but I usually play basketball and I’m planning to try out tennis,” she said.

Whether she’s on the soccer pitch or off, Webster can always turn to her family for help and guidance.

“My brother has definitely had an impact on me,” she said. “He has always been there to talk to and someone who knows sports.”

And her sibling is not the only person rooting for Webster. Her friends play a large role in her life, as well.

“Apart from soccer I’m usually with my friends,” Webster said. “I’m really talkative once you get to know me or I’m just not in the mood to care if you like me or not.”

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Berenice Figueroa

It’s a whole new world for Berenice Figueroa, and she’s loving every minute.

A long-time soccer veteran (she started when she was ten) the Coupeville High School sophomore is in her first year as a high school player. A midfielder and forward for the Wolves, Figueroa has adapted quickly to her new environment.

“I do a pretty good job of keeping up with my player on the opposite team, keeping the ball off of our side,” Figueroa said. “I just really need to work on not being off-sides.

“I enjoy playing with the girls on my team,” she added. “And learning new moves and building up my soccer skills.”

Like most younger players, Figueroa is intent on making her game as sharp as possible and becoming a key part of a winning squad.

“My goal for the season is just being the best I can with my team,” she said. “And representing my school pride and colors!”

She first picked up the sport at the suggestion of her mother, and her family plays a large role in her life.

“I would like to thank my parents and my family for helping me be the person I am today,” Figueroa said. “Without all of their positive feedback I wouldn’t have the confidence I have now.

“Also thank my teachers for helping me with what I have planned when I finish high school and joining the military.”

A two-sport athlete who loves art and being a crafty person, Figueroa played basketball in middle school and is debating possibly suiting back up for the Wolves this winter.

Regardless of which sports she competes in, she is sure to maintain a balanced life, saving time for family and friends.

“I love being with my family,” Figueroa said. “My family has and will always be my first priority.

“Lastly, I love to just hang out with friends and just have a great time and laugh.”

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Jasmine Melena (right) with sports buddy Tiffany Briscoe.

Jasmine Melena got some great advice from her mom.

“My mom had a big impact on me joining (the girls’ soccer team), cause she encouraged me to have fun while I’m young,” said the Coupeville High School freshman. “And what’s not fun about sports?”

A hard worker for the Wolves, Melena bounces between defender and outside midfielder and is continually looking to improve. She first picked up the beautiful game in third grade and returned to it this season after taking a few years off.

“I started because I would always watch soccer games on TV and I just decided to play because it looked fun!,” Melena said. “I enjoy running around and kicking the ball.”

She may underplay her skills a bit (“Well, I don’t have very many strengths, but I think I’m a pretty good defender”), but Melena has her sights set on becoming a rising star during her time in the red and black.

“My main goal this season is to get better and my goal for the next season is to become a starter!!,” Melena said.

A three-sport athlete, she plans to stay active throughout her first year at the high school level. A solid basketball player, she also plans to try out for softball.

A fan of her math and health classes who enjoys spending time with friends and family, Melena points to one fellow classmate as a big inspiration in her life.

“Tiffany Briscoe has a HUGE impact on me playing, because even when we don’t win she is so positive,” Melena said. “She inspires me to keep trying and to not quit!”

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