The bright future of Coupeville softball. (Photos courtesy Jess Lucero)
Celebrating a season of success. And it’s not done yet.
Coupeville is coming for all your softball trophies.
Two squads will compete for state titles in the coming weeks, with the Central Whidbey Little League minors team joining the Whidbey Island All-Stars juniors in advancing to the big dance.
The minors squad, which features 10 Coupeville girls on a 14-woman roster, features players who range in age from 8-12.
The core of the team is from the original CWLL team, which boasted 16 active players, and two who attended practices. Of those, only four girls had played before this season.
With the postseason upon them, 10 Coupeville players are in playoff mode, having been joined by three others from Oak Harbor, and one from Anacortes.
Both the original team — which was coached by Aaron Lucero and Lark Gustafson, with assistance from Scott Maynes, Ana Valencia, and Sofia Peters — and the playoff squad have made huge strides.
“The girls really worked hard, were committed and had a winning season, and showed amazing growth,” Aaron Lucero said. “I couldn’t be more proud of how far they came in such a short time.”
The minors team had a chance during the season to work with older players such as CHS stars Allie and Maya Lucero, and juniors supernova Teagan Calkins, while high school coaches Kevin McGranahan and Ron Wright attended games.
“We love that community is supporting our young ones and they’re already getting to know the high school coaching staff,” said team mom Jess Lucero.
The minors squad opens the state tourney in Auburn with a tough draw, facing a District 1 team which is pulled from 13 leagues including Everett and Marysville, but Central Whidbey doesn’t back down.
“I’m confident with our ability to compete,” Aaron Lucero said. “I’m happy for the girls to have this opportunity.”
The team:
Capri Anter
Haylee Armstrong
Ava Arnold
Ava Carpenter
Emma Cushman
Ava Lucero
Adeline Maynes
Ali Powers
Bella Salter
Chelsi Stevens
Cammi Van Dyke
Sydney Van Dyke
Gracie Wallin
Sutton Zimmerman
Coupeville Sports 