Former Oak Harbor High School volleyball star Kristina (Tirado) Hooks has joined Wolf Nation. (Bailey Thule photo)
The school colors may have changed, but the love of the game remains.
Kristina (Tirado) Hooks grew up as a Wildcat, graduating from Oak Harbor High School in 2018 after starring for the volleyball and track team.
But these days she’s partial to the red and black of Coupeville, having been hired to join Cris Matochi in guiding the town’s middle school spikers.
Hooks, who played as a freshman at OHHS for current CHS varsity coach Cory Whitmore, is also helping out with the high school program as well.
The connection with her first high school coach has been a solid, enduring one.
“I have known Whitmore for almost 10 years now,” Hooks said. “It’s been fun getting to coach with him and see how his coaching style has changed over the years.
“I would not be in this position if it weren’t for him.”
The 23-year-old, who is about to welcome a new nephew into the world, is studying Human Development through Washington State University’s global campus, with plans to graduate with a bachelor’s in early childhood education.
As she works towards that, Hooks is volunteering in a preschool classroom in Coupeville, which will bring her into daily contact with Wolf fans and parents.
Growing up in Oak Harbor, where her family has lived since the ’70s, the spiker coach played both club and school volleyball, while competing in high jump and triple jump at OHHS.
That helped install a love of sports in Hooks, something which has stayed with her.
“During my own experiences with sports I liked being active and being able to be around friends,” she said.
“It also feels good when you get a good play or accomplish a goal in your sport.”
While she got support in sports and life from many family members, one in particular stands out.
“My mom has definitely had the biggest impact on who I am today,” Hooks said.
“She raised me to be the strong independent woman I am today. She always supported my activities or what I wanted to study in school.
“She raised me to follow through and to not give up so easily. She made sure I know my worth. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for her.”
While she coached “macho volleyball” in high school, this is the first time it’s been official for Hooks, and she’s excited to have the opportunity.
“I’ve wanted to get into coaching for a while now,” she said.
“I have been helping out with the high school team,” Hooks added. “It’s been a great opportunity and learning experience getting to help coach the girls and I’m hoping to continue helping after the middle school season is over.”
The CMS spikers began practices this week, and their eight-match season kicks off with a road trip to Sultan Sept. 25.
As she and Matochi work with the young players, Hooks will be quick to stress not putting too much pressure on anyone too soon.
“I hope my players know that it’s okay to make mistakes,” she said. “That growth and improvement don’t happen overnight.”
Hooks wants to see her team do well, but wants the emphasis to be on developing strengths which will help the players on, and off, the court.
“My goal for this program is to hopefully help the team grow their skills in volleyball, but also their personal and emotional growth,” she said.
“Team sports are a great opportunity for these girls to learn how to work with others and learn how to emotionally regulate themselves when they experience wins and losses on the court, and hopefully those skills will reflect in their everyday lives.”
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