Izzy Wells was dynamic in the pitcher’s circle, and at the plate, leading Coupeville to a 12-0 record in a pandemic-altered season. (Photos by JohnsPhotos.net)
They survived, and they thrived.
Thanks to the pandemic, the 2021 Coupeville High School softball season was played out of order, was shortened, and came with no chance to advance to the playoffs.
But it was played, which was a win in itself after the 2020 campaign was cancelled during the early days of Covid.
And once on the field, this group of Wolves put together a season which can stand among the very-best the CHS diamond program has produced in its nearly 50-year history.
Returning to the Northwest 2B/1B League after an extended absence, Coupeville quickly let everyone know the path to a conference crown would run through Cow Town.
Wolf coach Kevin McGranahan had a roster which was dotted with a few holdovers from 2019 — when Coupeville advanced to the state 1A tourney.
But many of his players were essentially “redshirt” sophomores — girls who had been denied a freshman season by Covid — and newcomers to the program.
It didn’t matter, as veterans and newbies meshed almost flawlessly, with Coupeville running the table at 12-0.
The Wolves outscored their NWL foes 154-41, while trailing only one time all season.
And that was CHS being nice, as it could have trafficked in much-bigger blowouts in many of those games, but chose to show respect and not hang 50 runs on anyone.
Kylie Van Velkinburgh was one of many Wolves to swing a big bat.
McGranahan had a lineup which hit for power and precision from top to bottom, led by seniors Mollie Bailey and Chelsea Prescott.
In the field, the Wolves played often-inspired defense, while junior hurler Izzy Wells dominated opposing hitters.
As a freshman, the fireball-chucking pitcher carried Coupeville to a 1A North Sound Conference league title and the aforementioned trip to state.
After missing season #2 for reasons out of her control, Wells emerged as an even-more confident strikeout queen as a junior, one who was taller, stronger, and yet just as calmly serene behind her mask.
Or two masks in this case, as she and her teammates wore Covid-resistant coverings under their customary “don’t let a softball bust my nasal cavity wide open” metal face masks.
There are many reasons why the 2021 Wolf softball team deserves to be remembered as one of the best, in any sport, to wear the red and black.
This team, which went 24 players deep, faced down obstacles never seen in previous years, from face masks and social distancing, to the constant fear of their season being prematurely ended as other schools suffered failed Covid tests.
Through it all, they never lost their spirit, and never wavered in their pursuit of excellence.
They accepted life as it came at them, and for a few hours each game, went out and gave themselves, their families, their coaches, and their fans a reason to believe that there could still be good things in the middle of a pandemic.
To a woman, these Wolf softball sluggers excelled on and off the field, and did it with admirable attitudes even as the world around them seemed to crash down on a daily basis.
Mollie Bailey, having a heartfelt conversation with her #1 fan, led CHS in several offensive categories.
No CHS team in any sport, male or female, has ever finished an undefeated season with as many wins as this squad did.
There were great Wolf softball teams before the 2021 edition, and there will likely be some very-good ones playing on the prairie in the coming years.
But when we look back, this year’s team is one which will stand the test of time, one which will be remembered and hailed always.
So today we induct the 2021 CHS softball team — six coaches and 24 players — into the Coupeville Sports Hall o’ Fame.
After this, you’ll find them hanging out at the top of the blog, under the Legends tab.
They earned it, every step of the way.
The 2021 CHS softball team:
Coaches:
Lark Gustafson
Aaron Lucero
Kevin McGranahan
Justine McGranahan
Katrina McGranahan
Ron Wright
Players:
Mollie Bailey
Elisa Caroppo
Karyme Castro
Coral Caveness
Jackie Contreras
Gwen Gustafson
Ivy Leedy
Lily Leedy
Allie Lucero
Maya Lucero
Lacy McCraw-Shirron
Heidi Meyers
Allison Nastali
Melanie Navarro
Maya Nottingham
River Ozturk
Sofia Peters
Chelsea Prescott
Jill Prince
Audrianna Shaw
Mckenna Somes
Kylie Van Velkinburgh
Izzy Wells
Bella Whalen
Seniors Chelsea Prescott (9), Bailey (13), and Coral Caveness (1), state tourney veterans, led by example.
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