Fast-rising track/volleyball sensation Kylie Chernikoff. (Submitted photo)
Kylie Chernikoff is exiting middle school on top of the athletic world.
The Coupeville Middle School 8th grader capped her track season by winning a title in the discus at the Olympic League Championships last week, an event in which she shattered her PR by 13 feet.
As she continues to surge in the event, her future is a bright one.
Chernikoff’s final discus throw as a middle schooler — 78 feet — was just eight feet shy of what it took for a thrower from Coupeville High School’s district to make it to state this season.
One day earning that trip to Cheney for the 1A championships is something already on her mind.
“I would like to work on my spin, to get the disc further,” Chernikoff said. “To keep on improving on my PR and maybe make it to state.”
Track is not her only sport, as she also loves volleyball and has an interest in tennis, though admits it’s “a bummer that track and tennis are at the same time (in the spring).”
While she’s excelling in track, volleyball is where her heart resides.
“My favorite sport would have to be volleyball,” Chernikoff said. “Because you can always get better and you can always count on your teammates when you need them.”
Away from the athletic stage, she enjoys wood shop, spending time with family and friends and going to the beach.
But when she’s competing, or hard at work in practice, Chernikoff remains focused on the job at hand.
“My best memories playing would be being on the court with my team or in the ring warming up to throw the disc,” she said. “The thing I enjoy the most of being an athlete would be when I get that adrenaline rush when you get a spike or you improve your PR.
“I think my strengths would be always wanting to improve more,” Chernikoff added. “Something I would like to work on is my digging for volleyball, and to make my jump serves and, overall, improve my game.”
Like most successful athletes, she draws support from a wide range of people who are there to help and encourage her.
“I would have to thank my mom, Joanne, and dad Bob, and my sisters and brothers,” Chernikoff said. “They have always supported me with everything I have done.
“And my friends have always been there if I have a bad game,” she added. “My friend Genna (Wright) has always helped me to not be nervous and shake off the mistakes in the game.”
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