The Coupeville High School cheer team is a family affair, both literally and figuratively.

The squad includes three sets of sisters, but regardless of ancestry, the squad has a tight bond, according to coach Cheridan Eck.

“I feel that we are a strong group of ladies who look out for one another like a family of sisters,” said Eck. “I constantly express to them about their inner strengths and capabilities; that when they believe in themselves they can do anything.”

Eck wants her athletes to “learn about being a positive role model to not only others but to themselves, learn how to become more disciplined in their daily lives and, most of all, to enjoy the love and success that life will bring them.”

This is Eck’s first year as the head coach during the fall season; she took over for long-time coach Sylvia Arnold last winter.

“It has been extremely rewarding so far and I am looking forward to a fabulous season,” she said.

Helping smooth the way is a large group of  returning members: seniors Destiny Bitting (captain), Kylie Burdge (captain), Bella Cedillo, Makayla Clavette, Amanda Foley, Ashlyn Miller, Camilla Rische, Ciera St. Onge and Brittani Wilkinson; juniors Allison Dickson, Jovanah Foote and Sylvia Hurlburt; and sophomores Kiara Burdge, Robin Cedillo, Lainey Dickson and Payton Wilson.

The newcomers are seniors Katie Lovell and Cassidy Rydell; juniors Jamzine Franklin, Maddy Neitzel and Julianne Sem; and freshmen Jessica Bester and Ayanna Jeter.

Eck has some lofty future goals for her team, including a trip to the Holiday Bowl in San Diego.