Academic All State 2025 Fall: Kooper Nielson Monticello High School Cross Country

Kooper Nielson
Monticello High School Cross Country

Head Coach Jeff Hunt: “Kooper does not like to lose. This applies to whatever he does. This year, Kooper’s leadership was invaluable to the Monticello cross country team. Several other athletes came to me this season to say the team felt like a family. Kooper was one of the main reasons why. He really pushed for not only excellence in himself but in others as well. From having a perfect GPA to having quality school activities to promoting positivity throughout the community Kooper expects excellence.  
“During his time at Monticello High School Kooper has done a clothing drive for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, planned a fire clean-up activity for the Monticello Stake, taught reading to kindergarteners, planned several fun activities for the school and local youth groups, and even went on a humanitarian trip to Ecuador. The community has been better off because he has been a part of it.
“As a student, Kooper has some very lofty goals in the medical field. He is one of the few students that if he misses something because he says he is studying, he is most likely actually studying. He has pushed himself to get good grades and take the hard classes that he needs to prepare for his future. I have seen him go from morning practice to a tough day at school to afternoon practice to open gym and get all his homework done and do it all with a positive attitude. To top it off, he still knows how to relax and have fun.
“Kooper is a good friend, an excellent example to everyone, and he loves to get everyone involved.  However, if you want to make Kooper’s day, tell him to take a walk.”