By Kimmy Claussen Posted March 2, 2016
In high school, it’s difficult to get teenagers interested in doing something. Their energy is mostly down and many times they have a lack of motivation. For Athlete of the Issue, Caitlynn Cooper, this is definitely not the case.
Her parents encouraged and supported her involvement in athletics.
“My parents are truly my inspiration. They are so supportive of anything I do. I know I can work my hardest in every sport and they will be proud of me,” Cooper said.
Although her parents are her main inspiration she is very thankful for all of the wonderful lessons her family has taught her. She claims that it has really kept her going and made her the person she is today.
“I think my whole family has influenced who I am. My mom is a breast cancer survivor and she has taught me how to be strong. My dad is the hardest working man I know so he has taught me how to work my hardest and give it my all. As for my sister, I always want to be the best at everything I do so that I can be a role model for her. All of this not only applies to sports or school, but my whole life,” said Cooper.
Her parents and many of her friends have been supporting her with sports for a long time. She has been playing soccer since the age of five and basketball since the age of ten.
“I think sports have really defined who I am. I have become more competitive as an individual but I also learned how to work well with my teammates. I have also learned how to have respect for not only my coaches and teammates but my opponents as well. Ultimately sports have been a positive influence on my life,” Cooper said.
Part of sports is working on a team, and even though Cooper said that working on a team can be very challenging it can also be very rewarding.
“Playing on a team has its challenges because you have to work with every member of your team in unison. I think having the opportunity and the experience to be a part of a team has taught me great skills that I will value for the rest of my life,” Cooper stated.
She has had rewarding experiences playing on a team.
“My favorite memories are with my teammates on overnighters. Receiving Academic All-State as a team and being regional champions is always rewarding and something I won’t forget as well. It’s only the good memories that I remember and I think that’s something that is very valuable,” Cooper claims. Even though Caitlynn plays many sports and enjoys all of them, her favorite is soccer.
“My favorite sport hands down would be soccer. I have been playing it for as long as I can remember. I think that is why it is so special to me. I connect so well with my teammates in soccer and we just become one big family. Soccer is a sport where you have to possess hard work and drive and I just love that about the sport,” Cooper said.
Even though athletics are something she has enjoyed, Cooper has decided not to pursue them after graduation.
“After high school, I am attending the University of Nevada, Reno, and earning a bachelor’s degree in Science and Nursing. I am continuing my college education to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. I am not furthering my sports career, but I am focusing on my higher educational career at UNR. I had the opportunity to play soccer but I chose to focus on my nursing career. My ultimate goal is to earn my degree and then move back to Winnemucca and work at the hospital,” Cooper said.
