Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week: Cooper Price

Oswego East Senior, Cooper Price is the first student to be recognized as an E.A.S.T. athlete of the week. As a fourth year member of the boy’s golf team, Coach Jim Vera felt Price was the perfect representative of the core values of East: Excellence, Academics, Spirit and Tradition.

Price is committed to performing at the highest level. He understands how much work the sport demands, which is why he sends countless hours perfecting his craft.

“I want to be consistent with my game,” Price said. “I play some type of golf every single day whether it’s the range, putting, or playing a full round.”

Price’s commitment to excellence is recognized by the rest of the East golf team, which is why he was nominated as a captain for the 2024 fall season. His leadership extends beyond the school season as he encourages preparation throughout the calendar year.

“I help set up and organize [offseason team] outings at Blackberry Oaks, which gives us insight into what goes into preparing the course and has taught us respect for the greens and the preparation that goes into every match,” Price said.

Price’s teammates aren’t the only people that recognize his drive on and off the course. His parents, Jodi Price and Shane Price also applaud their son for his work and recognize how valuable golf has been to him in order to learn important life lessons.

“All of Cooper’s time on the course has not only improved his golf game, but it has taught him
life lessons,” Jodi Price said. “Golf is such a mental game where he has needed to learn to shake off setbacks and carry on just as in life.”

Price’s willingness to put in the unseen hours is why he has started the season off strong. He shot a 36 versus Oswego/Plainfield Central, a 39 vs. Plainfield East, and an 81 at the Plainfield North Invite. His current 9 hole average is 39.36.

Although Price is off to a great start this fall, he recognizes that his team will need to maintain their composure throughout the season’s ups and downs in order to achieve their goals.

“I try not to get in my head when I have a bad hole. I like to look at each hole as a fresh start because anything can happen,” Price said. “The challenge of playing different courses, or even the same course with a different layout requires mental sharpness.”

Price’s mental toughness is something that manifests in every aspect of his life. From being a two-sport athlete (volleyball), to overcoming unforeseen challenges, Price is able to persevere through any obstacle life throws his way.

In the spring of 2024, Price was placed on physical limitations due to Myocarditis (a virus causing heart inflammation) which forced him to miss out on the volleyball season, along with valuable time on the course. Despite the toll that this could have on a young athlete, Price did not waiver.

“Instead of being pulled down by sadness and frustration, Cooper relied on his faith and mental strength to stay motivated,” his mother Jodi Price said. “Coach Vera has helped create this confidence that [has carried] beyond the classroom and course.”

Price echoes this sentiment by explaining the impact that Coach Vera brings to the East golf team.

“Coach Vera is a great motivator and helps create this team of guys that are all close friends and support each other,” Price said.

The support system of family, friends, and coaches is something that Price will continue to lean on as he finishes his high school career. His parents are thankful and proud of Cooper for all of the lessons he has learned along the way.

“In a school of almost 3,000 students it just amazes us that he was able to make his own mark.”

This story was edited and published by East senior Jordan Fikis and Mr. Anthony DiNardo.