Cooper joined the VA soccer program this year as a postgraduate and has been a key player in helping the team only concede 15 goals in 20 games. Additionally, he has contributed greatly to keeping 8 clean sheets (which occur when the team does not concede a single goal from the opposing team throughout an entire match) this season.

Javier has spent two years as part of the program and has had 24 goal contributions (goals + assists) during his time as a Wildcat.

Both athletes helped the team achieve a historic season this past fall, winning the Lakes Region Conference and the New England Preparatory Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class C Championship for the first time in the program’s history.

Head Coach of Boys’ Varsity Soccer Adrian Diaz ’14 remarked on both athletes’ contributions to the team and community at large.

“Coming as a PG, Cooper added stability to our team from day one. He has contributed in many ways, especially helping the team stay solid defensively and matching the physicality of most of our opponents,” he said about Cooper. “I am so excited to see him succeed!”

He gave equally resounding words of encouragement on Javier’s abilities. “In his two years as a Wildcat, Javi has been a key member of our program. His speed, one on one, and skill makes him a great asset in the final 3rd of the field. He has seen this team go through the good and the bad, and I am so happy he has helped us end this year with two titles. He is going to do great things at KSC!”

Cooper reflects on a successful year with the team, recounting the highlight of the season. “I liked playing soccer at VA and winning the NEPSAC championship for the first time in school history this year,” he shared. “I’m looking forward to meeting new teammates and playing high-level soccer at SNHU next year.”

Javier attributes this accomplishment in part to the equal attention he gets athletically and academically. “Vermont Academy has changed the way that I play soccer and taught me how to be more physical and improve my technical skills by providing me with dedicated coaches. In the classroom, I have noticed a similar pattern as teachers push me to try my best,” he said. “Being a part of the VA soccer program has allowed me to be a part of a family. When I wear the VA jersey I feel like I cannot disappoint my parents, my teammates, or my coaches because of the support that I have.”

On behalf of the Vermont Academy community, we look forward to seeing both Cooper and Javier’s next achievements and we know they are both in great hands to grow even more as athletes and students.