It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Cooper Johnson, affectionately known as “Coop,” who has left an indelible mark on the Tennis community. Cooper, a shining star in the world of tennis, was taken from us far too soon, but his legacy as one of the best to ever grace the courts will forever resonate with those who had the privilege of watching him play, coaching him, or calling him a friend.
From the very beginning of his tennis journey, Cooper stood out—not just for his undeniable talent, but for his work ethic, dedication, and determination. Coop’s story is one of defying expectations and rising above every challenge that came his way. When he first joined the tennis team, he was at the bottom—ranked #24, but anyone who knew him, or watched him play, knew that his potential was limitless.
What Cooper accomplished in his time on the court is nothing short of extraordinary. Through tireless hours of practice, endless drills, and unwavering focus, he moved from being the last player on the team to the very top—a feat that coaches have rarely seen in all their years of experience. This transformation wasn’t by accident—it was the product of unmatched perseverance, countless hours of practice under the guidance of professional coaches, and the unwavering support from his family, particularly his beloved Grandpa Jim, whose influence and encouragement were pivotal to Cooper’s journey.
But beyond his remarkable physical prowess, what truly set Cooper Johnson apart was his love of the game. Tennis was more than just a sport for him; it was a passion, a drive, and a calling. His love for the game shone through in every match he played and in every step he took toward becoming the best. His ability to rise to the top despite his starting position was a testament to his deep-rooted love for tennis and his desire to continually improve, challenge himself, and achieve greatness.
For Cooper, tennis wasn’t just about the wins, the titles, or the accolades—though he certainly earned his fair share of those—it was about challenging himself, pushing his limits, and inspiring those around him to do the same. His journey was one of grit and heart, and it serves as an inspiration to every player who has ever felt like they were starting from behind. He proved that no matter where you begin, with enough dedication and heart, you can achieve greatness.
The outpouring of grief from those who knew him best speaks volumes about the impact he had on the tennis community and beyond. His parents, siblings, grandparents, teammates, coaches, and hundreds—perhaps thousands—of friends mourn his passing, and yet they take solace in knowing that Cooper’s legacy lives on in every match played, every lesson learned, and every heart he touched.
Cooper wasn’t just a player; he was a mentor, a teammate, and a friend. He shared his knowledge, wisdom, and experience freely, always seeking to help others reach their potential. His love for tennis was infectious, and his encouragement was a constant source of motivation for his teammates, coaches, and anyone fortunate enough to know him.
As we grieve this heartbreaking loss, we also celebrate Cooper Johnson’s remarkable life. He was not just a rising star in the tennis world—he was a testament to what can be accomplished through hard work, passion, and a relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. He was a son, a brother, a teammate, and a friend—roles he played with unwavering commitment, and for which he will always be remembered.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cooper’s parents, grandparents, siblings, relatives, high school and college teammates, and coaches during this incredibly difficult time. His loss is felt deeply by all who had the honor of knowing him, and we send love and strength to all who mourn his passing.
Cooper, you may no longer be with us physically, but your spirit, your love for tennis, and your incredible journey will never be forgotten. The tennis community has lost one of its brightest stars, but your light will continue to shine brightly in all of us.
Rest in peace, Coop. You were truly one of the best.
