A three-sport standout at Hobart High School, sophomore Cooper Gray brings relentless energy to football, basketball and baseball.
“I play football, basketball, and baseball,” Gray said. “I am a slot receiver/running back, and a defensive back in football. In basketball, I’m a guard. In baseball, I play center field and pitch.”
One moment rises above the rest from his time in a Hobart uniform. “I would say making it to playoffs in football,” he said. “Everyone doubted us the whole season, but we never listened.”
Those battles have shaped more than his highlight reel. “I would say baseball has taught me to never give up, and to always fight back,” Gray said. That persistence shows up across every uniform he wears.
One educator stands out across his school years. “My favorite teacher has to be Mrs. Wald,” he said. “She is a representation of what it is like to follow Jesus.”
Family drives him most. “My inspiration is my mom,” Gray said. “She would do anything for me and never give up reaching her goals.” A teammate’s example also resonates. “Definitely Ethan Funkhouser,” he said. “He has taught me what it is like to work hard, especially in the weight room. He is also a great student outside of sports.”
Representing Hobart carries special weight. “All of the little kids looking up to me for sure,” Gray said. Simple wisdom from home guides him. “Definitely just my mom telling me to listen to what no one has to say but myself,” he said. “She has always said believe in yourself and anything is possible.”
Gratitude goes to those who push him. “I would like to thank my coaches for pushing me to be the best I can be,” Gray said.
He draws from a basketball legend. “I look up to Michael Jordan because of his work ethic,” he said. “Nothing is going tostop me from working as hard as I can.”
