Cooper Shines at SPC Championships
Dragons Deliver Standout Performances Across the Board
This past weekend, our Dragons flew high at the 2025 Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) Fall Championships and delivered performances that showcased grit, depth, and heart. Our girls cross country team captured the 3A title, our boys team raced to a strong runner-up finish, and our girls volleyball squad battled to the final match to earn a hard-fought runner-up spot.
Cross Country
Cross Country
At the meet held on November 8 at Spring Creek Park in Tomball, the Girls Varsity of The John Cooper School powered to the top of the podium in 3A, scoring just 28 team points and leaving no doubt about their dominance.
Leading the charge was sophomore Raya Al Aghbar, who crossed the finish line in 19:37.20 to take 2nd overall and set the tone for the team. Her effort was backed by freshman Isabella FitzSullivan (4th, 20:08.10), sophomore Kareena Gill (5th, 20:10.30), Joy Liang (8th, 20:40.40) and Gabrielle FitzSullivan (9th, 20:48.80).
On the boys’ side, Cooper’s Varsity squad placed 2nd in 3A with strong performances across the board. Zach Jefferson came in 6th (16:53.80), Jacob Bailey 7th (16:59.10) and Issac Ortega 9th (17:10.10) to anchor a deep team finish.
These results are a testament to the athletes’ dedication in training, early mornings, long runs, and the supportive community behind them. The girls’ depth across the roster and the boys’ pack running showed that Cooper is competitive at the highest level in the SPC.
Girls Volleyball
Girls Volleyball
On the volleyball court, our Varsity girls of The John Cooper School advanced to the 3A championship match and battled set after set towards an impressive runner-up title. With strong senior leadership and an explosive young core, the Dragons were well-prepared to rise to the occasion.
From gritty comeback sets, strong serving pressure, disciplined blocking, and a hunger to win, the Dragons proved they belong in championship matches. Our coaching staff praised the team’s poise under pressure and progression throughout the season.
With such strong finishes this weekend, The John Cooper School’s athletic program is well-positioned to build momentum into the winter and spring seasons. The depth showcased in both cross country teams bodes well for years of sustained success. The volleyball team’s run to the final provides motivation and experience that can fuel future championship strides.
A special thank-you to our student-athletes, athletic staff. families, and the entire Cooper community for rallying behind these teams. Because of your commitment, these performances were possible.
The John Cooper School
From Curiosity to Wisdom
The John Cooper School is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational, college preparatory day school. Our mission is to provide a challenging education in a caring environment to a diverse group of select students, enabling them to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible citizens and leaders, and lifelong learners.
The John Cooper School seeks to attract qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff, and student body. The School does not discriminate against any individual in admissions, educational programs, personnel policies, general practices, or employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, or age.
The John Cooper School seeks to attract qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff, and student body. The School does not discriminate against any individual in admissions, educational programs, personnel policies, general practices, or employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, or age.
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