University of Houston Athletics
From Island Boy to Student-Athlete
9/29/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
The University of Houston Department of Intercollegiate Athletics inspires excellence today while preparing CHAMPIONS FOR LIFE by fostering a culture, which challenges student-athletes to achieve their highest academic, athletic and personal aspirations. Throughout the 2015-16 athletic season, UHCougars.com will highlight Houston student-athletes, coaches and alumni who are committed to building CHAMPIONS FOR LIFE on the field, in the classroom and throughout the community. Today's CHAMPIONS FOR LIFE feature, written by Communications Assistant Stephanie Phillips, explores Houston Football senior Alex Cooper's journey from the Bahamas to the Bayou City.
HOUSTON - Alex Cooper grew up boating, fishing and harvesting coco plums in the Bahamas. He never thought he would end up playing football for the Houston Cougars but he has found his inner Texas football spirit.
After coming here at the age of 12, Cooper was nervous about the new people he would encounter when moving to the United States. He explained that he was worried that the people here would be cold but was relieved when he realized how kind Texans can be.
"Among the things that I really liked, that was the same as in the Bahamas, were the people. It is a very warm culture [in Houston]," Cooper said.
He describes the Bahamas as having a lifestyle with a small town feel. One where people say hello to everyone, even strangers, as you're driving down the street.
Like many newcomers to Houston, he also experienced the city's 'warm culture' in the form of very high humidity. He has gotten used to that, though.
After graduation, if he finds himself in a profession that doesn't involve football, Cooper hopes to use his experience growing up in a friendly environment to start a career in Human Resources.
The offensive lineman started out playing basketball and didn't even think about playing football until he moved to Texas. Given his stature, there was no way Cooper would try out for any other sport than football.
Cooper compared his first high school football game to playing a new video game.
"It was fun and it was like nothing I had ever done before," Cooper said.
Cooper has really come to love football and Texas. He loves how energetic the UH students are in the student section of home games and really appreciates the effect their energy has on the games.
"It's huge to see my classmates in the stands going crazy and painting their bodies," Cooper said. "I don't know if they know how important it is for us."
With a new head coach and a new coaching staff, Cooper and his teammates have had to adapt to a new culture. Head Coach Tom Herman has brought a lot to the team this year and his vision for this football program is bright.
The Bahamas native believes that the connection that they have as teammates is important for this season and it gives them an unbelievable advantage.
"The bond that we have as teammates is huge for this season and it gives us an unbelievable advantage," Cooper said.
The Cougars have two wins under their belt heading into Saturday's game against Texas State. But, the number one goal on each player's mind is the same.
"Our number one goal is to win the conference and to just be nationally relevant," Cooper said. "We want people to look at the University of Houston on TV and say 'Oh, that's a big time program' because I feel like we are."
When watching ESPN, Cooper has repeatedly noticed how many talented players there are at other big-name schools that are actually from Houston. It is his hope that as UH improves upon its national relevance, more of these players will choose to stay in Houston and play for the Cougars.
"If we could keep all the talent we have in Houston at UH, we would have a great thing going."
Houston returns to action this Saturday when it travels to Tulsa for its first American conference showdown of the season. The game kicks off at 11 a.m. CT and will air on CBS Sports Network and KPRC 950 AM.
2015 HOUSTON FOOTBALL SINGLE-GAME TICKETS
Single-game tickets for the 2015 Houston Football season are now on sale via the Houston Athletics Fan Experience Headquarters. Single-game tickets to Houston's six remaining home games start at just $20 and are available by calling the Fan Experience Headquarters at 713-462-6647 or by clicking here.
2015 HOUSTON FOOTBALL GROUP TICKETS
Single-game group ticket sales for the 2015 Houston Football season are now on sale via Houston Athletics Fan Experience Headquarters. Groups of at least 10 or more can purchase tickets starting at just $17 per person to any of Houston's six remaining home games by calling or texting Fan Experience Headquarters at 713-GO-COOGS or by clicking here.
OCT. 8 HOUSTON-SMU GAME DAY PARKING
With Houston's rivalry game vs. SMU scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 8, game day and campus parking will be affected to accommodate fans, faculty/staff and students on the University of Houston campus. Full parking details for the game will be announced in the near future as Houston fans should keep an eye on UHCougars.com for more information. Houston fans are also encouraged to ride the Metro Purple Rail Line to avoid traffic congestion.
--UHCougars.com--
