Cooper Peach excels on gridiron and in classroom
He’s smart, driven and a 2024 National Football Foundation Gridiron Club of Dallas Scholar Athlete of the Year winner. He’s Cooper Peach, the first to ever do it in Arlington ISD.
“It’s such an honor,” Peach said. “It makes me feel on top of the world.”
Recognized with a large trophy and $2,500 scholarship at the 15th annual Scholar-Athlete Awards Banquet in Addison this past Sunday, Peach was in shock.
“It didn’t seem real,” he said. “This award connects me to a line of scholar athletes who have and will continue to change the world.”
As a senior at Arlington High School, Peach was nominated by his coaches for his class act on and off the field.
In fact, his coaches play a huge role in where he is today, including his dad and Arlington High School head football coach Scott Peach. His grandfather was legendary Lamar football coach Eddy Peach.
“My dad and coaches have shaped me into the man I am through their terrific examples of hard work, consistent discipline and dedication,” Peach said.
That’s why the award hit even closer to home.
“Ecstatic is the first word that comes to mind,” said Scott Peach. “When he received the award, I had tears coming out of my eyes. I am just so proud of him.”
In addition to playing football at Arlington High, Peach also was selected for the Texas High School Coaches Association Academic All-State Elite Team, one of only 70 athletes in Texas picked for the honor.
But his success goes beyond the field, too.
“I have had the privilege of having many great teachers over the years who have gifted me with a strict passion for learning,” said Peach, whose grandmother Debbie shares the namesake at Peach Elementary with Eddy.
Owning the number two spot in his senior class, his commitment to his academics is evident.
“He is a highly motivated individual,” said Scott Peach. “He works so hard in everything he does.”
With a vision to make a difference, he’s done exactly that here in Arlington ISD. But he’s not done yet.
After graduation, Cooper Peach will be headed to attend and play football at Washington University in St. Louis.
“My hope is that I can create a new wave of outstanding student athletes who are inspired by my achievements and see that anything is possible,” he said. “I know I have so many more great things to give into this world, and I’m just getting started.”