Story by Mark Everett Kelly mark@southerntorch.com

Regardless of age, space, and relationship, society often makes judgments about others. These circumstances usually revolve around our appearance but are also related to our physical abilities. The easier someone makes something look, the more others perceive infallibility.

Cooper Garrett, a senior at Fort Payne, commands attention. Her physical presence, marked by her towering height and a smile that could light up a room, is truly striking. Her mom, Keri possesses these same characteristics minus the height. 

These unique characteristics, combined with her remarkable achievements, make her an individual who is impossible to forget.

Society demands we understand how to separate perceptions from reality. However, doing so sometimes leaves us deceived. While every perceivable physical characteristic about Cooper screams she has it more accessible than others, the opposite rings true.

 Her achievements have earned her a place among the premier female athletes in Alabama due to the hard work and attention to detail she demonstrates, both on and off the athletic field.

In October 2023, she recorded volleyball milestones with her 1,500th kill and 1,200th assist, both extraordinary accomplishments. She's made the All-State and Super All-State Volleyball teams in her sophomore and junior seasons. This summer, she will participate in the North/South All-Star game.

“That was one of the goals I set for myself, which was to play in that game,” she said.

Cooper grew exceptionally fast, reaching six feet by seventh grade. Although she struggled with coordination, she decided to play volleyball. 

The first time I ever touched a volleyball was seventh grade," she said. "I always wanted to play, but there weren't any opportunities around here until seventh-grade tryouts."

Most athletes are familiar with the sport they decide to play. Most.

"I never watched volleyball until I started playing," she said.

While picking up any sport you need to become more familiar with is difficult, Garrett's natural athletic ability took a while to develop.

"She wasn't very coordinated, so we decided to teach her violin," her mom said.

While music wasn't meant to be her calling, the tall, awkward seventh-grader took to volleyball like a fish to water.

Justin Kisor coached Cooper from eighth grade through this past season at Fort Payne. He now coaches at Spain Park.

"I remember telling my wife that Cooper girl is going to be special," Kisor said.

One of the specific talents Garrett possesses is the ability to focus without necessarily making her intentions obvious. 

"When I first started coaching her and would try to communicate, I wondered if she was listening," Kisor said.

While other players thrive on seeing their coaches describe the activity needed, Cooper's style is unique.

She was the only player I coached who I'd wonder if she heard what I said, and then she'd execute it perfectly," Kisor said.

Few athletes have perfected the "no-look, listen, and execute coaches' game plan" quite as efficiently as Cooper. While most people experience things the same, Cooper's mind breaks down information differently.

Cooper had difficulty learning the way her classmates in elementary school did. She was diagnosed with dyslexia in second grade.

"My mom believed this was part of God's plan, and she was right," she said. 

Those who experience time with her realize her identity isn't found in her ability to thrive athletically but in the one who created her to do so.

"I look to Christ for my identity and who I am," she said.

Through her faith, Cooper finds it more accessible to relate to others and make them feel welcome.

"I always try to encourage everyone and bring others together," she said.

She also despises cliques and enjoys meeting new people and introducing those people to others.

"I don't think she ever hung around with the same kids; she likes to be with whoever is there," her mom said.

While her volleyball accomplishments are impressive, Cooper also excels at track and field. She won the 6A title for javelin and participated in the shot put and discus.

"One of my goals my senior year is to throw the javelin 155 feet," she said.

While every person has quirks that make them unique and might surprise people, Cooper has her own.

"I really like horses," she said, laughing. "I wanted to ride equestrian when I was younger."

As for her future, the soon-to-be senior wants to serve the purpose God has planned for her.

"I want to be helpful," she said. "I want to go out in the world and have a purpose."

While her high school career will end after this season, many who had the pleasure of experiencing her in person will never forget Cooper Garrett.