Top NCSA Athletes at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School
Top NCSA Athletes in Area
Cooper Newkirk '24 Recruiting Profile
Video
November 2022Personal Statement
Ever since I entered my first tournament when I was 12 years old, I knew this was what I wanted to do in college. I fell in love with being a part of the golf community and growing up playing against kids with the same passion as me while making friendships along the way. Golf became my addiction and I continue to find myself always wanting to get out and play the game that I love.
As I moved into my high school career, the team aspect of golf quickly became my favorite part of competing. I have been the #1 or #2 player on my varsity team since I was a freshman. When I was awarded that leadership role at such a young age, I realized that golf is not just an individual sport. It’s taught me that being a great teammate is a very important part of competitive golf. I love the concept of not just playing for yourself, but for your teammates. I'm proud to always bring a positive energy to my teammates in both successes and disappointments.
As I look toward my future in college, I want to find a school that is a great fit for me in sports and academics. I want more than anything to be a part of college golf and do my part to help my team achieve its goals on and off the golf course.
Athletics
High School Information
- Years w/ Varsity
- 3 years
- 2023 Varsity Team
Individual Awards
- 1st Team All-Conference, Captain
- 2022 Varsity Team
Individual Awards
- 1 tournament win; Team Co-Captain
Team Awards
- 1 team victory
- 2021 Varsity Team
Individual Awards
- Honorable Mention All-Conference,
Coach References
- High School Assistant Coach
- Brian Vesta
- High School Head Coach
- Jim Bamburg
- Private Coach
- Mike McCabe
Events
- Camp/Event
- Hurricane Golf Tour Season Finale
- 10/21/23 to 10/22/23
- (T7/30) - (74/78/+8) - Windy conditions against tough competition from around the Midwest.
- Camp/Event
- Kansas City Junior Championship
- 6/05/23 to 6/06/23
- (76/75/+7) - T20/105 - Played decent golf on day 1 but made a triple on the 16th hole. Played decent the next day as well but did not putt as well as I needed to.
- Camp/Event
- Olathe West Invitational
- 5/09/23 to 5/09/23
- (39/35-74) - Placed T2nd out of 63 - 14/18 GIR
- Camp/Event
- 5th Annual Justin Slier Invitational
- 5/01/23 to 5/01/23
- (37/40) - (77)- T2/80- Windy conditions, finished second on the tournament and finished 5th overall in the 6A Sunflower League for 2023(1st team all-league).
- Camp/Event
- Sunflower League Round 2
- 4/17/23 to 4/17/23
- 77(+5) T12/81 Black Tees
- Camp/Event
- SMNW 1st Round Sunflower League
- 4/10/23 to 4/10/23
- 37/41/78 +6 T15 out of 86
- Camp/Event
- Shawnee G&CC Club Championship
- 7/23/22 to 7/24/22
- 9th place 83/75 +14
- Camp/Event
- KJT St Andrews 16+
- 6/29/22 to 6/29/22
- T10th/ 77
- Camp/Event
- KCJT Tomahawk Hills 16+
- 6/27/22 to 7/27/22
- 3rd place/ 76
Additional Sports
- Basketball
- 10 years
- Varsity Team
- Have played competitive basketball for the last 12 years. I played year round for 6 of those 12 years. I plan to continue playing through my high school years.
Statistics
| Statistic | 2023 Varsity Team | 2022 Varsity Team |
|---|---|---|
| Handicap | 1.2 | 1.4 |
| 18 Hole Avg. | 77 | 78 |
| 18 Hole Low | 74 | 69 |
| 9 Hole Low | 34 | |
| GIR | 52% | 13 |
| Putts per 18 | 29.6 | 30 |
| Driving Accuracy | 70% | 67% |
| Sand Save Pct. | 62 % | 35% |
| Longest Drive | 325 | 330 |
Academics
Grades
Test Scores
High School Information
Academic Accomplishments
Are you in honor classes?
Yes. Honors English, Honors World History, Honors Algebra 2, Honors Geometry,Are you in AP/IB classes?
Yes. AP European History AP US History AP Calc ABRegistered with the NCAA Eligibility Center?
YesAwards and Activities
- AwardsHonor Roll every year: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior AP Scholar National Honor Society Invitation
- ActivitiesFellowship of Christian Athletes, St Paul’s Methodist Church Youth Group, Cotillion, Milburn Junior Golf Academy Volunteer