Cooper Johnson Obituary, Death: Sioux Falls Tennis Star and Beloved Teammate Mourned After Tragic Loss — Community Remembers His Inspirational Rise, Academic Dedication, and Unmatched Character

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is mourning the devastating loss of one of its most admired and promising young figures, Cooper Johnson, affectionately known to many as “Coop.” His sudden and tragic passing this week has left an unmistakable void in the lives of his family, friends, teammates, coaches, and classmates—a loss described by loved ones as “awful,” yet surrounded by an outpouring of heartfelt remembrance. Cooper Johnson was more than a student-athlete; he was a story of extraordinary perseverance, a quiet but fierce competitor, and a beacon of kindness and positivity both on and off the tennis court.

A proud alumnus of Sioux Falls O’Gorman High School, Cooper’s journey from an overlooked roster position to championship-level athlete is already part of school legend. He joined the boys’ tennis team ranked last—#24—yet ended his high school career as one of its most dominant and reliable players, helping lead the team to a coveted Northern Section Title. That kind of climb in a competitive, disciplined sport like tennis doesn’t happen by chance. It is built with sweat, relentless determination, mental strength, and a rare capacity for growth. It was this trajectory that earned Cooper not only accolades but the eternal respect of coaches, teammates, and competitors alike.

“This does not happen without hard work… dedication… determination,” wrote longtime coaches Katie and Don, reflecting on Cooper’s exceptional rise through the ranks. “In all our coaching years, we have never seen a player rise like that. He was one of the best of the best ever.”

But it wasn’t just his athletic performance that made Cooper special. Those closest to him speak with reverence about a young man who embodied integrity, humility, and unshakable commitment. He never boasted about his achievements. Instead, he focused on lifting others up—encouraging teammates, mentoring younger players, and celebrating victories with grace. His demeanor was as steady as his backhand—firm, focused, and full of intention.

In every dimension of student life, Cooper made his mark. He was a standout in academics, a member of the National Honor Society, and an active contributor to student government through his role on the Student Council. He balanced those commitments with his duties as manager for the girls’ tennis team—a role he took seriously, not just as a logistical responsibility but as another opportunity to support and celebrate others.

His story continued beyond high school at Hamline University in Minnesota, where he pursued a double major in history and political science. There, Cooper remained an integral part of the campus community, continuing his tennis career and expanding his academic horizons with the same determination and light-hearted charm that had characterized his high school years. On campus, he was a known and beloved presence, recognized not just for his athletic talents but for his intellectual curiosity, leadership, and unwavering positivity.

To speak of Cooper’s legacy is to tell a story of relentless improvement, deep humility, and profound influence. He wasn’t loud or attention-seeking—he led with action, consistency, and authenticity. He didn’t crave titles; he earned them. He didn’t demand loyalty; he inspired it.

Kate Barnes, a close supporter of the O’Gorman tennis program, captured the emotions of an entire community in her tribute:
“The OG Tennis Team and tennis community lost one of the best of the best ever!!! Sending love and prayers to his parents, grandparents, siblings, relatives, high school and college teammates, coaches, and his hundreds—perhaps thousands—of friends. We love you and miss you, Coop!”

That sentiment is not limited to those who stood alongside him on the court. Students who knew Cooper from classrooms and community service projects speak of a young man who always had time for others—who remembered names, who held doors, who volunteered when no one else would. His intelligence was never wielded as a weapon; it was shared generously, and always with humility.

One of the most touching aspects of Cooper’s journey was his bond with his family, especially his grandfather, Jim. Known affectionately as “Grandpa Jim,” he was a fixture at Cooper’s matches, always on the sidelines, offering encouragement and support. Their relationship, described by many as inseparable, was a cornerstone of Cooper’s athletic and personal life. His grandfather’s pride was matched only by Cooper’s quiet gratitude—a mutual respect that shaped his character in profound ways.

The pain of Cooper’s passing is magnified by the sheer potential of the life he was living. He had already achieved so much, yet those who knew him understood that his greatest contributions were still ahead. His academic ambitions, his thoughtful worldview, his instinctive leadership—these were tools he intended to use in service of others, whether through public service, education, or community leadership. That this promise has been cut short is heartbreaking, but the impact he had in his 20+ years is far beyond what many accomplish in a lifetime.

In the wake of his death, the grief that ripples across Sioux Falls and the Hamline University community is heavy, but it is also threaded with gratitude. Gratitude for having known him. Gratitude for the example he set. Gratitude for every match, every memory, every smile that lingers even now in his absence.

Funeral and memorial service details have not yet been released, but already, preparations are underway for tributes that will honor Cooper’s life not only through ceremony but through action. Coaches, teachers, and teammates are discussing scholarships, court dedications, and service events that will carry forward his name and his values.

Cooper Johnson’s story is one of defying odds—not because he wanted to be great, but because he wanted to be better. Better than he was yesterday. Better for those around him. In that pursuit, he achieved something rare: he became unforgettable.

His name will live on in school record books, in community newsletters, in the hearts of his loved ones—but also in the daily actions of those he inspired. Every young player who digs a little deeper, every student who lifts a classmate up, every teammate who chooses compassion over competition will carry a piece of Cooper with them.

As Sioux Falls grieves, it also celebrates the life of a young man who taught us that effort matters, that kindness counts, and that greatness lies in how we treat one another. Cooper’s presence on this earth was a gift. His absence is an ache—but his memory is a guidepost for all of us.

Cooper, we will never forget you. Your smile, your spirit, and your extraordinary heart will forever echo across the courts, classrooms, and communities you touched. May your legacy of grace, grit, and goodness continue to shine.