Cohen doesn’t shy away from working hard

By CLIFF GILL

NEW PORT RICHEY - Courtney Cohen is an outstanding soccer player. The senior sweeper helped lead Gulf High to a 17-9-1 record this season. For the fourth consecutive year, Cohen was named first-team all-Sunshine Athletic Conference.

Her coach, Shari Schau, credits Cohen's work ethic for much of her success.

"As the sweeper, she is the final defender before the goalie," Schau said. "Courtney is willing to give 100 percent at each practice and each game. She gives it everything she has, then comes back the next day and does the same thing."

Despite being a defensive player, Cohen led the team with 11 assists.

"I try to read the field," she said. "My teammates and I communicate throughout the game. If there's an opportunity upfield, I want to make it as easy as possible for a teammate to be in position to score."

Cohen's leadership has had a positive effect on the team's younger players. Freshman Alyssa Skelton initially was disappointed when she learned she had made the junior varsity team. "Courtney taught me to keep going and never give up," Skelton said. "With hard work, I will make varsity next year."

Sophomore Kaylee Wolf looks up to Cohen for her ability to achieve both athletic and academic success.

"She excels at several sports and still get excellent grades," Wolf said. "The younger players admire her for keeping everything in balance."

Last fall, Cohen became a kicker for the school's football team, becoming the first female player in school history. Coach Jay Fulmer, in his 23rd year of coaching, was impressed by Cohen's skills and focus.

"She did everything we asked, including run sprints and tackling drills," Fulmer said. "She inspired the boys to try harder."

For the season, Cohen was successful on 26 of 29 extra-point attempts and kicked seven field goals, including one from 39 yards.

Cohen is a member of the school's track team. She runs the second leg of the team's 4x100-meter relay and competes in the shot put. One of her tosses at the Chasco Invitational went 32 feet, 9 inches to give her second place.

In the classroom, Cohen has a 4.25 grade-point average, which puts her in the top five of her graduating class. She is taking Advanced Placement courses in literature, history, statistics and government.

"When Courtney was in the eighth grade, she was one of several Gulf Middle School students who accelerated in math and came to Gulf High School for geometry honors," said Jeff Miller, who has been Cohen's math teacher for five years. "I've taught her and the three other students each year through the 12th grade. Courtney has taken all of the honors and Advanced Placement math classes we offer at Gulf High School, and she has made almost all A's. She's an outstanding student."

Cohen has accepted a scholarship offer from Division I Ohio University, where she hopes to major in journalism.

"I have been blessed with parents who made studying a priority. I've had coaches who have supported me and taught me that hard work pays off," Cohen said. "Many of my teammates have been friends of mine since middle school. A true friend leads by example to motivate others to reach their potential. I hope I have done that."