Army West Point Athletics
Cooper and Morrell Named September Scholar-Athletes of the Month by Center for Enhanced Performance
October 05, 2026 | General, Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer, Athletics
WEST POINT, N.Y. - The Army West Point Athletics Association's Academic Support team has selected its scholar-athletes for the month of September, recognizing men's soccer's Kelly Cooper and women's soccer's Makaela Morrell.
Men's Soccer
Kelly Cooper '27
Cadet Kelly Cooper, a senior central defender on the Army Men's Soccer team, has been a team fixture for his entire cadet career. The Atlanta, GA native and member of Company D1 is a four-year player who has always been considered a team leader in some fashion during that time. This year as a senior, however, Cooper is a team captain for the second consecutive year and is Army's unquestioned leader on the field and in the classroom. Simply put, he is the face, heart, and soul of the team.
On the field, there has not been a more talented and consistent player than Cooper. As a four-year starter, he has always been an anchor in a very strong Army defense. Last year as a junior and one of the team captains, he demonstrated that talent and consistency by appearing in all 18 of Army's games. In those games, he led the Black Knights in minutes played with 1,615, while his lock-down defense was critical to Army's eight shutouts that included three consecutive shutouts at the end of the season. Additionally, on the offensive side of the field Cooper scored two goals and had two assists. Cooper's performance earned him 2025 All-Conference and First Team All-Patriot League honors.
In recognition of his junior-year excellence, Cooper entered this year on the 2026 Preseason All-Patriot League First Team and his talent and consistency has not disappointed. So far this season, Cooper continues to be the team leader and anchor of a very tough Army defense. Only six weeks and eight games into the season, Cooper has played in all but seven minutes of those games, logging over 700 total minutes. He has already matched last year's offensive total by netting two goals. His tenacious defense was pivotal earlier in this season when the Black Knights traveled to the University of Akron and played the currently 6th -ranked team in the nation to a 0-0 draw. Finally, only six weeks into the season, Cooper has been named Patriot League Defender of the Week three times.
Off the field and in the classroom, Cooper continually demonstrates that same talent and excellence. Cooper is a Geospatial Information Science (GIS) Major with an Environmental Engineering sequence. He carries a 3.24 academic GPA and has been on the Dean's list every semester at West Point despite the team's demanding practice and travel schedule. Within his GIS Major, Cooper's focus is on geospatial intelligence, terrain analysis, and remote sensing and how those capabilities inform intelligence operations and military decision-making. Cooper hopes to leverage his academic degree and expertise if he is selected as a Military Intelligence officer later this year.
When characterizing Cooper, Army Men's Soccer Coach Brian Plotkin summed it up best – "Kelly is leading by voice and example in all phases of West Point. He is excelling first and foremost as a cadet, which is setting him up for great performances on the field for Army Soccer and in the classroom." Cadet Kelly Cooper's consistent body of work over the past four years as the team's definitive leader has certainly demonstrated those great performances every time he steps on the field or into the classroom.
Women's Soccer
Makaela Morrell '28
Cadet Makaela Morrell is a striker on the Army Women's Soccer Team from Bethesda, Maryland and the quintessential example of a Scholar-Athlete-Warrior.
Academically, Cadet Makaela Morrell exemplifies excellence through intellectual curiosity and unwavering commitment to learning. She has earned a 3.7 GPA and Dean's List recognition for all four terms completed to date. Makaela is pursuing a degree in the competitive Management Program and ranks within the top 5% of her cohort. Her instructors highlight her consistent preparation for and active participation in class, creating a positive learning environment while challenging and supporting peers. Through her academic achievement and positive influence in the classroom, CDT Morrell embodies the intellectual discipline and dedication to learning expected of future Army officers.
On the field, CDT Morrell's successes are driven by the same discipline, work ethic, and commitment which make her successful in the classroom. She is routinely the first player to arrive for training, often coming even earlier to complete additional individual work before practice begins. Her dedication to continuous improvement and team success has steadily elevated her role within Army Women's Soccer. Makaela embraces every opportunity to develop her skills and contribute to the team culture earning play in 14 matches her yearling year and helping her team capture the Patriot League Championship and a bid to the 2025 NCAA Division 1 Women's Soccer Tournament for the first time in over a decade. This season, CDT Morrell continues to make herself an indispensable member of the team, appearing in all 10 matches and earning seven starts to date. Makaela's consistent preparation, work ethic, and tenacity inspire her teammates to embody the grit and resilience which define Army Athletics.
Cadet Morrell distinguishes herself in every endeavor she undertakes. Whether excelling in the classroom, on the soccer field, or developing alongside her fellow cadets, she consistently exemplifies the maturity, character, and selfless service expected of a West Point cadet. Her performance across these domains was recognized at the end of her freshman year with the Superintendent's Award, awarded to those who maintained above a 3.5 GPA across academic, physical, and military developmental pillars. She embraces challenges, leads by example, and earns the respect of those around her through her humility, work ethic, and commitment to continued growth. She reflects the very best of the Scholar-Athlete-Warrior and is exceptionally deserving of recognition as a Scholar Athlete.
Army West Point Athletic Association, Inc. (AWPAA)
AWPAA is an IRS code 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation established to execute the United States Military Academy's intercollegiate athletics program. AWPAA is led by a board of directors that provides guidance to the director of athletics, who serves as the primary advisor to the USMA Superintendent and the USMA leadership on all NCAA operations. The AWPAA mission is to recruit, educate, train and inspire leaders of character who are committed to the Army values through an extraordinary Division I athletic experience.
—www.goarmywestpoint.com—
Men's Soccer
Kelly Cooper '27
Cadet Kelly Cooper, a senior central defender on the Army Men's Soccer team, has been a team fixture for his entire cadet career. The Atlanta, GA native and member of Company D1 is a four-year player who has always been considered a team leader in some fashion during that time. This year as a senior, however, Cooper is a team captain for the second consecutive year and is Army's unquestioned leader on the field and in the classroom. Simply put, he is the face, heart, and soul of the team.
On the field, there has not been a more talented and consistent player than Cooper. As a four-year starter, he has always been an anchor in a very strong Army defense. Last year as a junior and one of the team captains, he demonstrated that talent and consistency by appearing in all 18 of Army's games. In those games, he led the Black Knights in minutes played with 1,615, while his lock-down defense was critical to Army's eight shutouts that included three consecutive shutouts at the end of the season. Additionally, on the offensive side of the field Cooper scored two goals and had two assists. Cooper's performance earned him 2025 All-Conference and First Team All-Patriot League honors.
In recognition of his junior-year excellence, Cooper entered this year on the 2026 Preseason All-Patriot League First Team and his talent and consistency has not disappointed. So far this season, Cooper continues to be the team leader and anchor of a very tough Army defense. Only six weeks and eight games into the season, Cooper has played in all but seven minutes of those games, logging over 700 total minutes. He has already matched last year's offensive total by netting two goals. His tenacious defense was pivotal earlier in this season when the Black Knights traveled to the University of Akron and played the currently 6th -ranked team in the nation to a 0-0 draw. Finally, only six weeks into the season, Cooper has been named Patriot League Defender of the Week three times.
Off the field and in the classroom, Cooper continually demonstrates that same talent and excellence. Cooper is a Geospatial Information Science (GIS) Major with an Environmental Engineering sequence. He carries a 3.24 academic GPA and has been on the Dean's list every semester at West Point despite the team's demanding practice and travel schedule. Within his GIS Major, Cooper's focus is on geospatial intelligence, terrain analysis, and remote sensing and how those capabilities inform intelligence operations and military decision-making. Cooper hopes to leverage his academic degree and expertise if he is selected as a Military Intelligence officer later this year.
When characterizing Cooper, Army Men's Soccer Coach Brian Plotkin summed it up best – "Kelly is leading by voice and example in all phases of West Point. He is excelling first and foremost as a cadet, which is setting him up for great performances on the field for Army Soccer and in the classroom." Cadet Kelly Cooper's consistent body of work over the past four years as the team's definitive leader has certainly demonstrated those great performances every time he steps on the field or into the classroom.
Women's Soccer
Makaela Morrell '28
Cadet Makaela Morrell is a striker on the Army Women's Soccer Team from Bethesda, Maryland and the quintessential example of a Scholar-Athlete-Warrior.
Academically, Cadet Makaela Morrell exemplifies excellence through intellectual curiosity and unwavering commitment to learning. She has earned a 3.7 GPA and Dean's List recognition for all four terms completed to date. Makaela is pursuing a degree in the competitive Management Program and ranks within the top 5% of her cohort. Her instructors highlight her consistent preparation for and active participation in class, creating a positive learning environment while challenging and supporting peers. Through her academic achievement and positive influence in the classroom, CDT Morrell embodies the intellectual discipline and dedication to learning expected of future Army officers.
On the field, CDT Morrell's successes are driven by the same discipline, work ethic, and commitment which make her successful in the classroom. She is routinely the first player to arrive for training, often coming even earlier to complete additional individual work before practice begins. Her dedication to continuous improvement and team success has steadily elevated her role within Army Women's Soccer. Makaela embraces every opportunity to develop her skills and contribute to the team culture earning play in 14 matches her yearling year and helping her team capture the Patriot League Championship and a bid to the 2025 NCAA Division 1 Women's Soccer Tournament for the first time in over a decade. This season, CDT Morrell continues to make herself an indispensable member of the team, appearing in all 10 matches and earning seven starts to date. Makaela's consistent preparation, work ethic, and tenacity inspire her teammates to embody the grit and resilience which define Army Athletics.
Cadet Morrell distinguishes herself in every endeavor she undertakes. Whether excelling in the classroom, on the soccer field, or developing alongside her fellow cadets, she consistently exemplifies the maturity, character, and selfless service expected of a West Point cadet. Her performance across these domains was recognized at the end of her freshman year with the Superintendent's Award, awarded to those who maintained above a 3.5 GPA across academic, physical, and military developmental pillars. She embraces challenges, leads by example, and earns the respect of those around her through her humility, work ethic, and commitment to continued growth. She reflects the very best of the Scholar-Athlete-Warrior and is exceptionally deserving of recognition as a Scholar Athlete.
Army West Point Athletic Association, Inc. (AWPAA)
AWPAA is an IRS code 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation established to execute the United States Military Academy's intercollegiate athletics program. AWPAA is led by a board of directors that provides guidance to the director of athletics, who serves as the primary advisor to the USMA Superintendent and the USMA leadership on all NCAA operations. The AWPAA mission is to recruit, educate, train and inspire leaders of character who are committed to the Army values through an extraordinary Division I athletic experience.
—www.goarmywestpoint.com—
Players Mentioned
D
/ Men's Soccer
F/M
/ Women's SoccerMonday, October 05
Monday, October 05
Sunday, October 04
Sunday, October 04