Jackson Kochendorfer drives to the basket.

The relationship between a high school athlete and his coach is always unique.

For Jackson Kochendorfer, that has definitely been the case.

Kochendorfer, a St. Edmond senior, is the son of long-time Gael head coach Adolph Kochendorfer. And for the past three years, Adolph and Jackson have been with each other even more than before.

“It has been a great experience being able to play for him,” Jackson said. “It has helped me improve as a player because he’s always expected the most out of me and he has always showed me that hard work does pay off.”

Even before he entered his freshman season, Jackson could be found shooting baskets after home St. Edmond games inside the Gael gym. Now, he’s on the cusp of becoming the program leader for made three-pointers.

After knocking down 37 triples as a sophomore, Kochendorfer hit 72 his junior year. As St. Edmond (10-10 overall) enters a postseason matchup with North Iowa on Thursday, the sharpshooter sits at 56 made buckets from behind the arc this year, giving him 165 for his career.

Nick Clark, a current assistant on the team, made 173 career 3-pointers. He was just one of many players the younger Kochendorfer idolized as a youth.

“It was a dream come true,” he said. “A lot of people that I have seen play for the Gaels before me were who I looked up to when I was growing up. Being able to actually play for this program has been amazing.”

Kochendorfer is second on the team in points per game, averaging 13.4 per game. He is also among the leaders in rebounds and assists.

Along with basketball, Kochendorfer has been involved in football, cross country and baseball. He was 3-1 on the mound with 30 strikeouts in 35 innings last year, adding five doubles and 10 RBI.

He is currently undecided on his college future, but is planning to major in business.

Vacation destination: California.

People I would like to have dinner with: my grandparents, Kevin Durant and Bo Jackson.

It would surprise people that I: like to fish.

My sports role model: John Engler.

My everyday role model: my parents.

I can’t go a day without: listening to music.

Nickname: Cash.

Superstition: wearing the same socks for every game.

Most heated rivalry: Manson NW.

Favorite road trip: Clear Lake.

What are you listening to right now? a lot, by 21 Savage.

Favorites…

Team: Iowa State.

Class: Biology.

Movie: Friday After Next.

Book or Magazine: Night by Elie Wiesel.

Phone app: Snapchat.