Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Senior all-stater Jakob Koopman of St. Edmond drives to the basket in the Gael gym.

The athletic career of Jakob Koopman at St. Edmond could best be summed up with one word: perseverance.

By definition, perseverance is persistence in doing something, despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.

Koopman broke into the high school ranks as a freshman football player on varsity for the Gaels, suffering a season-ending knee injury that kept him off the basketball court that season.

He would return the following fall for what became a three-year run as an integral part to both football and basketball programs at St. Edmond making postseason runs, highlighted by claiming the Class 1A state basketball championship last month after reaching the semifinals in 2025.

“The last four years have meant a lot to me,” Koopman said. “I was finally the person younger kids could look up to, like I used to do to previous Gael standouts. I got to make impactful memories with my friends.

“I’ve loved trying my best to be a role model for others.”

Koopman scored his second all-state basketball honor this past year, making the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association’s first team. He averaged just over nine points, eight rebounds, three steals and two assists as a senior, as St. Edmond shared the North Central Conference title with Class 3A power Clear Lake.

On the football field, the Gaels qualified for the postseason each of the past two seasons with Koopman starting on both sides of the ball. He recorded 34 receptions for 548 yards and seven touchdowns — all which led the squad — and had 32 tackles on defense last fall.

“We had a small group of seniors that have experienced a lot together,” Koopman said. “So many memories that have been both good and bad.

“It’s been fun to share it all with them.”

Koopman, who was also involved in baseball, track and Play Like a Champion, credited the father of one of those seniors for inspiring him.

“Some of my key influences were my coaches throughout the years,” he said. “They taught me lessons that apply in everything I do. However, I attribute so much of who I am to Nate Galles. He coached me almost in every sport while I was younger. He taught me so much about working hard, being respectful on the field or court and so much more.

“I am forever grateful for everything he did for me.”

Koopman’s future plans include becoming an electrician.

TIMEOUT WITH JAKOB KOOPMAN

Vacation destination: the cathedral of Notre Dame.

People I would like to have dinner with: George Washington, Tom Brady, Michael Jordan.

It would surprise people that I: write left-handed but play sports with my right.

My sports role model:

Tom Brady.

I can’t go a day without: milk.

Nickname: Koop.

Superstitions: wearing the same tie before every basketball game.

Favorite road trip: Florida with Ethan my 8th grade year.

Most heated rivalry: Bishop Garrigan.

What are you listening to right now? 1980s rock.

Go-to song: “Do I Wanna Know” by Arctic Monkeys.

Favorites…

Team: Chicago Bears.

Athlete: Colston Loveland.

Class: Biology.

Binge watch: Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan.

Phone app: Bloons Tower Defense 6.