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From New Zealand to Penn State: Cooper Morley’s Record-Breaking Journey

Before making the leap to the U.S., Cooper Morley honed his swimming talent at Rangitoto College in New Zealand, where he built an impressive resume of achievements. Now competing for Penn State University, Cooper is already leaving his mark in the NCAA Big Ten Conference, showcasing his incredible ability to thrive on the collegiate stage.

A Strong Foundation in New Zealand

Cooper established himself as one of New Zealand’s top young swimmers through consistent performances on the national stage:

  • New Zealand Short Course Championships (2021): Achieved a personal best in the 100m backstroke.
  • New Zealand National Championships (2021): Secured three top-8 finishes, highlighting his versatility and competitive spirit.
  • Bronze Medalist: Earned a podium finish in the 100m backstroke at the 2019 New Zealand Short Course Championships.

These accomplishments laid the groundwork for his transition to the U.S. collegiate swimming system.

Making Waves at Penn State University

Competing for Penn State University, an NCAA Division I powerhouse in the Big Ten Conference, Cooper has quickly made his mark in less than a year:

  • Program History: Owns the 4th fastest 100m backstroke time in Penn State program history.
  • B1G Freshman of the Week: Recognised after dominating against Virginia Tech, where he:
    • Won the 100m backstroke.
    • Scored in the 50 freestyle and 200 backstroke.

These performances showcase Cooper’s adaptability and drive to compete at the highest collegiate level, solidifying his role as a standout for the Nittany Lions swimming program.

Why Penn State?

Located in University Park, Pennsylvania, Penn State University is renowned for its world-class academics and athletic programs. Competing in the highly competitive Big Ten Conference, Penn State offers:

  • Elite Training Facilities: Top-tier resources to support student-athletes’ performance and development.
  • A Culture of Excellence: A history of producing top athletes across multiple sports.
  • Holistic Development: Emphasis on academic and athletic success to prepare student-athletes for their future.

The combination of a strong swimming program and academic reputation makes Penn State the perfect environment for Cooper to thrive.

Platform Sports’ Role in Cooper’s Journey

Platform Sports provided Cooper with tailored guidance and support throughout the recruitment process, ensuring he found a program that matched his goals and talent.

"I can’t thank the team at Platform Sports enough for their incredible support in helping me secure a swimming scholarship at Penn State University. Their personalised guidance, extensive network, and deep understanding of the process made my journey from New Zealand to the US a breeze. If you’re a swimmer looking to make a splash across the Pacific, Amrit, Tash, and the team are your ultimate gateway.”

What’s Next for Cooper?

Cooper’s impressive freshman season is just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary collegiate career. With his record-setting performances and continued growth, there’s no doubt Cooper will remain a standout for Penn State as he takes on the NCAA’s most competitive swimmers.

We Don’t Just Find Colleges. We Find Your Perfect Fit.

The right team. The right programme. The right future.

Cooper’s story proves that with the right support, guidance, and determination, athletes can turn their dreams of competing in the U.S. into reality. Whether you’re a swimmer, track athlete, or team player, Platform Sports is here to guide you every step of the way.

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