SAN FRANCISCO – Building for the future of the Academy of Art men's golf program, Head Coach Joe Dolby has announced the signing of Sam Cooper (Louisville, Colo./IMG Academy) to be the first incoming recruit of the 2024-25 class.

"Sam is the perfect example of an ART U student-athlete," Dolby said. "He is so passionate and driven to be the best player he can be, absolutely loves the game, and at the same time he is excited to pursue his degree in Industrial Design, as he knows how great our academic program is and how it prepares him for a career outside of golf as well." 

A European Junior Open Finalist, Cooper will join the Urban Knights as a true freshman after his graduation at IMG Academy this upcoming spring. The Louisville, Colo. native has stayed busy in 2024, competing in six tournaments through PGA Colorado Section Junior Golf, with his most recent appearance coming from the Mizuno CO PGA Junior Invitational. Cooper has recorded a standing of as high as second place on two occasions in the latter half of 2024 at the Fall Cup - Thorncreek and JPS & Cup Qual - Cheyenne CC, while he has recorded a 66 for his lowest round to date and a 5-under-par for his best 36-hole tournament score.

"Sam's experience attending IMG Academy in Florida with top-notch coaching and playing alongside teammates who have moved on to play at top NCAA Division I golf schools has prepared him so well to fit right into the collegiate athlete environment," Dolby said. "Sam's game is improving every single day with more and more experience, and I can't wait to add him to our team next fall as I expect him to contribute right away. There's no limit to how good a player he will become."

As he continues to pursue his dream of becoming a professional golfer, Cooper will begin in the Academy of Art School of Industrial Design as a freshman this coming fall.