John Cooper athletes commit to college: Golf and soccer in the spotlight

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The John Cooper School held an early signing ceremony Nov. 8 as three senior athletes prepare to compete at the college level.

Ben Wong, one of the top high school and amateur golf recruits in the country, has committed to Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

"I guess I started playing when I was 3," he said. "I didn't really believe it, but my dad has evidence. My earliest memory is when I was about 5 or 6, going out to the golf course with my dad. I remember watching him hit balls. It started from there."

Wong won his first tournament when he was just 6, competing against 9 and 10-year olds.

"It's been a long journey, but it's been very special," said Wong, who is currently undecided on his college major.

Wong's fellow golfer Andrea Gomez has signed with the University of California-Davis, where she will study managerial economics.

"It means so much to commit," said Gomez, who has been hitting the golf course ever since her dad started teaching her when she was 4-years-old. "I don't think I had natural talent as much as I just loved being out there and practicing as much as I could. I've worked hard for this. Effort and hard work has paid off."

Bella Camarata, a Dragon center midfielder in soccer, will be heading to St. Edward's University in Austin.

"When I was younger, my parents put me in a lot of different things to see what would be a good fit," Camarata said. "I ended up loving soccer. I progressed quickly, so I stuck with it."

Camarata will be a pre-med student at the university.

“These athletes have all worked hard while at Cooper and we join them in celebrating their successes,” said Athletic Director John Hoye. “We wish them all the very best and look forward to following their college athletic careers.”