Cooper Gentle, McCallie Class of 2026, was named on Tuesday as an Academic All-American by the National High School Coaches Association. The award recognizes student-athletes representing 22 sports for excellence in both the classroom and athletics and honors outstanding academic achievement and dedication to sportsmanship.

Cooper earned the distinction as a Faculty Scholar at McCallie’s commencement ceremony May 17. The honor is for seniors who graduate with a 4.15 or higher grade point average on a 4.25 scale.

He was president of the School Senate his senior year and also served in leadership roles with Student Council, TEPS, and the Council on Community and Brotherhood throughout his high school years.

Cooper, who began his McCallie education in sixth grade, was a three-sport letterman during all four years of his high school career, excelling in football, track and field, and wrestling.

He was a key member of state championship teams for all three sports. For football, he was selected the state’s defensive player of the year in 2025 and was an All-State honoree. In 2026, he won a heavyweight title in wrestling, and placed fifth in the shot put at the state meet, earning All-State honors in each sport as well.

“Cooper Gentle competed at such an elite level in three demanding sports,” McCallie Athletic Director Kenny Sholl said. “He managed to remain as one of the top scholars in his class while taking the highest level courses McCallie has to offer. He is an amazing young man in every way; as an athlete, a scholar, and most importantly, as one of high character.”

The son of Greta and T.J. Gentle of Chattanooga, Cooper will attend Yale University in the fall.

The NHSCA is an organization that provides leadership and support to coaches and their programs. It promotes safety, provides educational support, celebrates excellence, and communicates the benefits of participation in sports to each community.