Cole Epperson ’24 has been instrumental in leading Jesuit to a Delta League Championship this year. As one of Jesuit’s starting forwards, he’s made a name for himself by impacting every game on offense and defense. 

Cole’s prominence and success didn’t just happen by accident. It’s a result of his hard work that has helped him grow from the promising sophomore that Head Coach Timothy Kelly first met three years ago.

“My first impression of him as a sophomore was that he was a talented player, but needed to develop physically before he could become a dominant player,” Coach Kelly said. “It has been fun to watch Cole’s development over the past three years. He is capable of so much more now than he was then. And, he has a ton more potential in him. Cole is nowhere near his ceiling yet.”

Ranked as a “Three Star Recruit” by ESPN, Cole is a well-rounded player. Standing at 6 ‘8 he has the ability to score and defend in the paint, but he can also stretch the floor and knock down the three. Coach Kelly, however, believes that Cole’s greatest strength is mental, not physical.

“Cole’s best quality is his confidence,” Coach Kelly said. “It takes a lot of courage to play basketball in front of huge crowds versus elite competition. Cole has never backed down from that challenge.” 

While Cole is always competitive on the hardwood, he is kind and outgoing off the court. Cole’s friend and teammate Nathan “Nat” Brown ’24 is no stranger to this side of Cole.

“I first met Cole as a sophomore when I came up from junior varsity basketball and started practicing with varsity for the spring season,” Nat said. “One of my favorite things about Cole is obviously that he can go get a bucket when we need it, but also his friendly and funny demeanor off the court.”

Throughout his time on the basketball team, Cole has had plenty of opportunities to bond with his teammates. Together, they have formed countless memories that Cole treasures.

“Traveling [with my team] has always been fun,” Cole said. “It helps build chemistry on the court when we have fun off the court. Having the opportunity to play at the Golden 1 Center twice has been amazing. Any tough game where we came out on top will always be a great memory for me.”

Jesuit’s first section playoff game is on Wednesday, February 14, so Cole is still focused on this season; nevertheless, Cole plans to continue playing the sport he loves long after this season ends.

“I always want to continue playing basketball at the highest level possible throughout my life,” Cole said. “Playing professional basketball has always been my dream and will be something I strive to do forever.” 

Cole’s friends and teammates at Jesuit also hope he gets to continue playing basketball. Nat believes that Cole has the aptitude to accomplish that goal.

“In the future, I hope Cole gets to keep playing basketball at a high level,” Nat said. “He has come a long way while having a lot more potential to unlock, so his ceiling is very high for what he can accomplish beyond high school.”

It’s been an outstanding four years at Jesuit for Cole. In addition to being ranked as a three star recruit for his proficiency on the court, he has won 3 Delta League titles, been named first team all-Delta League, and has a chance to win a section championship this year. And, there’s still plenty of growth and success that lies ahead.