Meet The NOCCO Rise & Perform Scholarship Recipient: Landon Cooper
Written by Kelly Sekulovski
Introducing the NOCCO Rise & Perform 2025 Scholarship Recipient, Landon Cooper! Learn more about Landon and why he’s the candidate that stood out to both the Invictus and NOCCO teams.
The Rise & Perform Scholarship
Invictus and NOCCO teamed up to create the Rise and Perform Scholarship to help the next generation of athletes. The scholarship was designed to empower and support young athletes aged 18-24 who show exceptional dedication and potential. This scholarship provides financial support, elite coaching, a NOCCO sponsorship, and the opportunity to train with Invictus in San Diego, CA, throughout the 2025 CrossFit season.
- “We are thrilled to announce the Rise and Perform Scholarship. Our goal is to inspire and support the next generation of athletes, helping them reach their full potential,” said the NOCCO team.
Applicants from all across the world filled out their application, and after an extensive interview process with both the Invictus and NOCCO teams, it came down to two candidates. After a visit to San Diego to meet their potential Coach, potential Mentor (you might know her, her name is Dani Speegle), and the rest of the Invictus and NOCCO teams, they knew that they had found the perfect fit.
Meet The 2025 Recipient: Landon Cooper
Landon, 24, was born in raise in Las Vegas, Nevada. He started CrossFit in 2021 while attending the University of Nevada, Reno. Once he discovered CrossFit, he knew he had found his new passion.
While he might be new to the Invictus crew, Landon is not new to competition. In his debut major competition, Landon and his teammate won the pairs division at the 2024 NorCal Classic. This showed Landon that he had what it took to compete and seriously pursue his athletic career. 2024 has been quite a year for him!
During his visit to San Diego, Landon had the opportunity to meet and train with the crew at Invictus. “What Invictus has created is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced,” Landon explained when we asked him about his first time at Invictus San Diego. “The environment and atmosphere are incredibly inspiring and push you to be your best. That’s exactly what I need to take my performance to the next level. Everyone there was so welcoming, and most importantly, they’re just genuinely good people.”
Landon will be moving to San Diego for the 2025 CrossFit season, to train under the watchful eye of Coach Holden Rethwill. We tried to see which athlete he was most excited to train with, and while he couldn’t pick a favorite, he said he is especially looking forward to working with Holden, and he is eager to soak up his experience and knowledge.
“Winning the NOCCO scholarship is an incredible honor,” said Landon. “It validates the hard work and dedication I’ve poured into my training and personal growth, while also motivating me to push even further. It’s not just about the recognition—it’s about the opportunity to represent what’s possible through determination and resilience.”
We can’t wait to see what Landon is able to accomplish this season at Invictus. Stay tuned for more of his journey, and follow along on his journey on Instagram!