Meet the Ath’elite’: David Church

Athlete: David Church, Class of 2021

Team: Millard South Hockey Club

Hockey is one of the few sports that is played that has yet to become a “true” high school sport and an NSAA sanctioned sport. But after bowling was just sanctioned, David has hopes for hockey to make the transition along with it.

“It is a club sport. I’ve been trying to make it a school sport, but there are a lot of hurdles to jump through,” Church said. “Along with that, it is set up by a separate organization so the school would have to partner with USA Hockey and OMAHA Hockey, but one day, I hope it happens.”

“I have been playing hockey for about 13 years now,” Church said. “But I have been skating since I was maybe 3, I’m not sure, but I’ve been at it for a while.”

He said, “I have played for Millard South all 4 years of high school, but before that, I played for the Fremont Flyers.”

Position: Center and occasionally Defense

Number: 11

“I started playing because my brother played and I thought it was really cool,” said David. “He would always take me out to play with him when he wasn’t busy, so playing with him and watching the Stanley Cups made me fall in love with the sport.”

Church went on about his brother, saying, “My brother taught me how to play and ultimately, how to be a decent human being inside and outside of sports. And I still learn things from him to keep my game at its best. I look up to him a lot.”

Junior Season Totals

Goals: 23

Points: 36

Assists: 13

To have these stats is pretty incredible, but the road to get to this level of success has been a bit rocky. 

“I have had to battle with injuries over the years,” said Church. “I have broken 2 bones and they both sucked, but luckily, I still have all of my teeth. But breaking a bone is the absolute worst, especially since you have to sit out and watch, and you can’t really contribute to the team.”

Hockey is one of the few sports that is played that has yet to become a “true” high school sport and an NSAA sanctioned sport. But after bowling was just sanctioned, David has hopes for hockey to make the transition along with it.

“It is a club sport. I’ve been trying to make it a school sport, but there are a lot of hurdles to jump through,” Church said. “Along with that, it is set up by a separate organization so the school would have to partner with USA Hockey and OMAHA Hockey, but one day, I hope it happens.”

But his career has still been pretty memorable for this senior, who helped the team to the state championship back in 2019.

“During my sophomore year, we won state. Winning something like that, it was probably the most exciting day of my life. It was really a dream come true.”

And he said that he couldn’t have done it without his teammates and coaches.

“I love the family bond we all have,” David said. “Everyone looks out for each other and always has everyone’s back. It’s a great feeling when you have a team like that.”

He said, “Our head coach Tony Kopf is pretty great. The guy is a mastermind in hockey. He studies hockey theories and setups and plays running. He’s pretty much the only reason the Millard South Hockey team is what it is today. He is just an overall great person and coach.”

Congrats to David on an incredible high school career, and may the rest of it be just as amazing!