HEBRON, KY — Conner High School Mourns the Sudden Loss of Beloved Head Football Coach Dave Trosper
The community of Hebron, Kentucky, and the halls of Conner High School are shrouded in grief following the sudden and heartbreaking passing of Dave Trosper, the school’s longtime head football coach. Trosper, 55, died unexpectedly on Saturday, June 7, 2025, leaving behind a void not only in the football program but also in the lives of countless students, athletes, colleagues, and friends who were inspired by his unwavering dedication, compassion, and leadership.
For more than two decades, Coach Trosper was the heart and soul of Conner High School’s football program. His tenure was marked by much more than wins and losses—he was a builder of character, a steadfast mentor, and a father figure to generations of young athletes. Under his guidance, the Cougars became a source of pride for the community, not just for their performance on the field but for their sportsmanship, discipline, and unity.
“Coach Trosper didn’t just coach football—he coached life,” said Conner High School Principal Lisa Williams. “He showed our students what it meant to be committed, to work hard, to support each other, and to face adversity with grace. His legacy extends far beyond the sidelines.”
Known for his booming voice, sharp wit, and an ever-present ball cap, Trosper was a coach who demanded excellence but led with kindness. Former players remember him as someone who saw potential even when they couldn’t see it in themselves. “He changed my life,” said one former student-athlete. “Coach T believed in me when no one else did. He made me feel like I mattered, and that I could be something.”
Trosper’s impact wasn’t limited to the gridiron. As a teacher, he brought the same energy and passion into the classroom, encouraging students to think critically and strive for personal growth. He was known for checking in on students who needed a little extra encouragement, offering advice and guidance that stuck with them well beyond graduation.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Trosper was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife, Jill, and their three children, all of whom he spoke about with pride and deep love. Friends describe him as a fiercely loyal husband and a loving, hands-on father who prioritized family above all.
As word of his passing spread, an outpouring of tributes flooded social media, with former students, athletes, and fellow coaches sharing heartfelt stories and messages of gratitude. A memorial of flowers, jerseys, and handwritten notes has formed at the gates of Conner High School’s football field, a testament to the lives he touched.
Boone County Schools Superintendent Matthew Turner issued a statement praising Trosper’s decades of service. “Dave Trosper was the kind of educator every community dreams of having. His loss is immeasurable, but so is the mark he left behind.”
Plans are underway for a celebration of life ceremony, with details to be announced by the family and school officials in the coming days. The Conner football team, in coordination with the school district, also plans to honor Trosper’s legacy in the upcoming season through a series of tributes and commemorative events.
In this time of mourning, the Conner High School community is leaning on one another—drawing strength from the very values that Coach Trosper championed: resilience, unity, and heart.
He may be gone from the sidelines, but Coach Dave Trosper’s legacy will echo through every touchdown, every team huddle, and every life he helped shape. His memory will forever remain part of the spirit of Conner High School.