Hampton Resident With Brain Tumor Inspires Bulldogs Girls Soccer

Since Hapton-Dumont-CAL girls soccer head coach Ben Schlachter took over the program in 2023, he introduced the kid captain program where a kid is brought to be the “team captain” for the Bulldogs.

The kid captain for Monday’s game vs Belmond-Klemme was a very inspirational 12-year-old by the name of Jaxon Hartkopp. Jaxon was diagnosed with a Ependymomas brain tumor at the age of eight, and has been battling the disease ever since. Jaxon has also developed Hydrocephalus, which is excessive fluids in the brain that requires a shunt to be inserted into the brain to drain the fluid periodically. Despite having to fight a life threatening disease, Jaxon always remains in high spirits. Coach Schlatcher talked about the things Jaxon was able to do as the kid captain.

“We get a kid in the community to come hang out with the girls before the game,” said Schlatcher. “The referees usually let them flip the coin, but last year when Jaxon was a kid captain he was in a wheelchair and unable to do that. Now that he is out of the wheel chair, this year that is something he will be able to do. He also will get to walk out onto the field with the ladies and get announced.” 

Jaxon’s fight with the disease is not over, but he has made tremendous improvement as just three months ago he was able to walk again and doesn’t need a wheelchair and even told me how he was planning to be back out on the soccer field when he is fully recovered. Coach Schlatcher mentioned how he personally has known Jaxon for a while and how Jaxon’s story has meant a lot to him. 

“For me personally he and his family are personal friends of ours," said Schlatcher. “We go to church together and we do a lot of things together. I met him coaching my oldest son’s t-ball team and Jaxon was on the team and we ended up becoming pretty close then. Jaxon and my oldest son are now best friends and just to watch how he has faced that. He shows no fear.”

Jaxon joined the girls in their pregame huddle and Bulldog soccer player Maria Ramirez explained how Jaxon’s story motivates the team. 

“It just motivates us to work even harder,” said Ramirez. “He is working hard just to be here with us.” 

Ramirez’s teammate Mallory Rieken also spoke on the impact Jaxon has had on the team. 

“I think it just shows the power that one person can have,” said Rieken. “It impacts us because if he can be powerful through that, we can be powerful too.” 

Jaxon’s family is obviously very proud of his fight but also how he is able to keep a cheerful spirit during a hard time in his life. His father Chadd Hartkopp discussed how impressive Jaxson’s attitude has been through the whole process. 

“Jaxon is resilient, even with all the doctors visits, the poking, the prodding and the MRIs,” said Hartkopp. “He is still a happy kid and he gets along with everybody and anyone. We all could learn from him to have joy over adversity.” 

Coach Schaltcher talked about why it is important to give kids like Jaxon this opportunity.

“It is a way to get kids that still love the game to get involved if they can’t be physically.,” said Schlatcher. “They can be out here and be a part of it and feel like they were a part of something.” 

Although Jaxon’s fight with the disease is not over, he has not only shown the strength and courage to battle the disease but he has shown the great spirit he has to be able to keep a smile on his face. Anyone who is lucky enough to have the chance to meet Jaxon will instantly feel the cheerful joy and energy he still brings on a daily basis.