News | Women’s Basketball Grabs Big 12 Guard Kayla Cooper from Oklahoma
05/01/2024 | 4:40:00 | Women's Basketball
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Women's basketball head coach Kelly Bond-White has announced the signing of Kayla Cooper, a transfer guard from the University of Oklahoma.
Cooper is a 5-foot-9, versatile guard who can play multiple positions. The transfer is explosive, long, and has played at a high level. Cooper is also strong on the defensive side of the ball.
This past season, Cooper red-shirted and will be able to play three seasons as a Saluki.
"Some kids just stick with you," Bond-White said. "I sat in many gyms watching a young Kayla Cooper dominate EYBL all the way to the USA trials. A relentless defender, Kayla's length will allow us to continue to disrupt. Offensively, her ability to create in the open court, knock down the three, and get to the rim are vital tools for our style of play. A Big 12 Champion with USA Basketball experience, Kayla brings veteran experience to our locker room."
In high school, Cooper was ranked as one of the top guards in the nation and has had the opportunity to play for Team USA. The guard was ranked No. 70 by BlueStar Basketball and was a McDonald's All-American nominee.
Cooper also was one of 10 top prospects in the state of Texas by Texas Prep Girls Hoops. Cooper went to Plano East High School where she led her team to two regional tournaments. Her team finished with a compiled 86 wins in her four years.
The incoming Saluki has held honors of All-Region, All-District, District 9-6A Newcomer of the Year, and was a two-time District 9-6A Academic All-District section. She was also a part of the nationally known Cy-Fair Elite AAU team.
Academically, Kayla plans to study Cybersecurity once she arrives at SIU.
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