Te’a Cooper has only been in the WNBA for a year but she is already one of its’ brightest stars. She’s already overcome a lot in her young career. Cooper battled back from an ACL tear after her freshman season and her start in the W was nearly derailed by COVID. After being released by the Phoenix Mercury, the LA Sparks picked her up and she’s been on a roll ever since.
Te’a had a stellar rookie season and has become one of the most recognizable faces in the league. Mid-December, she hosted a virtual clinic for the Jr. Sparks and kids checked in from as far away as Sweden. Cooper also had a quick availability session with media after the clinic. She talked about everything from her first basketball experience to her recent signing to Jordan Brand. Cooper, who is already in the league fits Hall of Fame, will definitely rep the Jumpman well. She expressed her excitement in joining the team and can’t wait for those care packages to start coming in. Te’a said she’s rocking everything from sports bras to headbands.
Te’a has already made her mark on and off the court. Like many other WNBA players, she has become a source of empowerment simply by being herself. It’s so important for young girls with hoop dreams to see their idols being comfortable in their own skin. There has been a stigma surrounding female athletes that is quickly being erased. People always pictured lady hoopers in sweats and slides at all times, but we see that’s absolutely not the case. Te’a definitely does her part to change that perception. She stays camera ready. She’s glamorous to the point where one of the cameras asked her in the zoom chat did her trademark fingernails bother her while she plays. Her performance on the court answers that questions. Te’a voices the importance of being an example to the young ladies coming up behind her, like so many players were for her.
Growing up in the Atlanta area, she had relationships with several Dream players and some of her older high school teammates that went on to play professionally served as inspiration for her. While she has accomplished a lot in her basketball career to this point, she still takes the time to appreciate each individual success. I asked her about what it meant to be a part of Jordan Brand. Te’a played in the inaugural Jordan Brand Classic Women’s game and had the opportunity to meet the man Michael Jordan himself. She said just being in his presence was amazing. So you can imagine her excitement when she got the opportunity to represent his brand.
To be handpicked by the greatest basketball player ever to rock the greatest sports brand ever is a dream come true for any hooper. And MJ couldn’t have approved of a better ambassador. Te’a definitely brings it on the court and her fashion sense is undeniable. Big things are on the horizon for her and who knows, we might see some Air Coops in the future.
Te’a is one of the W’s brightest young stars and she’s just getting started. As her game grows on the court and her brand continues to expand off it, people should prepare themselves to see her face a lot. She’s carving out her own lane and keeping it stylish while doing so. We’re wishing Te’a nothing but success moving forward and can’t wait to see what they cook up for her first Jordan Brand campaign.
