EllaMay Cooper, a two-time all-state point guard from Eau Claire Regis High School, has made headlines with her recent commitment to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) for NCAA Division I women's basketball. This decision comes after years of impressive performances that began attracting the attention of college coaches when she was just in seventh grade.
Cooper announced her commitment on social media late Wednesday, expressing her gratitude and excitement for this new chapter in her life. In her Instagram post, she stated, "I would first and always like to thank my Father in Heaven. I have been blessed by my Lord and Savior to carry out so many things on this journey, the rewarding moments and challenging ones, all of which have shaped me into the person and player I am today." This heartfelt message underscores the significance of her athletic journey and the support she has received along the way.
During her junior year, Cooper showcased her skills on the court, leading the Regis Ramblers to a remarkable 23-4 record and earning the top state ranking. Her performance was nothing short of stellar, as she averaged 24.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, making her one of the leading players in the state. Notably, she helped her team secure a regular season victory over Neillsville, the eventual state champions, although the Ramblers faced a setback in the postseason against the same team.
Cooper's visit to UTC last week solidified her decision. She noted, "They had actually offered me last year. Once I went there on my visit, I had the feeling that this was the place I wanted to go to. It is a great fit for me." The Mocs, who finished last season with a 20-11 record, have a strong program that Cooper believes will provide her with a valuable opportunity to develop her skills further. She expressed her admiration for the coaching staff and the overall environment at the university.
In making her choice, Cooper considered several other schools, including Eastern Illinois, Cleveland State, and Charleston Southern. Reflecting on the lengthy recruitment process, she shared, "It's been a long process, but it has definitely been worth it. I can't really describe it. I am relieved, but I am also very excited. I am so grateful to God and my family. I am really looking forward to my college career."
Before she embarks on her collegiate journey, Cooper remains focused on her final high school season. She stated, "The goal has always been to win a state title and we came up short of that the last couple of years. I am excited about being able to really focus on my senior season of high school." With a motivated team and a strong desire to succeed, Cooper is determined to make her last year at Regis a memorable one.
Cooper has also been actively working on her game during the off-season, participating in various basketball activities to enhance her skills. "I gained some great experience. I am always, 100 percent, trying to get better and improve. I am still learning the game," she commented, highlighting her commitment to continuous growth as an athlete.
Academically, Cooper excels as well, maintaining a 3.8 GPA and planning to study English with a focus on creative writing at UTC. In her announcement, she also took the time to thank her family, trainers, teammates, and coaches for their support throughout her journey, along with expressing her enthusiasm for joining the Mocs. "I can't wait to be a Moc!" she concluded.
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