Lady Vols Basketball’s Talaysia Cooper Named to All-SEC Second Team, Defensive Team_

Lady Vols Basketball’s Talaysia Cooper Named to All-SEC Second Team, Defensive Team_

 

Knoxville, TN – The Southeastern Conference announced its annual women’s basketball awards on Tuesday, and Lady Vols junior guard Talaysia Cooper was among the honorees. Cooper was named to the All-SEC Second Team and the SEC All-Defensive Team, recognizing her outstanding performance on both ends of the court.

 

Cooper, a native of Gary, Indiana, has been a key contributor to the Lady Vols’ success this season. She has started in all 29 games, averaging 11.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Cooper has also been a defensive stalwart, ranking second on the team in steals (1.6 per game) and third in blocks (0.7 per game).

 

“Talaysia has been an incredible asset to our team this season,” said Lady Vols head coach Kellie Harper. “Her ability to score, rebound, and defend at an elite level has been a game-changer for us. We’re thrilled to see her recognized by the SEC for her outstanding play.”

 

Cooper’s selection to the All-SEC Second Team marks the first time a Lady Vol has earned All-SEC honors since 2020. Her inclusion on the SEC All-Defensive Team is also a testament to her tenacious defensive skills and her ability to disrupt opponents’ offenses.

 

The Lady Vols have had a resurgent season under Harper’s guidance, finishing with a 20-9 overall record and a 10-6 mark in SEC play. Cooper’s play has been a key factor in the team’s success, and her recognition by the SEC is a well-deserved honor.

 

“Talaysia is an incredible player who has worked tirelessly to improve her game,” said Harper. “We’re proud of her for earning this recognition, and we know she’ll continue to be a key contributor to our team’s success moving forward.”

 

Cooper and the Lady Vols will now turn their attention to the SEC Tournament, which begins on Wednesday in Greenville, South Carolina. The Lady Vols will face off against the Ole Miss Rebels in the second round, with tipoff scheduled for 6:00 PM ET.

 

As the Lady Vols look to make a deep run in the tournament, Cooper’s play will be crucial to their success. With her All-SEC honors and her reputation as one of the conference’s top defenders, Cooper is ready to lead the Lady Vols to victory.

 

“I’m just grateful for the opportunity to play for Tennessee and to be recognized by the SEC,” Cooper said. “I’m excited to see what the rest of the season holds for us.”