High School
Cynthia Cooper was born on April 14, 1963, in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in Watts, a tough neighborhood in Los Angeles. Cynthia began playing basketball at age 16 and quickly became a star player at Alain LeRoy Locke College Preparatory Academy. She led Locke to the CIF Southern Section championship in 1981 and 1982.
College: Cynthia Cooper
Cynthia Cooper attended the University of Southern California (USC) on a basketball scholarship. She played for the USC Trojans from 1982 to 1986. Coop was a four-year starter and helped the Trojans win two NCAA championships in 1983 and 1984. She was also named to the All-American team in 1984 and 1986. Here are some of her college achievements:
- Played for the USC Trojans from 1982 to 1986
- Helped the Trojans win two national championships in 1983 and 1984
- Named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player in both of those championship seasons
- Led the Pac-10 in scoring in 1984 and 1986
- Named to the All-Pac-10 First Team three times
- Named to the All-American First Team in 1986
Professional: MVP Cynthia
After college, Cynthia Cooper played professionally in Europe for several years. She then joined the Houston Comets of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) in 1997. Cooper quickly became one of the best players in the league, leading the Comets to four consecutive WNBA championships (1997–2000). Cynthia was named the WNBA Finals MVP each time. She was also named the WNBA MVP in 1997 and 1998. Here are some more of her accomplishments:
- Played professionally in Europe from 1986 to 1997
- Joined the Houston Comets of the WNBA in 1997
- Led the league in scoring in 1997 and 1998
- Named the WNBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1997 and 1998
- Helped the Comets win four WNBA championships in a row from 1997 to 2000
- Retired from the WNBA in 2004
- Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010
Current Status: Coach Cooper
Cynthia Cooper retired from professional basketball in 2004. She is now a coach and a motivational speaker. Cynthia is also a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Cooper is one of the most accomplished women’s basketball players of all time. She is a four-time WNBA champion, two-time WNBA MVP, and four-time WNBA Finals MVP. She is also a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Cooper is an inspiration to women and girls around the world. She is a role model for hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
