Talaysia Cooper: A Rising Defensive Star in Women’s College Basketball
Tennessee Lady Vols’ standout Talaysia Cooper has earned recognition as one of the top defenders in college basketball, being named a semifinalist for the 2025 Naismith Women’s Defensive Player of the Year award.
This prestigious honor places her among the 10 best defensive players in the nation, solidifying her impact on the court. Notably, the 6-foot redshirt sophomore is one of only three non-juniors to make the semifinalist list, further highlighting her remarkable defensive prowess at an early stage in her college career.
A Defensive Force Leading the Lady Vols
Cooper’s 2024-25 season has been nothing short of exceptional. She has demonstrated a well-rounded game, averaging 16.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 3.1 steals per game. Her ability to create turnovers has played a crucial role in Tennessee’s success, particularly in their fast-paced offense, which currently ranks second in the nation in points per game.
One of her most impressive statistics this season is her 95 total steals across 31 games, ranking her 9th in the country. Her aggressive and strategic defense has drawn comparisons to some of the program’s greatest defensive players. In fact, no Lady Vol has recorded as many steals since Alexis Hornbuckle’s 104 in 37 games during the 2007-08 season. Hornbuckle also tallied an impressive 114 steals in the 2006-07 season, making her the last Tennessee player to crack the program’s top 10 all-time steals list since 1998. Cooper’s current trajectory suggests she could soon join that elite group.
SEC Recognition and National Spotlight
Cooper’s contributions on both ends of the court have not gone unnoticed. This season, she was honored as an All-SEC Second Team selection, a title awarded by both the league’s coaches and USA TODAY Sports. Additionally, her defensive tenacity earned her a spot on the SEC All-Defensive Team, further cementing her reputation as one of the most formidable defenders in the conference.
Her ability to read opponents, anticipate plays, and disrupt offensive possessions makes her an invaluable asset to Tennessee’s lineup. As a redshirt sophomore, her potential for growth remains high, and her consistent performance suggests she could be a strong contender for the Naismith Women’s Defensive Player of the Year award in future seasons, even if she doesn’t take home the trophy this year.
The Legacy of Lady Vol Defenders
Tennessee has long been known for producing elite talent in women’s basketball, and Cooper is the latest player to carry on that tradition. Her defensive prowess, combined with her ability to contribute offensively, brings to mind some of the greatest players in Lady Vols history.
Her steal numbers alone have drawn comparisons to Alexis Hornbuckle, one of the most accomplished defensive players in Tennessee history. If she continues at this pace, Cooper could solidify her place in the program’s defensive legacy and etch her name among Tennessee’s all-time greats.
Looking Ahead: Can Cooper Win the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year?
Winning the Naismith Women’s Defensive Player of the Year award would be a significant accomplishment for Cooper, as it would place her among the most elite defensive players in the history of college basketball. Last year’s award went to Cameron Brink of Stanford University, a player known for her defensive dominance in the paint.
While Cooper faces stiff competition from other talented defenders across the country, her combination of steal numbers, defensive awareness, and overall impact on Tennessee’s success makes her a strong candidate for the award. Regardless of the final outcome, her presence among the semifinalists is already a testament to her incredible defensive skills and her bright future in women’s basketball.
Conclusion: A Defensive Star in the Making
Talaysia Cooper’s recognition as a semifinalist for the Naismith Women’s Defensive Player of the Year award highlights her impactful play and growing legacy within Tennessee basketball. Her ability to create turnovers, lead fast breaks, and disrupt opposing offenses has made her an integral part of the Lady Vols’ defensive strategy.
With her elite defensive instincts, relentless hustle, and leadership on the court, Cooper is poised to become one of the most dominant defensive players in college basketball. Whether she wins the award this year or not, her performance this season has already solidified her as a defensive force to be reckoned with.
As she continues to develop her game, Tennessee fans can expect even bigger things from Cooper in the years to come.
