JACKSON – Millsaps College Head Women’s Basketball Coach Chuck Winkelman announced today the hiring of Jerrie Cooper as an assistant coach for the women’s basketball program.
Cooper was an All-State performer for Winkelman at Class 5A Mesquite High School from 1990-1994. She is a graduate of Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas where she played for now retired Coach Linda Sharp. Coach Sharp left prior to Cooper’s graduation to become Head Coach of the LA Sparks of the WNBA.
“Loyalty and trust are key components of a Championship program. Jerrie brings those things to our program at Millsaps”, Winkelman said. “It is always great to see former players involved in the game. To work together in building a Championship program here at Millsaps is a unique opportunity for both of us.”
During Cooper’s career at Southwest Texas State University she was named newcomer of the year in the Southland Conference and Southland Conference Tournament MVP during the 1996-97 season. The 1996-1997 team led by Cooper earned a berth in the NCAA Division I field of 64 by winning the Southland Conference Tournament.
In the spring and summer of 2000, Cooper experienced women’s basketball at the highest level as a member of the Phoenix Mercury under the leadership of Head Coach Cheryl Miller. Cooper has also served on the basketball staff at Texas Woman’s University, for the City of Mesquite Parks and Recreation Department, and for the well-known Team Texas AAU 16U/18U program as an assistant coach.
“Millsaps College and the young women involved with the Women’s Basketball Program at Millsaps will benefit greatly by Jerrie’s presence,” Winkelman said.