Tennessee redshirt junior guard Talaysia Cooper was named to the 2026 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Women’s Player of the Year Trophy Watch List, presented by AXIA Time.
She was on the midseason watch list for the award last year. Cooper was also on the Wooden Award Midseason Watch List last season.
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In her first year with the Lady Vols, after transferring from South Carolina, Cooper was named to the 2024-25 SEC All-Defensive Team by the conference’s coaches. She was also named to USA TODAY Sports Network All-SEC Second Team. Cooper also earned Second-Team All-Conference Team by the league’s coaches.
Cooper started 27 of Tennessee’s 34 games last season. She averaged 16.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 3.1 steals and 0.7 blocks per game. Cooper was also fourth on the team in made three-point field goals (36).
She totaled 17 points, six assists, four rebounds and four steals in Tennessee’s, 148-48, victory over Columbus State on Wednesday at Food City Center. Cooper converted 7-of-11 field goal attempts, 1-of-3 three-point attempts and 2-of-2 free throw attempts.
More: Breaking down Lady Vols’ 100-point win against Columbus State basketball
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Tennessee guard named to Player of the Year Watch List
