Stephanie Cooper has been named the head basketball coach of the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) Lady Buccaneers basketball program. A native of Dallas, Texas, Cooper is a seasoned veteran with over 13 years of coaching experience on both high school and collegiate levels. Cooper will also serve as an instructor in the UVI Physical Education Department.
“I am extremely excited to have Coach Cooper join the UVI athletics staff”, said UVI director of athletics Dr. Karen Carty. “She is a proven leader, and I am looking forward to her revitalizing our women’s basketball program and helping our student-athletes to succeed on the court, in the classroom, and in life.”
Cooper joins UVI after serving as the associate head coach at Florida Memorial University (FMU), where she played a key role in the team winning the Sun Conference Championship in 2023. In addition to her coaching duties, she also served as the recruiting coordinator and academic liaison for the Lady Lions of FMU.
“The islands have been a dream location to coach”, Cooper said. “I am excited to be back at an HBCU and a part of the HBCU Athletic Conference. My coaching philosophy focuses on shaping student-athletes’ lives, both on and off the court by providing them with the necessary tools to be successful. My objective is to instill a championship mindset in our student-athletes, and with my experience, basketball expertise, and recruiting skills, I am confident that we can achieve that at UVI”.
Cooper’s dedication to teaching extends beyond the basketball court, as she has spent a decade educating high school and middle school students. A graduate of South Garland High School, she holds a master’s degree in education administration from Concordia University in Dallas, Texas.
In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Coach Cooper has collaborated with prominent organizations such as USA Basketball, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Dallas Wings, leading youth camps training aspiring athletes. She has also contributed as a player development coach for WNBA, NBA, and FIBA players at the professional level.
