The Coop is back with a brand-new episode that you've all been waiting for! Zia Cooke: From USC Champion to WNBA Rising Talent! Former South Carolina Gamecocks star and now a standout with the Seattle Storm. From humble beginnings in Toledo to earning her place in the WNBA, Zia opens up about her path to success, her game-changing mindset, and how her defense-first approach is shaping her career. She shares powerful stories of overcoming challenges, the lessons learned from her time at USC, and the impact of her mentors like Coach Dawn Staley.

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CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

01:39 - Welcome Zia Cooke

02:45 - Media Day

04:13 - Working on Defense Strategies

07:01 - Playing with Veteran Players

10:02 - Community Involvement

13:28 - NIL Opportunities

14:06 - Future Endeavors and Goals

17:07 - How Zia Got Into Basketball

22:45 - Relationship with Dawn Staley

25:30 - Favorite Year at South Carolina

27:46 - Starting as a Freshman Player

31:34 - Defining Moment in College Career

33:32 - Coach Staley's Confidence in Players

35:44 - Playing in Empty Arenas

38:35 - Reconnecting with Former WNBA Players

42:48 - Best Piece of Advice Received

45:03 - If Not a Basketball Player, What Would Zia Be?

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