The Naismith Awards announced the semifinalists for the 2025 Naismith Women’s Defensive Player of the Year presented by MOLECULE on Tuesday, and among those in consideration is Tennessee’s Talaysia Cooper. The 6-foot redshirt sophomore guard from Turbeville, S.C., is one of the top 10 players still vying for this prestigious award. Cooper is one of only three athletes in this group who isn’t a junior or above, highlighting her impressive early career performance.
Cooper’s statistics for the season demonstrate her all-around skill and defensive prowess. She is averaging 16.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 3.1 steals per game. Her ability to generate steals and grab defensive rebounds (3.7 defensive rebounds per game) has played a key role in fueling Tennessee’s high-powered transition offense. The Lady Vols are currently averaging 87.2 points per game, which ranks them No. 2 nationally. This fast-paced style of play benefits from Cooper’s defensive efforts, which directly contribute to Tennessee’s success on both ends of the floor.
Tennessee’s defense as a whole has been impressive, with Cooper’s contributions helping the team generate 11.4 steals per game, ranking No. 19 in the nation. Additionally, the Lady Vols force an average of 22.35 turnovers per game by their opponents, which places them at No. 9 in the country. These turnovers directly lead to an average of 28.9 points per game for Tennessee, demonstrating how Cooper’s defensive work translates into points for her team.
Cooper’s individual defensive numbers are equally remarkable. She is currently averaging 3.06 steals per game, which ranks No. 10 nationally. If she maintains this pace, she could finish the season ranked No. 2 on Tennessee’s all-time career list for steals. At this rate, she would also tie for the No. 4 spot on the Lady Vols’ list for steals in a single season, behind only Shelia Collins (3.645 in 1984-85), Holly Warlick (3.615 in 1978-79), and Alexis Hornbuckle (3.081 in 2006-07). Cooper currently has 95 steals for the season, which ranks her No. 9 nationally. This is the highest total by a Lady Vol since Hornbuckle recorded 104 steals over 37 games during the 2007-08 season. Hornbuckle is also the only player to appear in Tennessee’s top 10 in steals since 1998, with 100 steals being the No. 10 total on that list.
Earlier this season, Cooper recorded a career-high nine steals in a game against Oklahoma, which tied Holly Warlick for third in school history for steals in a single game. Warlick’s nine steals came during a game against LSU on January 24, 1979. Cooper’s nine steals were a crucial part of her performance, and she has posted impressive steal totals in several other games. She had seven steals against Samford, six steals against Missouri and Ole Miss, five steals in games against N.C. Central, Richmond, and Winthrop, and four steals in matchups with Middle Tennessee, Memphis, Arkansas, and Vanderbilt.
Cooper’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. She was recognized by league coaches and the USA TODAY Sports Network as a member of the All-SEC Second Team for this season. Additionally, she was named to the SEC All-Defensive Team by the league’s coaches, underscoring her defensive impact. Her recognition on these teams reflects her outstanding performances and consistency throughout the season.
In addition to these honors, Cooper was also named to multiple prestigious player-of-the-year watchlists earlier this season. She was featured on the USBWA Ann Meyers Drysdale Award watchlist, the John R. Wooden Award watchlist, and the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy watchlist. These recognitions highlight Cooper’s standing as one of the nation’s top players. She was also selected as the SEC Player of the Week and the USBWA Ann Meyers Drysdale Player of the Week on November 19. Additionally, Cooper earned Tennessee Sports Writers Association Player of the Week honors on December 10, further demonstrating her significant impact on her team and the sport.
Cooper’s exceptional performance has been a key factor in Tennessee’s success this season. The Lady Vols have achieved a 22-9 overall record, including a notable victory over No. 5/5 UConn and two other ranked teams. The team has maintained a strong NCAA NET ranking of No. 14 and reached as high as No. 11 in the national polls. Tennessee’s success this season has solidified its place as one of the top programs in women’s college basketball. The Lady Vols are set to make their 43rd consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament, a remarkable feat that is unmatched by any other program.
Talaysia Cooper’s defensive efforts have been integral to Tennessee’s outstanding season. Her relentless work on both ends of the floor has helped elevate her team to new heights, and her recognition as a semifinalist for the Naismith Women’s Defensive Player of the Year is a testament to her dedication and impact on the court. If she continues at this level, Cooper’s future in women’s basketball looks incredibly bright.