The Southeastern Conference (SEC) revealed its 2025 women’s basketball postseason honors on Tuesday, with Tennessee redshirt sophomore Talaysia Cooper securing two prestigious accolades following votes from the league’s coaches. Cooper, a 6-foot guard from Turbeville, South Carolina, was named to the All-SEC Second Team and earned a spot on the SEC All-Defensive Team, an elite six-player selection. These honors mark a significant milestone in her collegiate career, as they represent her first postseason athletic achievements, in addition to her recognition on the SEC Academic Honor Roll for the 2022-23 season.
Cooper has been a standout player for the Lady Vols, starting 26 out of 29 games in the 2024-25 season. A dynamic two-way performer, she leads the team in several key statistical categories, including points per game (16.7), rebounds per game (5.6), steals per game (3.0), and blocks per game (0.7). Additionally, she hits 45 percent of her shots from the field and ranks second on the team in assists per game with an average of 3.2. Her versatility has been evident all season long, as she has reached double figures in scoring 25 times, including 11 games where she scored 20 or more points. Furthermore, Cooper has produced 12 quarters where she scored 10 or more points. She has also posted three double-doubles and three double-figure rebounding performances, underscoring her all-around contribution to the team.
Among SEC players, Cooper ranks first in steals with a total of 88 and in steals per game with an average of 3.03. Additionally, she is ranked No. 11 in scoring with her 16.7 points per game. Her steals total and steals per game average place her 10th and 11th, respectively, among all NCAA Division I players this season, further solidifying her as one of the top defensive players in the country. Her ability to impact both ends of the floor has been a critical factor in Tennessee’s success, as the Lady Vols have emerged as one of the nation’s most formidable teams in scoring, three-point shooting, and offensive rebounding. They have also excelled in accumulating steals and forcing turnovers, largely thanks to Cooper’s defensive prowess, whether it’s through full-court pressure or their halfcourt defensive sets.
Cooper’s steals average of 3.03 ranks No. 4 on Tennessee’s all-time single-season list. She trails only Shelia Collins (3.645, 1984-85), Holly Warlick (3.615, 1978-79), and Alexis Hornbuckle (3.081, 2006-07) in this category. If Cooper maintains this average throughout the remainder of the season, she will finish No. 2 on the Lady Vols’ career steals list, behind only Holly Warlick, who posted a career average of 3.247 from 1976 to 1980. The 88 steals Cooper has amassed this season is the highest total by a Lady Vol since Alexis Hornbuckle recorded 104 steals and Candace Parker tallied 88 steals during the 2007-08 season. Cooper’s career-best performance of nine steals against Oklahoma also tied Holly Warlick for the third-most steals in a single game in Tennessee history, a feat that Warlick accomplished on January 24, 1979, at LSU. Cooper has also posted seven steals in a game against Samford, six against Missouri and Ole Miss, and five against N.C. Central, Richmond, and Winthrop, further demonstrating her consistency as a disruptive force on the defensive end.
As the Lady Vols prepare for the SEC Tournament, Cooper and her teammates are set to open play in Greenville, South Carolina, on Wednesday at 11 a.m. ET, where they will face Texas A&M. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network and will also be available on Lady Vol Radio Network stations, as well as through an audio stream on UTSports.com. Tennessee will be looking to build on their successful regular-season performance and make a deep run in the conference tournament.
Cooper’s journey to these postseason honors has been marked by a steady progression of excellence in her game. Coming into the season as a redshirt sophomore, she has grown significantly in both her offensive and defensive capabilities. Her remarkable statistics are a testament to her hard work and dedication, as she has elevated her game to become one of the premier players in the SEC. Beyond her individual accomplishments, Cooper’s leadership and influence on the court have been crucial in Tennessee’s success this season.
Tennessee’s head coach, Kim Caldwell, has praised Cooper’s impact on both ends of the floor, noting her ability to change the game with her defense and contribute consistently on offense. Her leadership has been particularly evident in the Lady Vols’ ability to execute their defensive schemes, from pressuring opposing ball handlers to disrupting passing lanes and forcing turnovers. Cooper’s defensive efforts have not only earned her individual recognition but have also helped Tennessee maintain its reputation as one of the best defensive teams in the country.
Looking ahead to the SEC Tournament, Cooper’s performance will continue to be pivotal for Tennessee’s chances of making a deep postseason run. The Lady Vols have shown that they are a team to be reckoned with, thanks in large part to their standout redshirt sophomore. Cooper’s ability to excel on both sides of the ball gives Tennessee a unique advantage, as she can dominate offensively and make an impact defensively in a way few players in the SEC can.
As the postseason progresses, Cooper’s role will only grow in importance. If Tennessee hopes to secure a strong finish to the season and make a deep tournament run, Cooper’s leadership, scoring ability, and defensive dominance will be key. Her recognition as one of the best players in the SEC and her selection to both the All-SEC Second Team and the SEC All-Defensive Team reflect the tremendous strides she has made this season and the crucial role she plays in Tennessee’s success.
In conclusion, Talaysia Cooper’s remarkable season has earned her well-deserved postseason honors, including a spot on the All-SEC Second Team and the SEC All-Defensive Team. Her dynamic two-way play, leadership, and all-around contributions have been instrumental in Tennessee’s success this year, and she will continue to be a central figure for the Lady Vols as they head into the SEC Tournament and beyond. With her exceptional skills and determination, Cooper is poised to further cement her place as one of the top players in the nation and a key player to watch in the postseason.