“Every time I step on the floor I study the energy and effort and that’s what I can control, so I try to do that.”
Being the only rookie on the 2020 LA Sparks team, Te’a made sure to make an impact. Cooper was a last-minute addition to the team after Kristi Toliver and Chiney Ogwumike opted out of the WNBA’s bubble season. She made sure her energy was felt as she averaged 7 points, 2 assists, and 1 rebound on roughly 17 minutes per game, including shooting 45.1% from the field and 34.4% from behind the arc.
The rookie from Baylor got comfortable quickly, becoming a reliable point guard off the bench. Known for her bubbly personality and pick-and-roll, Te’a became a fan and team favorite early on.
Speedy Coop 🏎@TeaCooper2 | #GoSparks pic.twitter.com/LNlU1nTL7b
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) September 11, 2020
“It’s a great feeling from the coach and all 12 players just believing in me and trusting me and encouraging me that they’re going to need me in those big moments.”
Te’a had dreams of being on the Sparks from an early age, where at roughly six years old she made a rap for a class about making the team. When given the opportunity this season, Te’a did not disappoint. This season, Te’a was seventh in points per game and eighth in assists per game for all rookies. She was also was sixth in total assists this season with 40 and eighth in total points at 139 for all rookies while being 12th in minutes played.
The guard’s most notable game came against the Sparks’ rival, Connecticut Sun near the end of the season. Te’a put up 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal while going 2-4 from three and 4-5 on the free-throw line. With the help from the rookie, the Sparks were able to pull out a gutsy 80-76 win over the Sun.
Te’a finished her unique rookie season inside the bubble with highs of 15 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.