Talaysia Cooper, a star for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, is vying for DPOY.

The Tennessee Lady Volunteers have long been a powerhouse in women’s college basketball, consistently competing for national titles and boasting some of the most talented players in the sport. In the 2024-2025 season, one player has emerged as an undeniable force on both ends of the court: Talaysia Cooper. Known for her tenacious defense, athleticism, and high basketball IQ, Cooper has quickly become a standout player for Tennessee and is a strong contender for Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) honors.

Her ability to lock down opposing players, disrupt offenses, and make game-changing plays has garnered attention from coaches, analysts, and fans alike. Cooper’s defensive prowess has made her one of the most impactful players in the country, and her bid for DPOY is a testament to her growth and development as one of the premier defensive players in women’s college basketball.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Talaysia Cooper’s defensive skills, her impact on the Tennessee Lady Vols, and why she is a frontrunner for the coveted Defensive Player of the Year award.

Talaysia Cooper: A Rising Star

Before diving into her current DPOY candidacy, it’s important to understand who Talaysia Cooper is as a player and how she’s developed into one of the most dominant defensive forces in the game.

Cooper hails from [Insert Hometown or High School], where she was a standout in high school basketball. Her ability to impact games on both ends of the floor was apparent from the very beginning, and it didn’t take long for college scouts to notice her incredible talent. After choosing to play for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, Cooper quickly made a name for herself as one of the most promising defensive players in the NCAA.

As a freshman, Cooper showed flashes of brilliance, but it was in her sophomore season that she truly began to showcase her defensive skills on a national stage. Her athleticism, speed, and anticipation allowed her to guard multiple positions effectively, and her aggressive style of play made her a nightmare for opposing offenses. By her junior season, Cooper had firmly established herself as a key player for Tennessee, known for her ability to shut down some of the best players in the country.

Defensive Prowess: Why Cooper is a DPOY Contender

The Defensive Player of the Year award is one of the most prestigious individual honors in college basketball, and it is typically awarded to a player who has had a significant impact on the defensive end of the floor. In Talaysia Cooper, the Lady Vols have a player whose defense is not only a strength but a true game-changer. Let’s break down the various aspects of her defense that make her a top contender for the DPOY award:

1. Defensive Versatility

One of the standout traits of Cooper’s defensive game is her versatility. In women’s college basketball, the ability to guard multiple positions is a rare and highly valuable skill, and Cooper excels in this area. Whether it’s defending speedy point guards, versatile wings, or physical forwards, Cooper has the ability to stay in front of her opponent and challenge their shots with remarkable consistency.

Cooper’s size, length, and quickness allow her to switch on screens and guard players across the entire offensive spectrum. This versatility is particularly valuable in modern basketball, where teams often play small-ball lineups and require defenders who can adjust to various matchups. Cooper’s ability to handle different types of players with ease makes her a defensive weapon that can disrupt virtually any offensive scheme.

2. On-Ball Defense

Cooper’s on-ball defense is a significant reason why she’s vying for DPOY honors. When guarding a player with the ball, Cooper exhibits a combination of quick feet, strong positioning, and a relentless attitude that makes her a nightmare to play against. She’s able to stay in front of her defender and force difficult shots, often resulting in contested jumpers or turnovers.

Her ability to pressure the ball without overcommitting or fouling is one of her greatest strengths. Cooper’s defensive IQ allows her to anticipate offensive moves and stay one step ahead of her opponent. Her on-ball defense is not just about locking down an opponent, but also about making the player uncomfortable, forcing mistakes, and creating opportunities for her team.

3. Defensive Rebounding

While Talaysia Cooper is primarily known for her perimeter defense and on-ball ability, she is also a strong contributor in terms of defensive rebounding. In today’s game, the ability to secure a rebound and transition from defense to offense is an underrated aspect of defense. Cooper’s length and agility allow her to track down missed shots and get the ball in her team’s hands quickly.

Her defensive rebounding ability also prevents second-chance opportunities for opposing teams, which is critical in high-level competition. By securing boards, especially in critical moments, Cooper helps Tennessee maintain defensive possessions and limit opponents’ scoring chances. This aspect of her game has become a crucial element of Tennessee’s defensive strategy.

4. Steals and Turnovers

Another key area where Cooper excels is in generating steals. Her quick hands, anticipation, and defensive awareness allow her to disrupt passing lanes and pick pockets. Steals are often game-changing plays that can lead to fast breaks or momentum-shifting moments, and Cooper’s ability to force turnovers has been a major asset for the Lady Vols.

In addition to steals, Cooper’s ball-hawking instincts enable her to create turnovers through good positioning and timing. She has a knack for reading the ball and anticipating passes, which allows her to be in the right place at the right time. Her ability to create havoc in the passing lanes has allowed Tennessee to turn defense into offense and get easy transition points.

5. Shot Blocking

While shot-blocking is not typically her primary role, Cooper has displayed the ability to alter or block shots when necessary. Her athleticism and timing allow her to contest shots near the basket and disrupt scoring attempts. Whether it’s a guard driving to the hoop or a post player attempting a shot in the paint, Cooper’s presence is felt on every possession.

Shot blocking may not always be the most glamorous part of defense, but it plays an important role in deterring offensive players and sending a message that Cooper can defend on all levels. Her ability to defend both in the paint and on the perimeter is what makes her a true all-around defensive player.

6. Leadership and Intensity

A crucial but often overlooked element of defense is leadership. Cooper has emerged as a vocal leader on Tennessee’s defense, constantly communicating with her teammates and ensuring that everyone is in the right position. Her intensity and passion for defense are infectious, and she sets the tone for the rest of the team.

Cooper’s leadership on the defensive end has been vital for Tennessee’s success. She’s not just focused on her own performance but works tirelessly to make her teammates better. Whether it’s directing traffic on defense or leading by example with her effort and focus, Cooper’s leadership is one of the reasons why she is so effective.

Talaysia Cooper’s Impact on the Tennessee Lady Volunteers

Cooper’s defensive contributions have been instrumental to Tennessee’s success. Under head coach Kellie Harper, the Lady Vols have become a well-rounded team that thrives on both ends of the floor. However, it is Cooper’s defense that often sets the tone for the team, especially when it comes to crucial games against tough SEC opponents.

Tennessee has become one of the top teams in the country in large part because of Cooper’s ability to shut down opponents and disrupt offensive schemes. Her defensive presence has made Tennessee one of the best defensive teams in the NCAA, and Cooper’s individual efforts have helped her stand out as a DPOY candidate.

The Lady Vols are known for their tough, physical play, and Cooper embodies that mindset. Whether it’s a key SEC matchup or a critical NCAA Tournament game, Cooper has consistently been one of Tennessee’s top performers on the defensive end, helping them remain a national contender.

The Case for Defensive Player of the Year

As the 2024-2025 season progresses, Talaysia Cooper has emerged as a legitimate contender for Defensive Player of the Year. Her ability to lock down top-tier players, generate turnovers, and disrupt opposing offenses makes her a standout in the race for the prestigious award.

Her defensive versatility, leadership, and intensity have been on full display, and she has solidified her place as one of the best defenders in the country. As Tennessee continues to compete for national titles and dominance in the SEC, Cooper’s defensive efforts will be crucial to their success. If she continues her strong play, there’s little doubt that she’ll be among the finalists for DPOY.