Cynthia Cooper
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Cynthia Lynne Cooper-Dyke (born April 14, 1963 in Chicago, Illinois) is a former American basketball player who has won championships in college, the Olympics, and in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). She is considered by many as one of the greatest women's basketball players ever. She played for the Houston Comets from 1997–2000 and again in 2003.
Personal
Although born in Chicago, Illinois, Cooper grew up in South Central Los Angeles, California.Cooper is the daughter of Mary and Kenny Cooper. Her father left the family when she was only six years old, leaving her mother to raise eight children. She was married to Brian Dyke in 2000. Cynthia is a mother to twins, a son, Brian Jr., and a daughter, Cyan, born June 15, 2002. In 2000, she published her autobiography, entitled She Got Game: My Personal Odyssey, which covered her childhood, her basketball career up to that time, and her mother's battle with breast cancer. A noted disciplinarian, Cooper has long been well-known for understanding rules.High school years
She attended Locke High School before enrolling at the University of Southern California. Cooper participated athletically in both track and field as well as basketball. She lead her team to the California State Championship (4A) scoring an average of 31 points per game, and scoring 45 points in one game. Cooper was named the Los Angeles Player of the Year.College years
Cooper was a four-year letter winner at guard for USC from 1982–1986. She led the Women of Troy to NCAA appearances in all four years, Final Four appearances in three of her four years, and back-to-back NCAA tournament titles in 1983 and 1984. After the 1984 Championship, she briefly left school, but was persuaded to return. She completed fours years with USC, although she did not graduate. Cooper closed out her collegiate career with an appearance in the 1986 NCAA tournament championship game and a spot on the NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team.Cooper ranks eighth on USC’s all-time scoring list with 1,559 points, fifth in assists (381) and third in steals (256). While Cooper was at USC, the Lady Trojans compiled a record of 114–15.USA basketball career
Cooper played for USA Basketball as part of the 1987 USA Women's Pan American Team which won a gold medal in Indianapolis, Indiana. Cooper was a member of the gold medalist 1988 US Olympic Women's Basketball Team., and the Bronze Medal team in 1992.International career
Cooper played for several teams in the European leagues:- Segovia (Spain) 1986–1987
- Parma (Italy) 1987–1994
- Alcamo (Italy) 1994–1996