Cobb Hoopster Named to U17 National Women's Team

Te'a Cooper of Powder Springs was one of 12 players named to the 2014 National Women’s Under-17 basketball team, USA Basketball announced Monday.

The team will play in the FIBA U17 World Championship June 28-July 6 in the Czech Republic.

Cooper, who attends McEachern High School, led the Lady Indians to their second state title in three years this past season. 

One other Georgia player was also named to the team — Asia Durr of Douglasville (St. Pius X High School).

The team was selected after four days of tryouts at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. The 12 players were whittled down from the 145 who were invited to the trials.

Next up for the team is training camp June 12-17, an exhibition tournament in France June 20-22, then to the Czech Republic on June 23 to prepare for the world tournament.

USA Basketball posted this quick Q and A with Cooper following the team announcement:

How did it feel when you heard your name called?
Like my heart dropped. I was ready to expect the worse and hope for the best to come. When she said my name, my heart started beating so fast. I was so excited.

Do you think your experience last year at trials helped you to know what the committee is looking for and what to expect?
I just wanted to grow from it. I just wanted to hopefully get invited back again and capitalize on what I didn’t do last year. I worked hard (this year) and did everything they said that I didn’t do last year.

What do you think you did to stand out this year?
I was vocal, my defense, I was aggressive when they wanted me to be. I was just being what they asked for, being a point guard.

What does it mean for you to represent your country?
Oh my gosh, it means the world to me. I’ve always wanted to do this, and I finally get the opportunity. So, it’s a blessing.