Kayla Cooper is undoubtedly the UAlbany women’s basketball team’s heart and soul. Often, the multi-talented senior guard/forward is the Great Danes’ eyes, ears, hands and legs as well.

Tenacious on defense and a threat to score in myriad ways from anywhere on the court, Cooper is a powerful reason why the surging Great Danes are making a run to return to the NCAA Tournament for a second consecutive season. At press time, the team is in sole possession of first place at 7-1 in the America East Conference and 18-3 overall midway through the conference season. They had been on a 14-game winning streak until dropping to Vermont on Feb. 1.

Cooper, a Frederick, Maryland, native and former St. John’s Catholic Prep standout, leads by example: The two-time America East Conference Player of the Week paces the Great Danes in almost every statistical category, including scoring (16 points per game) rebounding (7.6 per game.) and steals (1.6 per game.) She’s also second among the Great Danes in shooting (.558 percentage), assists (2.3 per game) and blocked shots (0.8 per game). Recently, Cooper became only the 14^th player in school history to score 1,000 career points.

"In addition to being a rock star on the court, she is someone who can play literally every position. Her athleticism and growth mindset separates her from others,” said UAlbany head coach Colleen Mullen, who praises Cooper as "an amazing ambassador" for team and University. “She embodies everything a true student-athlete should be."  

Cooper takes the role of leader seriously.

“I think my leadership as I continue to grow and find my voice is what I’m most proud of in my career here,” she said. “Leadership on and off the court and being a good teammate is what I try to do.”

Not every player can perform when called upon in the closing seconds of a close game. Cooper is the exception.

“I think in those situations, when Coach is drawing up a play that includes me, it gives me a lot of confidence,” said Cooper, a psychology major planning for a career in sports psychology. “I’m not nervous. I’m really trying to think about what I’m supposed to do. Someone has to take over and make a good play in those situations.”

For Cooper, making "a good play" often starts with what may be the most unappreciated skill in basketball.

“She has a knack for rebounding with her ability to get offensive rebounds or to grab defensive rebounds and start the fast break. She’s a natural talent," said Mullen.  

“Rebounding is something I’ve always liked to do," added Cooper citing the team's defense as their strength. “My role has changed this season as I’m defending all positions, but I’m trying to lock in and get stops whenever I can. I never know who I’m going to guard.”

Whoever goes toe-to-toe with her on the court, it's a good bet Kayla Cooper ends up on the winning side.