Zia Cooke Biography: Seattle Storm Guard, NCAA Champion & Rising WNBA Star

Zia Cooke is an American professional basketball player who currently plays guard for the Seattle Storm in the WNBA. Recognized for her scoring, quickness, and clutch play, Cooke is a former NCAA champion and a rising talent in the league.

Zia-Cooke
Zia-Cooke

Early Life and Background

  • Full Name: Zia Cooke

  • Date of Birth: January 9, 2001

  • Hometown: Toledo, Ohio

  • Height: 5’9″ (1.75 m)

  • Weight: 163 lbs (74 kg)

  • Position: Guard

  • High School: Rogers High School

    • Led team to two Division II state championships (2017, 2018 runner-up)

    • First Team All-Ohio four times

    • Ohio Ms. Basketball (2019)

    • McDonald’s All-American (2019)

    • Rogers’ all-time leading scorer (over 2,000 points)

College Career: South Carolina (2019–2023)

  • Four-year standout for the South Carolina Gamecocks

  • Accolades:

    • NCAA champion (2022)

    • Three-time NCAA Final Four (2021, 2022, 2023)

    • Two-time First Team All-SEC (2021, 2023)

    • Second Team All-SEC (2022)

    • SEC All-Freshman Team (2020)

    • Ann Meyers Drysdale Award (2023)

    • Third-team All-American by AP and USBWA (2023)

  • Stats:

    • Freshman: 12.1 points, 2.9 rebounds per game

    • Sophomore: 15.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists per game

    • Junior: Second Team All-SEC, continued as a leading scorer

    • Senior: Key contributor to Final Four run

Professional Career

  • WNBA Draft: 1st round, 10th overall, 2023 WNBA Draft by Los Angeles Sparks

  • Teams:

    • Los Angeles Sparks (2023–2024)

    • Seattle Storm (2025–present)

  • WNBA Stats (through 2025):

    • 2023 (Sparks): 4.8 points, 0.9 rebounds, 0.8 assists per game

    • 2024 (Sparks): 3.6 points, 0.6 rebounds, 0.6 assists per game

    • 2025 (Storm): Early season, limited minutes and games

  • Overseas:

    • Townsville Fire (Australia, 2024–2025)

    • Danilo’s Pizza SK (Turkey, 2025)

Achievements & Honors

  • Seattle Storm (WNBA, 2025)

  • NCAA champion (2022, South Carolina)

  • Three-time NCAA Final Four participant (2021, 2022, 2023)

  • Two-time First Team All-SEC (2021, 2023)

  • Second Team All-SEC (2022)

  • SEC All-Freshman Team (2020)

  • Ann Meyers Drysdale Award (2023)

  • Third-team All-American (AP, USBWA, 2023)

  • Ohio Ms. Basketball (2019)

  • McDonald’s All-American (2019)

  • First Team All-Ohio four times (high school)

  • Rogers High School all-time leading scorer (over 2,000 points)

Playing Profile

  • Strengths:

    • Elite scoring and quickness

    • Clutch performer in big games

    • Strong defensive presence and energy

    • High basketball IQ and leadership

  • Style:

    • Aggressive, dynamic guard who excels in transition and half-court offense

    • Brings toughness, championship experience, and a team-first mentality

FAQs About Zia Cooke

What position does Zia Cooke play?
Guard

Which team does she play for?
Seattle Storm (WNBA)

How old is Zia Cooke?
24 (born January 9, 2001)

What are her main achievements?
NCAA champion, three-time Final Four participant, two-time First Team All-SEC, Ohio Ms. Basketball, McDonald’s All-American, Ann Meyers Drysdale Award

What is her playing style?
Versatile, aggressive guard with elite scoring and leadership

Conclusion

Zia Cooke is a dynamic and accomplished guard whose scoring, quickness, and championship pedigree have made her a valuable addition to the Seattle Storm and a rising star in women’s basketball.
(Age, statistics, and honors are as of June 2025.)