Bethune-Cookman has announced that former women’s basketball standout Kendra Cooper has passed away at the age of 27.
The former Wildcats guard played for the from 2013-2017, where she had a decorated career, being named to two All-MEAC teams and leading the team to two regular season titles and two WNIT tournament appearances.
In 122 career games, she averaged 10.7 points, ranking sixth all-time on the Bethune-Cookman career scoring list. She was a lethal shooter for the Wildcats connecting on 259 three-pointers, the second-most in MEAC history.
Several of Cooper’s former teammates and coaches have shared their thoughts on the news of her passing, including former head coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis.
“It was an absolute honor to have been entrusted by her parents to be her coach,” said the All-MEAC guard’s former coach. “Her legendary impact on B-CU, the MEAC, her coaches, teammates, the administration and her friends will never be forgotten. Kendra Cooper left as a champion.”
Former Bethune-Cookman teammate Demetria Frank also shared her thoughts on Twitter about Cooper’s passing, saying, “My heart is broken for her family, coaches, teammates & BCU community. Coop’s legacy will be remembered as a CHAMPION! Thank you for listening & thank you for believing.”
