The South Carolina Gamecocks Player was drafted in the first round by the Los Angeles Sparks.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert and Zia Cooke pose for photos after Cooke was drafted 10th overall by the Los Angeles Sparks. Zia Cooke attended the 2023 WNBA Draft in New York on Monday, embracing the cutout trend.
The athlete wore a long-sleeve black gown with a high neckline and a cutout at the bodice adorned with crystal-embellished accents. She accessorized her look with Chanel crystal earrings.
Zia Cooke poses for a photo on the Orange Carpet prior to the 2023 WNBA Draft at Spring Studios on April 10 in New York City.
The athlete had the honor of being a first-round draft pick, being selected by the Los Angeles Sparks. The Sparks are one of the most accomplished teams in the WNBA, having made it to the WNBA Playoffs in 20 of their 24 years in Los Angeles, meaning they’ve qualified more than any other team in the league.
Zia Cooke poses for a photo on the Orange Carpet prior to the 2023 WNBA Draft on April 10 in New York City. The team has produced top WNBA stars, including Nikki Teasley, Candace Parker and Lisa Leslie.
This year, Cooke and the South Carolina Gamecocks made it to the Final Four Round of the NCAA Tournament. They narrowly lost 77 – 73 against the Iowa Hawkeyes representing the University of Iowa.
Cooke has been playing basketball since she was in middle school and went on to play for Rogers High School in Toledo, Ohio. After a successful high school basketball career, she decided to attend the University of South Carolina after offers from over 60 college programs.
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Draft, where WNBA teams can select new team players from both college and professional women’s basketball athletes, features three rounds with 12 picks each. The 2023 draft was held at Spring Studios in New York City, with a pre-decided draft order based on the last season. This year’s top athlete picks included Aaliyah Boston, Diamond Miller, Maddy Siegrist and Stephanie Soares.