DONE DEAL: Kellogg Announces Signing of Gia Cooke – West Virginia University…
Morgantown, WV – West Virginia University women’s basketball head coach Mark Kellogg has officially announced the signing of Gia Cooke, a standout guard who will be joining the Mountaineers program. The addition marks another key recruitment move for Kellogg as he continues to reshape the roster and build a championship-contending team in Morgantown.
Cooke, a highly-touted transfer from the University of Maryland, brings elite athleticism, playmaking ability, and experience at the highest levels of collegiate basketball. Originally from Clinton, Maryland, Cooke played her high school basketball at Bishop McNamara, one of the top programs in the country, where she earned national recognition as a top-100 recruit.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Gia to the Mountaineer family,” said Coach Kellogg in an official statement. “She’s a dynamic guard who plays with toughness, speed, and confidence. Her ability to push the tempo, create off the dribble, and defend at a high level makes her a perfect fit for what we’re building here.”
Cooke, who appeared in 17 games for Maryland during her freshman season, showed flashes of her potential with her energy and defensive intensity. Though her minutes were limited in a deep Terrapins rotation, her development and skillset remained evident to those following her journey.
The decision to transfer to West Virginia presents a fresh opportunity for Cooke to take on a larger role and make an immediate impact. Known for her quick first step and strong court vision, she is expected to compete for significant playing time in the Mountaineers’ backcourt, which is undergoing a transformation under Kellogg’s leadership.
“I’m excited for this new chapter at West Virginia,” said Cooke in a brief interview following the announcement. “Coach Kellogg’s vision and style of play really stood out to me. I’m ready to work hard, grow my game, and contribute however I can to help this team win.”
The Mountaineers are coming off a strong season under first-year head coach Mark Kellogg, who guided the team to the NCAA Tournament and earned praise for instilling a fast-paced, defensive-minded identity. With the signing of Cooke, West Virginia adds depth, versatility, and a high-upside talent who can thrive in Kellogg’s system.
Kellogg’s latest recruiting efforts have signaled a clear intent to attract players with a blend of speed, toughness, and high basketball IQ—traits that Cooke exemplifies. She joins a program that has momentum both on the court and in the recruiting trail, as WVU continues to draw national attention.
As the offseason progresses, the Mountaineers are expected to remain active in the transfer portal while preparing for a competitive 2025 campaign. Cooke’s arrival strengthens the team’s guard rotation and adds another piece to what is shaping up to be a dynamic and balanced roster.
West Virginia fans can look forward to seeing Gia Cooke bring her energy and leadership to the Coliseum, as she embarks on the next stage of her promising basketball journey.
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