
Zia Cooke
Birthday
January 9, 2001
Birth Sign
Capricorn
Birthplace
Toledo, Ohio
Age
25 years old
Height
5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
About
Zia Cooke is an American professional basketball player who currently guards for the Seattle Storm in the Women's National Basketball Association. Born in Toledo, Ohio, she entered the league as a top-ten pick after establishing herself as one of the most decorated college players of her generation. Her career is defined by high-level shooting and defensive versatility, traits that have made her a reliable rotation piece in the WNBA.
As of 2026, Cooke has solidified her role within the Storm system while maintaining a presence in the Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball league. She balances the demands of two professional circuits with a reputation for steady improvement and quiet confidence. Fans and analysts alike recognize her ability to hit clutch shots and adapt her game to different coaching styles.
Early Life & Background
Zia Cooke grew up in Toledo, Ohio, where she attended Rogers High School. Her early years were dominated by basketball, leading scouts to rate her as a five-star recruit shortly before her senior season. During her time at Rogers, she developed into a national prospect, earning McDonald's All-American honors which recognized her as one of the top high school players in the country. This accolade set the stage for her collegiate career and validated her potential at the highest level of amateur play.
She committed to the University of South Carolina, joining a program known for its rigorous development and championship pedigree. In college, Cooke quickly became a cornerstone of the Gamecocks' backcourt. She helped lead the team to three consecutive NCAA Final Four appearances between 2021 and 2023. Her performance during these years included winning the Drysdale Shooting Guard of the Year award and securing two-time All-SEC selections. These achievements cemented her status as a premier talent entering the professional draft.
Career Growth
The 2023 WNBA Draft marked Cooke's entry into the professional ranks when the Los Angeles Sparks selected her tenth overall. She spent her rookie season showcasing her perimeter shooting and defensive instincts. By 2024, she had moved to the Seattle Storm, where her role expanded significantly. The transition allowed her to play alongside established veterans and further refine her game under head coach Sonia Raman.
In the 2026 season, Cooke emerged as a key contributor for the Storm. She averaged 7.4 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game during the regular season. Her impact was highlighted by strong performances against teams like the Toronto Tempo and Dallas Wings, where she delivered crucial scoring bursts. Beyond the WNBA, she continued to compete in the Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball league, demonstrating her versatility across different competitive formats.
Career Timeline
Public Image & Style
Media portrayals of Zia Cooke emphasize professionalism and poise. She is often described as a grounded athlete who lets her on-court performance speak for itself. Her social media presence focuses on basketball training, game highlights, and team activities rather than celebrity culture. Observers note her quiet confidence and lack of dramatic flair, preferring to build her reputation through consistent play. This approach has earned her respect among coaches and teammates who value reliability over flashiness.
Fame & Fandom (iFAMOUS Rankings)
iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. As of August 2026, she is evaluated by the engine but not currently in the Top 1,000 global rankings. Her audience consists primarily of basketball enthusiasts, particularly fans of the Seattle Storm and the South Carolina Gamecocks. There is no formal name for her fanbase, though supporters often refer to her as a rising star in the WNBA. Fans appreciate her shooting ability and her journey from a highly recruited high schooler to a professional starter. Social media interactions show a community that follows her progress closely, reacting to her game logs and training updates.
Interesting Facts and Legends
Cooke is known for her right-handed shooting stroke and quick release, which makes her difficult to guard from beyond the arc. Despite her young age, she has already accumulated significant experience playing in high-pressure environments, including multiple NCAA tournament runs and international-style competitions in Athletes Unlimited. Her social media handle @z.loading_ reflects a focus on her personal brand and training regimen rather than off-court lifestyle. Colleagues often note her work ethic, describing her as a player who consistently arrives early for practice and stays late for extra shooting sessions. She remains one of the few players to balance a full WNBA schedule with the irregular calendar of Athletes Unlimited.
Family & Personal Life
Zia Cooke maintains a private family life, keeping details about her parents and siblings out of the public eye. She grew up in Toledo, Ohio, where her early support system helped foster her basketball talents. While she does not frequently share stories about her household or extended relatives, her dedication to her roots is evident in her pride regarding her hometown of Toledo and her alma mater, Rogers High School. As of 2026, there are no public records indicating she has children or a spouse.
Notable Connections
Sonia Raman, Flau'jae Johnson, Mackenzie Holmes
Relationships & Dating History
Zia Cooke keeps her personal life strictly private. As of 2026, there are no publicly confirmed reports of romantic relationships, engagements, or marriages. She appears to be single and focuses her public attention on her basketball career. Her social media channels feature content related to training, games, and team events rather than dating history. No credible sources document a partner or spouse, allowing her to maintain a low profile outside of her athletic achievements.
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$150,000
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
iFANN currently estimates Zia Cooke's net worth at approximately $150,000. This figure reflects her earnings from her WNBA contract with the Seattle Storm and her participation in the Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball league. As a player in her third season, her salary falls within the standard rookie-scale range typical for a tenth overall pick. Unlike veteran stars with major endorsement deals or business ventures, Cooke's wealth is derived almost entirely from her playing contracts. The financial trajectory suggests steady growth as she continues to develop her role and potentially secure more lucrative sponsorship opportunities in the coming years.
Awards Won (5)
Cooke has received significant recognition for her collegiate excellence and professional potential. She is a McDonald's All-American and a two-time All-SEC selection. Her contributions to the University of South Carolina include a 2022 NCAA Championship title and three Final Four appearances. She also won the Drysdale Shooting Guard of the Year award during her college tenure.
2020 · High School Honor
Rogers High School
2022 · Team Achievement
South Carolina Gamecocks
Known For
Seattle Storm
2024-Present · Guard
South Carolina Gamecocks
2019-2023 · College Player
Keywords
Sources
Quick Facts
- Profession
- basketball player
- Born
- January 9, 2001
- Birthplace
- Toledo, Ohio
- Gender
- Female
- Birth Sign
- Capricorn
Personal Details
- Full Name
- Zia Cooke
- Height
- 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
- Children
- Education
- Rogers High School; University of South Carolina
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