Gigi Cooke Officially Joins WVU Women’s Basketball Program

The WVU women’s basketball program has now signed one of their most recent transfer commits, announcing Gigi Cooke as officially a Mountaineer on Saturday.

Cooke committed to West Virginia on April 29, jumping from Houston to WVU and staying in the Big 12.

“Gia is a great addition and a versatile player that will excel in our program. She is a guard who plays with a tough and aggressive mindset,” said WVU head coach Mark Kellogg.

“Gia can handle the ball to the rim, score at mid-range and shoot the three. Her competitive spirit will allow her to thrive in our defensive system. We are excited to add another important piece to our Mountaineer family.”

Cooke began her college career at Maryland, where she’s from, in 2022. After appearing in 25 games as a freshman, Cooke missed the entire 2023-24 season due to an injury. Cooke then transferred to Houston, where she averaged 12.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 28 games, 22 starts.

Cooke shot 34.6% from the field and 32.3% from three for the Cougars last season. Her 31 made three-pointers were tied for the second-most on the team. She led Houston on trips to the free throw line by a wide margin, leading the team with 139 free throw attempts and making 103 (74.1%).

At the time of her commitment Cooke was the fifth transfer to commit to WVU this offseason and the second to transfer from within the Big 12. Texas Tech’s Loghan Johnson also joined the Mountaineers this spring. Wisconsin’s Carter McCray, Butler’s Riley Makalusky and Norfolk State’s Kierra Wheeler have also committed to WVU.

Cooke is the smallest of WVU additions as Mountianeer coach Mark Kellogg has added a lot of size to the lineup this offseason. Makalusky (6-foot-2), McCary (6-foot-1) and Wheeler (6-foot-1) all stand above six feet while Johnson (5-foot-10) isn’t far behind.

Find more coverage of the WVU women’s basketball program at WV Sports Now.