Gigi Cooke decided to join West Virginia University’s ranks following her impressive season as a guard at the University of Houston. In the 2024–25 season, Cooke averaged 12.4 points per game, and her transfer will provide the Mountaineers with significant backcourt strength to build upon their competitive roster for the next season.
Cooke returned to Houston’s team after she missed the 2022–23 season due to injury. As a former Maryland player, she joined the Cougar lineup in 2024-25 and emerged as their steady asset. Her arrival brings important depth and leadership to a West Virginia squad that keeps growing under coach Mark Kellogg’s guidance.
Gigi Cooke’s Transfer to West Virginia: A Game-Changing Move
Cooke enters Morgantown with promising potential to strengthen the Big 12 Conference for the Mountaineers immediately. She’s a versatile scorer and ballhandler with quick decision-making in transition and a smooth shooting stroke. Her ability to play both on and off the ball makes her a strong fit in Kellogg’s system.
BREAKING: Houston transfer Gigi Cooke has committed to West Virginia, sources told @On3sports.
The 5-8 sophomore averaged 12.4 ppg this season.
TRACKER: https://t.co/StsxDxjlYl pic.twitter.com/UHnf7Oa7Yk
— Talia Goodman (@TaliaGoodmanWBB) April 29, 2025
The Houston team benefited from her performance, which included 12.4 points combined with 2.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists during each game. With 31 made three-pointers and a 74.1% successful free-throw demonstration, she provides the Mountaineers with crucial outside scoring ability.
Cooke showed through her play that she would effectively contribute to Power Five competition.
West Virginia’s coaching staff is enthusiastic about adding Cooke, citing her experience in major conferences. Her multi-position playing skill allows her to take control from various places on the court.
Cooke’s experience at powerful programs helped her refine advanced basketball abilities that will stabilize the point guard position while improving the offense at West Virginia.
Because of this new move, the NCAA transfer portal will have a greater impact on shaping rosters. Cooke’s transfer to West Virginia made the Big 12 rivalry between her former program more fascinating, demonstrating how quickly programs can obtain competitive veteran student-athletes.
What Gigi Cooke Brings to the Mountaineers
Cooke’s scoring versatility stands out right from the start. She can finish at the rim, knock down mid-range shots, and connect from beyond the arc.
Her adaptability inside the arc allows West Virginia to extend its offensive attack past the paint. Cooke brings offensive skills that strengthen her team’s already athletic personnel.
The defensive awareness Cooke displayed helped strengthen Houston’s defensive performance during certain points of last season. At Houston, she often defended opposing perimeter threats, a skill West Virginia will likely rely on in high-pressure matchups.
Her maturity and leadership qualities are the most significant additions she brings to the team. Cooke developed her effective system contribution skills through previous coaching stops at Maryland and Houston.
KEEP READING: Which Power 5 Women’s Basketball Transfers Will Make the Biggest Impact in 2025?
The crucial experience gained by Cooke will help her guide the new Mountaineer team that is building toward its challenge in the Big 12 competition.
Fans supporting West Virginia can expect Cooke to play a key role in the team’s pursuit of a 2025 postseason appearance. Her continued positive performance suggests that the Mountaineers will reach NCAA Tournament qualification through a strong conference placement in 2025.
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