Feb. 5, 2001

MILWAUKEE-Fanta Cooper (Oklahoma City, Okla./Westmoore), a senior defender on the UWM women's soccer team this past season, was selected to the Carolina Courage in the WUSA College Supplemental Draft on Sunday. The Women's United Soccer Association is the newly-formed women's professional league in the US, and will begin play in April of 2001.

Cooper, who participated in the 2001 Umbro Select All-Star Classic in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. this past week where the draft was held, was picked up in the fourth round by the Courage. Coached by Marcia McDermott, Carolina's roster includes US National team players Carla Overbeck, Tiffany Roberts, and Meredith Florance. Staci Burt, whom Cooper played with this past summer on the W-League champion Chicago Cobras, is also listed on the roster. Cooper will report to training camp in mid-March.

The collegiate all-star was named to the All-Great Lakes Region team this past fall for the third consecutive year. She played a pivotal role this past season in the Panthers' defense that shutout six opponents while recording two assists. She was named (Co-) MCC Player of the Year for the second consecutive year, while earning MCC All-Tournament recognition. She was twice named the conference's Player of the Week for outstanding performances during the regular season.

Named team MVP for the second straight year, Cooper has played and started in every game for the Panthers during her four-year career (80 games).

She is the second player from the UWM women's program drafted to the WUSA league. Former Panther Lisa Krzykowski was selected to the Atlanta Beat in the inaugural draft held in December.