Jessica Cooley joins the women's basketball program as the Administrative Assistant for women’s basketball here at the University of South Florida.

Prior to joining the Bulls, Cooley was named St. Leo University’s women's basketball assistant coach on June 1, 2011. Cooley joined the St. Leo Lions as a recent graduate of Northwood University (FL) where she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Sport Management.

In addition to her studies, Cooley competed for four seasons under the tutelage of legendary basketball coach Rollie Massimino. Entering her first season with the Lions, Cooley’s role consisted of coaching the team’s guards, coordinating travel, fundraising efforts, film exchange, and community service projects. Cooley has a wealth of basketball knowledge to bring to USF.

As a student-athlete for the Seahawks, the former guard put up impressive numbers during her four seasons as a member of the Northwood women’s basketball team. Winning four consecutive conference titles, including a berth in the NAIA National Tournament, Cooley’s most impressive season came as a senior where she started 25 of 29 games and averaged just a tick under 10 points-per-contest. Her most outstanding statistic, however, came at the free throw line where she sank 81-of-93 attempts (87.1 percent). Cooley was the junior varsity coach at Wellington High School (2010) while also serving as the assistant coach Hoops City Finest AAU exposure team.

As a developing professional, the West Palm Beach, Fla. native has highlighted her career by working with ESPN760 AM, and was recently selected to attend the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association’s, “So You Want to Be a Coach” program held during the 2010 Women’s Final Four in San Antonio, Texas.

In addition to her previous experience, Cooley brings her enthusiasm, positive attitude and leadership skills to USF’s women’s basketball program.