CSUSM Head Women's Basketball Coach Sheri Jennum landed a huge signing this week, receiving a commitment from Mt. San Jacinto Community College star Danielle Cooper.

A 6'0” power forward/center, Cooper led the state in rebounding in the 2010/2011 season, averaging a whopping 13.4 boards per game.  She is far more than a one-dimensional rebounder though, also averaging 16.6 points and 2.4 blocks while shooting 53% from the floor.  Cooper was a First Team All-Conference selection in the Foothill Conference, and named Third Team All-State.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Danielle join our program,” said Coach Jennum.  “Not only is she a tremendous talent on the court, she is a solid student and a really enjoyable young person to be around.   She immediately brings to us that strong and gifted presence in the post. “

Chris Mozga, who coached Cooper this past season at Mt. San Jacinto, was also impressed by her both on and off the court.

““Danielle is an extremely hard worker who has a knack for the basketball.  She's a big time rebounder who also finds a variety of ways to score.  Most importantly, she is a great teammate and a quality young woman,” said Mozga.

Adding to Cooper's potential as a player is the fact that the 2010/2011 season was the first time she played organized basketball since she graduated high school in 2008.  From 2008 to 2010, Cooper was a middle blocker on the NCAA Division I Houston Baptist volleyball team.

Prior to that, Cooper was named First Team All-League her senior year at West Valley High School in Hemet, CA.  She averaged 17.4 points per game and was named that high school's 2008 Female Athlete of the Year.

 “As good as she is now, she has only begun to tap into her potential,” noted Jennum.  “I hope our fans are ready to watch a phenomenal player.” 

Danielle has two sisters:  Chelsea, 16, and Topanga, 12.  Her parents are Robyn and Arthur.