Dwight Howard, renowned for his impressive basketball career, has rarely allowed the public a glimpse into his personal life. However, those who have followed the former Lakers superstar closely might know about his past marriage to Te’a Cooper, a talented WNBA player.
In this article, we’ll delve into Te’a Cooper’s life, her relationship with Dwight Howard, and her basketball journey, while also shedding light on recent developments following their separation amid some controversial allegations.
Who is Te’a Cooper?
Te’a Cooper hails from Newark, New Jersey, and is currently 26 years old. Her career, both on and off the court, has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. She embarked on her college basketball journey by attending three different institutions, each chapter adding unique layers to her story.
Cooper began her college basketball career at Tennessee, where her 3-point shooting ability was notable, despite facing some challenges. In the 2015-16 season, she showcased her talent by averaging 8.6 points per game and hitting 26.0% of her 3-point attempts. However, her journey took a twist as she transferred to South Carolina during her sophomore year.
At South Carolina, Te’a faced two seasons on the sidelines. The first was due to NCAA transfer rules, while the second was the result of an injury. Despite these setbacks, she returned to the court for the 2018-19 season and made her mark, averaging 11.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.
Cooper concluded her college career on a high note, joining Baylor in the 2019-2020 season, where she impressively raised her 3-point shooting percentage to 41.5%.
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Te’a Cooper’s WNBA Journey
The next chapter of Te’a’s journey saw her entering the WNBA, where her talent was recognized by the Phoenix Mercury. In 2020, she was selected as the 18th pick. However, her dreams were momentarily dashed as she faced a release from the team, attributed to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her journey didn’t end there, as she was soon picked up by the LA Sparks. Te’a played as a point guard for the Sparks for two seasons before parting ways with the team in the previous year. During her time with the Sparks, Cooper averaged 8.2 points per game, along with 1.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
Dwight Howard Marriage and Recent Split
Te’a Cooper and Dwight Howard’s relationship made headlines in 2019 when they became engaged. The couple secretly tied the knot a year later. However, as relationships often do, their marriage faced its share of challenges. Fans began to speculate about their separation in 2021 when they noticed the couple had unfollowed each other on social media.
The distance between the two, with Howard playing for the Philadelphia 76ers at the time, was believed by some fans to be a significant factor in their separation. Rumors started swirling about a possible breakup, prompting Te’a Cooper to clarify their status during an Instagram live session. She confirmed that they had indeed parted ways and expressed her desire to move on from the topic.
In her own words, Cooper stated, “No, I do not go out with him. I’m not with him anymore. Leave it alone. I don’t want to see y’all in my comments saying it anymore. Don’t add me to anything that has to do with him. It’s over with. It’s adios amigos.”
Te’a Cooper’s grit and talent have fashioned her own WNBA path. The media focused on her marriage to Dwight Howard, but their recent split illustrates that life off the court is just as complicated. Basketball fans eagerly await Te’a Cooper’s next move in women’s basketball.
