MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama volleyball head coach Amy Hendrichovsky announced Wednesday that Avery Cooper (Saraland, Ala.) has signed with the program and will join the Jaguar roster for the 2015 season. 

"Avery is a physical athlete and has tools to her game that you can't train," Hendrichovsky said.  "Over the course of the last two years, she transitioned her focus from softball to volleyball.  What has impressed us the most is her determination, work ethic and commitment to elevating her game. Avery's an incredible young lady that we are excited to have a part of the program.  She will be a respected representative of South Alabama on and off the court."

Cooper has lettered the past four seasons at Saraland High School for head coach Dana Mason.  During her four year prep career, Cooper has recorded 1,181 kills, 515 digs, 186 blocks and 152 aces for the Spartans, while also maintaining a 4.0 grade-point average.  She has been selected as the team's offensive player of the year for Saraland each of the last two seasons.  

"Avery is the type of player that every coach dreams for," Mason said.  "She has a great work ethic and was a tremendous leader both on and off the court this past year.  She was a huge threat for us offensively. She will be greatly missed, but I know she will do great at South Alabama."

She chose South Alabama after also being recruited by Florida Gulf Coast, Stetson, Massachusetts and Charleston Southern.

This past season, Cooper helped Saraland advance to the championship match of the South Super Regional before falling to second-ranked Pelham.  As a senior, she registered 319 kills, 21 aces, 34 blocks and 43 digs.  Cooper also recorded 19 double-figure kill matches and was selected to both the Mary Montgomery and Clarke County all-tournament teams.

Cooper also earned Birmingham News 5A honorable mention all-state honors during the 2012 season.  She has played at the club level for the Mobile Storm.

Cooper has also been a standout for the Saraland softball team, garnering Alabama Sports Writer's Association 5A all-state honors as a pitcher in 2014.  She was 15-3 in the circle and allowed just 14 earned runs in her 109.2 innings pitched.  Cooper also had 142 strike outs and hit .533.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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