HUNTSVILLE — The Sam Houston State soccer team has added an elite defender for the 2021 fall season, head coach Tom Brown announced Monday.
 
Keeley Cooper of Lake Travis High School has signed with the Bearkats. As a freshman and sophomore, she was the defensive most valuable player as Lake Travis qualified for the state playoffs both seasons.
 
"I am very excited about adding Keeley to our roster for 2021," Brown said. "I have known her since coaching her in the South Texas Olympic Development Program when she started several years ago. She is a tenacious flank player who works hard with both her attacking and defending skills. Keeley always has a smile on her face and she will be great within the team's culture."
 
Cooper currently plays club for Westlake FC and coach Jessica Kim. She played for the Austin Texas her freshman, sophomore and junior seasons for coach Albert Flores.
 
The daughter of Danielle and Shane Cooper, she is a member of the National Honor Society and received Kohl's Cares regional award for volunteer work.
 
"I am very close with my family and feel a strong connection to Sam Houston because of their emphasis on building relationships and becoming a family on the field," Cooper said. "I love the competitiveness and look forward to the challenges where I can grow athletically, academically and spiritually while achieving my goals."