Team Captain Trianne Cooper ’26 from the University of the Pacific women’s soccer program is predicted to have a standout season for the Tigers.

Top Drawer Soccer, a national publication focused on youth, high school and college soccer, selected Cooper as one of their breakout candidates for the West Coast Conference, a list of players “who could emerge as the next college soccer star.”

The junior defender from Fort Knox, Kentucky, has been preparing herself physically and mentally to take her game to the next level this year.

“A lot of my preparation comes with training,” Cooper said. “When you are confident and prepared, that’s when you’re at your best. I’m trying to do all of the small things right and take care of my body, which adds up to making the big plays in the game. I’m a student of the game, so I’m constantly trying to get better.”

Cooper has been playing soccer since she was three years old. When choosing a college after graduation from Fort Knox High School, Cooper felt connected to the Pacific community and coaching staff immediately.

“When I came on my official visit, I really liked the girls, the coaches and the campus,” Cooper said. “The program was going in a positive direction at the time. That’s something I wanted. I liked that they were improving this program.”

Cooper got her first taste of college soccer as a freshman, appearing in six games during the 2022 season. The next year, she took her game up a notch, earning a spot on the starting team and a reputation as a reliable defender. 

Pacific co-head coaches Danesha Adams and J.J. Wozniak have seen Cooper embrace more responsibility in preparation for the 2024 campaign, presenting more trust for her leadership role in the program.

“Trianne has been one of many leading the charge into this season,” Adams said. “She embodies everything it means to be a Tiger, and she has been at the forefront of our team’s mentality to take the necessary steps to improve and impact this season at a very high level. Trianne is also a great teammate, going above and beyond to offer her leadership and anything needed to help us have success on and off the field.”

The Tigers begin the season Thursday with their home opener against Houston Christian Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. at Knoles Field. See the full schedule.

“We’re looking forward to the upcoming season,” Wozniak said. “Our team is ready to go. They’ve been putting in a lot of work. Overall, we’re happy with how the training and preparation has gone. We know they’re excited and we can’t wait to kick off the season against Houston Christian.”