South Carolina Star Zia Cooke Rejoins Seattle Storm

The WNBA champion returns to the Pacific Northwest after stints with multiple teams.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:33am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, energetic painting with bold, neon-colored brushstrokes depicting the dynamic movements of a basketball player driving towards the hoop, capturing the raw athleticism and excitement of Zia Cooke's WNBA career.Zia Cooke's return to the Seattle Storm brings a burst of energy and talent to the Pacific Northwest.Los Angeles Today

Zia Cooke, a former standout at the University of South Carolina, has signed a new contract with the Seattle Storm, marking her return to the WNBA team. Cooke, who was initially drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2024, has had a journey through the league, playing for multiple teams before finding her way back to the Storm, where she previously spent time on the roster.

Why it matters

Cooke's re-signing with the Storm is a significant move in the WNBA, as the league continues to see a wave of contract signings following the recent collective bargaining agreement. Her versatility and talent have been recognized, as she has made an impact on different teams throughout her professional career.

The details

Cooke's WNBA journey has taken her through the Los Angeles Sparks, where she was drafted, and the Washington Mystics, where she spent time on the roster via a mid-season trade. However, she has now returned to the Seattle Storm, where she previously played and will reunite with former South Carolina teammate Tiffany Mitchell. In her professional career, Cooke has averaged 4.0 points in just 11.4 minutes per game, showcasing her shooting prowess with a career-best 39.5% from beyond the arc last season.

  • Cooke was drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2024.
  • In 2025, Cooke signed with the Seattle Storm and made their opening day roster.
  • Later in the 2025 season, Cooke was traded to the Washington Mystics, only to return to the Storm via waivers shortly after.

The players

Zia Cooke

A former standout at the University of South Carolina, Cooke is a talented guard who has now signed a new contract with the Seattle Storm in the WNBA.

Tiffany Mitchell

A legendary player from the University of South Carolina, Mitchell is currently on the Seattle Storm roster and will be reunited with her former Gamecock teammate, Zia Cooke.

Los Angeles Sparks

The WNBA team that drafted Zia Cooke in 2024.

Washington Mystics

The WNBA team that Zia Cooke was traded to during the 2025 season, before returning to the Seattle Storm.

Seattle Storm

The WNBA team that Zia Cooke has now re-signed with, marking an exciting chapter in her professional career.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Zia Cooke's re-signing with the Seattle Storm highlights the WNBA's commitment to retaining talent and building dynamic teams. Her ability to thrive in different team environments and her statistical achievements demonstrate her well-rounded skill set and potential for continued growth in the league.