Kimiko Cooper Named ITA Midwest Region Rookie of the Year
June 10, 2026 | Women's Tennis
News
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Illinois women's tennis student-athlete Kimiko Cooper has been named the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Midwest Region Rookie of the Year, making her the first Illini to win the award in program history.
The ITA Rookie of the Year award honors a first-year student-athlete who made significant contributions to their team in the areas of leadership, sportsmanship, and performance. Cooper is now a finalist for the ITA National Rookie of the Year Award, with all national award winners set to be announced on Tuesday, June 16.
Cooper, a mid-year enrollee from Sydney, Australia, competed predominately in the No. 2 slot in singles play but picked up a win - and clinch - in her lone appearance at No. 1. Thrown right into the fire, Cooper posted a 10-11 record in singles dual play, which includes a 4-5 reading in Big Ten outings. On the doubles courts, Cooper has competed in the No. 2 and 3 slots, amassing six wins across work with four different teammates.
The Aussie marked Illinois' second selection to the Big Ten's All-Freshman Team in as many seasons since its inception.
