Northwest Mississippi Community College sophomore catcher Cody Cooper will continue his collegiate baseball career at Western Kentucky University, signing a national letter of intent with the Hilltoppers on Thursday.
“I’ve always dreamed of playing Division I baseball and now my dreams have become reality,” Cooper said. “I feel like I’ve improved my game in my two years at Northwest and can’t thank the coaching staff and everyone who’s played a role in my development. WKU is the next chapter of my college career and I can’t wait to put on the uniform this spring.”
Cooper is the fifth Division I signee from last year’s team and 11th Ranger to move on to a four-year program this offseason.
Cooper started in 53 career contests behind the plate and 14 in the designated hitter position for Northwest. He was a .295 lifetime hitter, collecting 17 doubles, a triple, six homers and 38 RBIs while fielding .978 in 372 career chances and throwing out 14 runners attempting to steal.
Off the field, Cooper was named to the 2016 Capital One Academic All-District 1 Baseball First Team and an Academic All-MACJC selection.
A product of Lewisburg High School, Cooper helped lead the Patriots to their first-ever MHSAA Class 4A state championship in 2013 and won two north half championships and seven district titles during his prep career. He hit .329 with three doubles, a triple and 19 RBIs as a senior to go along with a .435 on-base percentage.
Western Kentucky, which competes in Conference USA, has had 19 selections in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft since 2009.
Learn more about the Northwest baseball program on Twitter @NWCCBaseball or online at www.nwccrangers.com.
Courtesy of Kevin Maloney and Northwest Sports Information
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