Basketball Star Commits to Play at Pace

Kendra Cooper-Smith '19 was joined by family, friends, teammates, teachers, coaches and administrators for a college commitment ceremony in the Sharon Room on Monday, December 3.

The senior girls' basketball star will continue her career next season at nearby Pace University, a Division II program that competes in the Northeast-10 Conference.

"I'm extremely happy and this has been my dream since I started playing basketball," said Cooper-Smith, who proudly donned a Pace hat and shirt. "It takes a lot to get to a place like this. It takes an amazing parent, amazing friends, teammates, coaches and teachers who are understanding. If it takes a village to raise a kid, it takes a village to send one off to college."
 
Cooper-Smith, a versatile and tough front-court player, has been instrumental in taking Masters' girls' basketball program to the next level. She was a key starter on last year's squad, which compiled a 20-5 record en route to a runner-up finish in the New York State Association of Independent Schools tournament. Cooper-Smith — also a standout field hockey player — was named the Class of 2019's female Athlete of the Year in 2017-18.
 
"I've had the pleasure of coaching Kendra since she was in sixth grade," girls' varsity basketball coach Nick Volchok said. "From the first time I coached her, I knew she was super passionate. Not only was she a great player, but she was one of the best teammates we've ever had. She's always represented herself with class and her effort has been through the roof."
 
Head of School Laura Danforth was complimentary of Cooper-Smith's tenacity and perseverance. "You have proven yourself over and over again through all sorts of obstacles and hurdles," Danforth said. "You have risen with such courage, bravery and character. I wanted to thank you on behalf of The Masters School." 

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