Elisha Cooper is a senior sprinter on the Malone University track & field team from Clayton, Ohio and Northmont High School. She is the daughter of Kobi and Quintin Cooper.
Elisha ranks among the top-10 all-time at Malone in three track events, including the indoor 4x200 relay team that set the school record this past February. Her best indoor 200-meter time (26.31), which is sixth-best in Malone history, was set at the 2018 G-MAC Indoor Track Championship.
Elisha also ran a leg on the second-place 4x400 relay team at that year's meet. At the 2017 G-MAC Outdoor Track Championship, Elisha scored in five different events, including the 100 (12.58), 200 (25.92), and 400 (59.74) as she set PRs in each race. She also ran on the 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams, which both placed third.
Elisha's favorite memory as a Pioneer was placing third in the 4x100 relay at the 2017 G-MAC Championship. That relay team (49.08) ranks seventh all-time at Malone. She wishes to thank thank Coach McClure and Coach Ford for giving her the opportunity to run and compete at the collegiate level.
"Elisha has worked extremely hard both on the track and in the weight room and it has shown during her time at Malone. She has battled through adversity, coming back from multiple injuries throughout her career. When others would have given up, she stayed dedicated to the team which isn't always easy to do, especially when you're involved in so many other things on campus." - sprints coach Jeb Ford.
Elisha was a smart study mentor for three years, assisting incoming freshman with their transition to Malone and answering questions about university resources, academic assistance, and campus life. She was also a resident assistant in Blossom Hall for two years.
In the classroom, Elisha majors in Exercise Science – Pre Physical Therapy and is a 3x G-MAC All-Academic Team honoree.
Elisha credits her advisor Dr. Stephen Wirick for his constant encouragement and support over the past four years. She added "he has been helpful in providing phenomenal advice during my undergraduate career. Dr. Wirick believed in my potential when I couldn't see it for myself and I will be forever grateful for him."
After graduation, Elisha will attend Youngstown State University where she plans to pursue her Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy.
Congratulations Elisha!
