Autumn Cooper is currently a senior forward at Superior HS. She is a four-year varsity starter and has led Superior in points for three straight seasons. Last year she was a pivotal player on Superior’s runner-up team at WIAA state, and she was named all-state and the recipient of Wisconsin Prep Hockey’s Jinelle Siergiej award.

Autumn has played for Team Wisconsin for five seasons. In 9th grade she was a member of Team Wisconsin’s U16 team that qualified for USA Hockey nationals. Autumn is one of only two girls in WIAA hockey that are currently committed to a NCAA D-1 program. She is committed to play for Bemidji State next season.

“We are extremely excited to have Autumn join us next fall. She is not only an outstanding hockey player, but she’s an even better person. Having her in our group will make us a better team because of the person she is. She has excellent skills but what really jumped out to me was her work ethic. She has a motor that does not stop. She is hard on pucks, goes to the hard areas and works as hard coming back as she does when on an offensive rush. She is truly a 200-foot player. She plays ‘Beaver Hockey’!” Jim Scanlan, Bemidji State Head Coach

Let’s get to know Autumn Cooper!

When did you start playing hockey? I was 5 years old. We have a river behind our house. In winter we played hockey, sometimes boot hockey.

Where did you play youth hockey? I played for Superior (SAHA) all the way up through U14.

Did your family play hockey? No. My older sister figure skated for one year when she was little and then she played basketball.

What is your favorite hockey memory? Last season for Superior HS, playoffs and making state.

What hockey skill do you have that separates you from the competition? My speed, and strength for battling in corners.

Is there a player you model your game after? Kendall Coyne. She plays fast and gritty.

How did you select Bemidji State? It is not too far from home, and it allows me to play at the highest level of college hockey.

What do you plan to study at Bemidji State? Education. I want to be a teacher and coach.

What other D-1 schools were interested in you? Some schools out east but I didn’t want to go that far.

Do you play any other sports for Superior HS? Yes, golf in the fall and soccer in the spring.

How were you able to manage the fall golf schedule and Team Wisconsin? It worked well because golf is primarily weekdays and Team Wisconsin on weekends.

What is your favorite food? Chicken and rice.

What is your favorite music group or type of music? I listen to just about anything country to pop.

Where is your dream vacation? Banff, Canada.

Chocolate cake, brownie, or apple pie? Definitely Grandma’s apple pie!

Final thoughts? I want to thank all my coaches and teammates. Particularly Coach Dougie (Doug Trentor, Superior HS) for building our Superior program, and Coach Poshak (Brian Poshak, TW 19) for helping me through the recruiting process.