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MISSISSIPPI — Destrehan native Nicole Daigle Cooper was recently elevated to head coach of the Southwest Mississippi Community College Lady Bear Soccer team after serving as an assistant coach for the past three seasons. She replaces Zach Mills, who remains head coach of the men’s soccer program.

Daigle Cooper spent two seasons playing soccer for Southwest while pursuing her undergraduate degree. She continued her playing career at University of the Southwest in New Mexico. While she is very familiar with the Lady Bears soccer program, this is her first time stepping into a head coaching role.

“Just to hear people talk about it, it makes me reflect on all of the hard work put in over these past three years just to be eligible for this position,” Daigle Cooper said. “There’s a ton of joy but also some anxiousness because I don’t know what is going to happen. I have high hopes and I’ve been trying to prepare the girls this summer.”

Daigle Cooper has carried a lot of responsibility as an assistant coach. Now, she gets to add her creativity to it.

“I have spent the last three years building these relationships so if this time did come, it will be an easy transition. Everybody knows who I am, and I have a great relationship with every department. I think it is going to be a relatively smoother transition compared to going to a brand new school,” she said.

More information on Daigle Cooper’s new position can be found at southwestbearathletics.com.