Josh Cooperwood joined the Winthrop women's basketball program as an assistant coach during the 2020-21 season.
"Josh and I crossed paths and I have always had the utmost respect for him. Josh brings the player development experience to a high level in our program," Randall Lay said. "He is a journeyman in the field of coaching and his experience in multiple roles makes him an asset to the program. He is always willing to get in the gym with our student athletes. Josh works hard on the recruiting circuit and is well connected."
Before joining Semeka Randall Lay's staff, Cooperwood made coaching stops at Georgia Southern (2019-20), UL Monroe (2018-19), Mississippi Valley State (2017-18) and NC Central (2016-17). He was a member of the Tennessee State University staff, his alma mater, from 2011-2016. Cooperwood served as the Director of Operations for one season before getting promoted to Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator.
While with the Lady Tigers, Tennessee State University won the 2015 Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Championship and made an NCAA tournament appearance. As a coach, Cooperwood has recruited eight All-Conference players and a conference MVP in Tennessee State's Brianna Lawrence.
Cooperwood's collegiate career began at Chattanooga State Community College where he was named 2001 TJCAA Player of the Year, NJCAA All-American and TJCAA First Team. He then transferred to Tennessee State and earned 2nd Team All-OVC in 2003.
Following a successful college career, Cooperwood played professionally overseas from 2003-2011 making stops in Iran, Egypt, Kuwait, Croatia, Jordan, Mexico, Lebanon, Israel and Canada.
Cooperwood earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Tennessee State in 2003. He has two children, Amiyah and Joshua Jr.
