Shyla Cooper: Harmony of Becoming
For this second-year student, the structure of track & field and the freedom of artistic creativity exist in harmony—giving her the balance she needs to thrive.
By Sterling Giles
The daughter of a Navy father and Army mother, Shyla Cooper—born in Long Beach, California—spent much of her childhood traveling across the country before planting her roots in Norfolk, Virginia. The constant change shaped her resilience, independence and drive to discover herself.
The second oldest amongst her three brothers and three sisters, Cooper quickly learned responsibility and often had to watch over her siblings. Her family is chockfull of creatives and athletes—she so happens to be an amalgamation of both.
“I had to find things that were truly my own,” she said. “That’s where my creativity came in.”
Her natural curiosity and versatility have been lifelong traits. In high school, she participated in multiple activities including wrestling, track, color guard, as well as playing the cello.
Now at Richard Bland College and a standout on the track and field team, the sport dominates her time, so she’s not able to have her hands in as many pots. However, recently, Cooper put together a solid performance in the pentathlon at this year’s Indoor NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) National Track & Field Championships.
Outside of athletics, Cooper serves a vital role on the Student Assembly as the student-athlete representative. In this position, she advocates for the needs of the College’s athletes.
The second-year student tends to her creative side by writing poetry and making music—drawing inspiration from eclectic sources ranging from Erykah Badu to Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe.
“I like the clash between structure and creativity,” Cooper said. “Track is very disciplined and structured.
“But creativity lets me fly free—having both creates balance.”
That balance is what led her to Richard Bland College. Recruited by the College’s track & field coach Rashad Cannon, Cooper chose RBC not only for athletics, but for its strong support system.
“My coaches, faculty and staff really pour into me,” she said. “I’ve never felt more supported at a school.”
With graduation fast approaching in the spring, Cooper is exploring opportunities to continue competing in track while also pursuing her creative passions. She has been recruited by several HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) for track, but she’s also considering VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University) because of its stellar arts program.
But wherever her path leads next, Cooper is assured the foundation she has built at RBC will sustain her well into the future.
“This is the place where I could slow down, grow and really build myself,” she said.
