In recognition for all of her accomplishments throughout her basketball career, including having her number 35 jersey retired at a ceremony on Jan. 7 at Pinnacle Bank Arena, Jordan Hooper was awarded the key to the city of Alliance by council members at their regular meeting on Jan. 16.
Alliance City Councilwoman Mara Andersen read from a proclamation before presenting the key to Hooper.
“The City of Alliance, Nebraska takes immense pride in recognizing and celebrating the outstanding achievements of its residents,” said Andersen. “Jordan Hooper, a distinguished individual with roots in our community, has demonstrated unparalleled dedication, skill, and sportsmanship throughout her illustrious basketball career at Alliance High School, the University of Nebraska, Lincoln and professionally.”
Some of Hooper’s accolades include being honored as a two-time Nebraska Gatorade High School Player of the Year in 2008 and in 2010, starting all 131 games of her Husker career from 2011 to 2014, and setting a UNL career record.
“Hooper was one of only three players in Nebraska history to achieve the combined career milestones of 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds, finishing her collegiate career with 2,357 points and 1,110 rebounds,” Andersen read from the proclamation.
Other awards and honors that Hooper has earned include the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2014, the Wooden Award and being a finalist for the Wade Trophy. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from UNL in May of 2014, Hooper was drafted by The Tulsa Shock, where she played through the 2017 season. She has represented Alliance even on the world stage, taking Gold at the 2013 World University Games and playing internationally across nine seasons.
“Jordan Hooper has brought honor and recognition to our city through her exceptional performance, contributing significantly to the University of Nebraska’s Basketball Legacy,” Andersen read from the proclamation. “As a token of our gratitude and esteem, the City of Alliance is pleased to award Jordan Hooper the key to the city, acknowledging her as an honorary recipient of this symbolic gesture of our community’s highest honor.”
The proclamation also declared Jan. 7, 2024 as Jordan Hooper Day, “A day dedicated to celebrating her achievements, recognizing her contributions, and expressing our collective pride in her accomplishments.”