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Rock Hill, SC – The family at Legion Collegiate Academy, along with Pinnacle Charter Schools, have come together to establish the Mark Cooke Memorial Scholarship in memory of the former Lancers and Winthrop University softball coach.

Cooke, who passed away on May 15, helped found the Legion Collegiate Academy softball program, helping the Lancers to a state title in 2021. He was also a legend at Winthrop, where he led the Eagles' softball program for 29 seasons.

"He told me when he took the job at Legion, 'we'll win a state championship in a year or two here,'" Legion Collegiate Athletic Director Rich Posipanko said. "He already knew who he had coming in and the talent level of that group. He means everything to Legion.

"This scholarship is the best way I know to honor Coach Cooke, who was a friend to all, an outstanding person and a great coach while having his legacy live on at LCA forever. This scholarship was first proposed by Mike D'Angelo, CEO of Pinnacle Charter Academies with approval from Mark's wife April. Mr. D'Angelo appreciated what Coach Cooke stood for and the many contributions he made to LCA. Mark was a friend of mine for almost 35 years, so I am happy and honored to help in any way possible with this Scholarship."

The Mark Cooke Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving student-athlete to continue their education. It will be announced each spring at one of the schools' Signing Day ceremonies.

"Mark Cooke's impact was felt throughout our community," Dr. Julie Marshall, Legion Collegiate Academy principal said. "His selfless giving to a sport he loved so dearly, and the girls who he coached, was inspirational. His legacy at Legion lives on through the number of student athletes' and coaches' lives he touched. This scholarship will provide a tangible way for Coach Cooke's passion to be passed on for many years to come. We are excited to have this opportunity to honor his legacy."

Cooke retired from Winthrop in 2018 as the all-time leader in the Big South Conference in victories (767), regular season conference wins (218) and conference tournament wins (53), leading the Eagles to the conference tournament championship game 11 times.

He was selected as the Big South Coach of the Year three times, winning four Big South titles, and earning two trips to the NCAA Tournament. He also led the Winthrop volleyball program from 1990-96 and was inducted into the Winthrop Hall of Fame in 2019.

Prior to his passing, Cooke was selected for induction into the Big South Conference Hall of Fame in the Class of 2024.

Following his amazing career at Winthrop, Cooke still had plenty left to give, and he returned to coaching in 2021, launching the softball program at Legion Collegiate Academy.

"I only met Mark a few times, but he wore his heart on his sleeve," D'Angelo said. "He said and did what he thought was right. Even when they won that state championship, he was prouder that every single player on the team earned Academic All-America honors.

"This scholarship recognizes Mark's volume of work, but his legacy will live on in every person he touched, on and off the field."

CLICK HERE TO DONATE: Mark Cooke Memorial Scholarship
You will be directed to a secure website, MY SCHOOL BUCKS. Thank you for your Donation

Annual Winners of the Mark Cooke Memorial Scholarship
2023-24--Destiny Meleton

About Legion Collegiate Academy: Legion Collegiate Academy (LCA), located in Rock Hill, S.C., serves high school students in a safe, small and family-centered setting. Our students seek the opportunity and challenge of rigorous curriculum, high academic standards and elite athletics while also earning up to two years of college credit. LCA serves students in grades 9-12 using an honors curriculum in 9th and 10 grades with a dual enrollment curriculum in 11th and 12th grades.

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Learn more about LCA by visiting our website at LegionCollegiateAcademy.org and by following us on social media on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For video content, visit our YouTube channel.