It was an electrifying atmosphere around Dodger Stadium for Game 6 of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros. This game meant so much: there was a world title hanging. The excitement is felt, with great palpability, by all fans of the Dodgers, particularly one. Chase Utley, a seasoned veteran, was having the game of his life, and his wife, Jennifer Cooper, was both proud and chewing her nails in anticipation.
Thus came the Houston Astros, who hunted for their virgin World Series victory. They only needed one, but Chase Utley and company had other thoughts in mind as they battled all over the sphere, took them out of power in Game 6, secured an important victory that forced Game 7 with a display of grit, determinations, and teamwork. Pandemonium is let loose out in the ground; a blue ocean celebrated in this hard-won victory.
Social media went into a frenzy as fans showered accolades on Utley. “Chase Utley doing Chase Utley things” was the frequent refrain, testimony to how clutch the man was and had always been out in the middle. He alone had keyed probably the most unlikely of offenses in the Dodgers and dragged them into a winner-take-all final game. On and off the field, it was undeniable what he meant for the Dodgers.
Beyond the roar of the crowd and flash of cameras, one person shared in Utley’s success more deeply than most. Jennifer Cooper, Chase Utley’s wife, beamed with pride, knowing full well the dedication and hard work that fueled his performance: the long hours of training, the unwavering focus, and the commitment to excellence-she had seen it all firsthand. And in the bright lights of the World Series, so was her husband.
Jennifer Cooper is much more than just a wife but a partner that holds quite significance in the career and success story of Chase Utley. Keeping a good chunk of her personal life secret from media intrusion, the very act of turning up to join games by Dodgers-at particularly poignant World Series, and critical games-instances indeed spells a tale. She participates in his victories and is also a shoulder he cries on during bad times. Their relationship constitutes mutual respect and understanding-a very good foundation on which Chase Utley flourishes both on and off the field.
As the Dodgers prepared for their deciding Game 7, all the energy focused on Chase Utley. He had proven to be a force to be reckoned with-a player who, when it counted most in the game, could rise to any occasion. And Jennifer Cooper, his biggest fan, would be right there, cheering him on every step of the way. Win or lose, she knew she had a champion by her side.
#1. They Met in College
In an interview, Cooper said she found the love of her life “at UCLA my senior year.”
Utley was born in Pasadena, California, and raised in Long Beach. He attended UCLA, playing for the Bruins, where he met Jennifer Cooper, a dance major.
Former NFL-er, Freddie Mitchell was in the same social policy class at UCLA with Cooper and Utley. Mitchell was friends with Utley after he played a little baseball for the Bruins. Utley told his friend that he wanted to get to know Cooper and the footballer humbly bragged, “Oh, I know her.”
Mitchell introduced them, then suggested Utley give her a ride home. They went on a date where Utley goofed up and called her Jessica. Nevertheless, sparks flew, and they went on a second date.
To this day, Freddie Mitchell is known to them as a better matchmaker than wide receiver.
#2. Cooper Sealed 2 Deals in 1 Weekend
Utley and Cooper tied the knot in a wedding ceremony in San Francisco. The next day, on January 21, 2007, he signed a seven-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. The contract extension was worth a whopping $85.0 million.
Cooper’s family adores Utley, but it doesn’t mean he didn’t get asked the tough questions before their wedding.
“It’s surreal how this all worked out, Utley said. “I remember my dad asking Chase once, ‘What are you going to do if baseball doesn’t work out?’”
As it turns out, they had nothing to worry about! The couple is going strong and are parents to two adorable boys. Benjamin was born in 2011, and Maxwell was born in 2014.
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#3. She’s an Animal Activist
With Utley’s job, the family used to split their time between Philadelphia and California. While her husband was busy playing, Cooper decided to keep herself occupied by volunteering for the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Both Cooper and Utley are avid animal lovers and have a particular soft spot for pit bulls.
Utley soon joined the Pennsylvania SPCA board, and together with her husband, spread awareness about animal cruelty. With Cooper, she founded and helps run The Utley Foundation, which has raised funds to support the SPCA’s efforts.
“Fundraising is the most difficult aspect,” said Cooper. “The biggest advantage is having the ability to delegate funds to specific programs and organizations that embody our vision and goals.”
They have hosted All-Star Animals Casino Nights and raised over $1.0 million for the SPCA. They also had success raising money in partnership with the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, and strongly encourage adopting pets instead of buying them.