TAMPA, Fla. (Dec. 6, 2006) ? The University of South Florida men's golf team has announced the signing of Matthew Cooney to a National Letter of Intent for the 2007-08 season.

“As one of the top junior players in Florida, Matt has the ability to step right into the starting line-up for us,” said USF Coach Jim Fee. “He's shown that he can shoot the low numbers in pressure situations, and his work ethic and competitive spirit are exactly what this team needs to compete at the national level.”

Cooney, of Tampa, Fla., was Gaither High School's most valuable player and team captain his junior and senior seasons. During his four-year high school career, Cooney earned the 2006 District 10 Individual Championship, leading his team to a third-place finish at the event. At the 2006 Florida High School Athletic Association 2A State Championship, Cooney carded a 2-over-par 145, earning 13th place in the 85-player field.

Cooney was a first team all-county player two seasons and the runner-up at the region tournament in both 2005 and 2006. At the 2006 region tournament, Cooney drained a chip to force a playoff, which in the end, qualified him for the state tournament.

In 2005 Cooney won the Canadian World Challenge in a two-hole playoff and in 2006 was the runner up at the adidas Tourney Sport USA event held in Hawaii.

“Matt is also a solid student who places a priority on his academic pursuits,” continued Fee. “He is going to be a fine addition to our team and will be a great representative for our university.”

Matthew is the son of Mark and Rhonda Cooney and the great-grandson of former professional golfer Lanier Reed.