FAIRHOPE, Ala.— St. Michael Catholic High School has hired Reggie Copeland, Jr. to be its first-ever men’s basketball coach, beginning in the 2016-17 school year when the school opens in August. Copeland is well known to basketball fans in south Alabama, having coached on all levels, including youth leagues, high school and college. Most notably, he was the head boys’ coach of McGill-Toolen from 2001-2004, compiling a record of 50-38, qualifying for the playoffs in all three seasons and winning one area championship. He also served as an assistant in the men’s basketball program at Spring Hill College from 2006-2013.

“We are excited to attract a leader with coach Copeland's experience, drive, and passion for basketball,” said St. Michael athletic director, Paul Knapstein. “His high school and college coaching experience will be a great asset to our young program and his connections and talents will be invaluable to us.”

Copeland is looking forward to beginning the new program. 

“I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity afforded me by principal (Faustin) Weber and coach Knapstein to be part of the St. Michael’s family. It will be challenging and exciting to help start the basketball program. What promises to be even more rewarding is to play a role in the growth of what will be a dynamic school community striving for excellence in all aspects of student life.“

“Coach Copeland is highly recommended by both those who knew him at McGill, as well as families of his former players,” Weber said. “We think he’ll not only set a high bar for our basketball program, but for the entire athletic program at St. Michael. I am edified by the quality of the faculty and coaching staff we’re putting together—it’s going to be an exciting first year.”

Copeland joins the Cardinals inaugural coaching staff with volleyball coach Missy Williams, women’s basketball coach David Offerle and Knapstein who will coach the women’s soccer team.

Offerle was a Math teacher and head girls’ basketball coach at Arlington High School in Arlington, Tenn., from 2004-2014 and teacher/coach at Cordova High School in Tennessee from 2000-2004. Once arriving in the Fairhope area to be nearer to his wife’s family in 2014, he was hired by Fairhope High School, where he currently teaches Math and was an assistant in the girls’ basketball program. 

Williams is a 5th-grade teacher at Christ the King School. Her volleyball career began as a player at Fairhope High and continued while a student-athlete at Spring Hill College. After completing her playing career and earning an undergraduate degree in elementary education, she entered graduate school and became a graduate assistant coach in the Spring Hill program. After earning a graduate degree in elementary education, she was hired by principal Max Crain to teach at Christ the King and was also recruited to coach for the Eastern Shore Volleyball Club, under the direction of Ann Schilling. She coaches an “Under 16” team in that program.

St. Michael Catholic High School will begin its first year this coming August with ninth and tenth grade students. For more information, visit: St.MichaelCHS.