Copeland era
New Ads baseball skipper part of 5 FHS state titles as an assistant; also under Buckner at BHS
Garrett Copeland, an FHS assistant baseball coach for 12 seasons (2013-2024), is the new Admirals skipper, beginning his duties Monday, June 3. Teaching engineering and biology at FHS, Copeland is a 2009 Bearden High School graduate who was a standout Bulldogs player (All-district first baseman) under then BHS head coach Matt Buckner, who he replaces at Farragut (2010-24) after coaching under Buckner and helping the Ads win five state titles in 11 full seasons (no 2020 state tourney due to COVID-19).
Answering why Copeland was promoted, “He’s the most qualified person for the position; he has paid his dues,” FHS athletic director Donald Dodgen said. “He’s been an assistant coach with us for a long time. He understands our system. He understands the product that we put out. He’s been part of the championship program we’ve had for years.”
“Obviously it’s a great opportunity, and one that I’m really looking forward to,” Copeland said. “It’s going to be a challenge to continue the tradition and the history that’s been put before us, but I think it’s a challenge that I’m excited to take on and work hard at and see what we can make happen with it.
“It’s one that has a lot of community support and school support, so that obviously helps things out,” he added.
Saying Buckner “obviously knows the game of baseball, he’s been in baseball a long time,” Copeland added about his mentor and former boss, “Outside of just the baseball knowledge he’s given me, he’s really showed me what it takes from the coaching aspect, the day-in and day-out hard work that it takes.
“And the fact that it’s a commitment, it’s a grind and the high moments are made in the times where nobody’s watching,” Copeland added. “He’s one that’s dedicated to the sport of baseball, and he’s just shown me a solid path to take and the work that it takes in order to be successful.”
