A very familiar Texas Panhandle name is ready for the next step at advancing his career but is venturing toward the South Plains to do it.
After only three years in the coaching ranks, Canadian assistant Cameron Copley is proving why he’s a rising star being named the new head boys basketball coach at Ropes ISD during a board meeting Monday night.
The rest of this story is only for subscribers.
“I’m extremely excited for this opportunity,” Copley said. “This has been a dream of mine for a longtime. There isn’t a better place for my wife and new child to be, and we can’t wait to get there. I had a lot of respect for coach (Lane) Jackson. He did an incredible job over the decades at Ropes. I’m just ready for this head coaching chance and to lead a great program, I think we can put something special together.”
Those that know Copley know his family legacy. His father, Andy, built a winning reputation over the years as a head basketball coach. His older brother, Connor, is the head boys basketball coach at Bushland and his mother, Jamie, has grown in education from the administration side.
Copley also made his mark as one of the most decorated high school athletes in the state from his playing days Water Valley and Canadian. The 2017 Canadian High School graduate will always be remembered as a winner compiling a record of 49-2 on the football field and the basketball court. In total, Copley was a five-time UIL state champion winning three UIL basketball state championships and two football state titles.
From high school, Copley carried his success toward Lubbock Christian University basketball program becoming a three-year starter and an All-LSC selection.
Following his playing days, the now 26-year-old spent one year as an assistant at West Plains and the past two year back at his alma mater. Being at Canadian was always a goal for Copley, and he says working under a veteran staff gave him the confidence to make the leap as a head coach.
“This was a very difficult decision,” Copley said. “It was very beneficial to coach at a special place like Canadian,” Copley said. “From the community support to working with the coaches I played for and learn from them meant more than anyone knows. Coach (Andy) Cavalier, and every one of those men put me in the position I’m in.”
Canadian head football coach and athletic director Andy Cavalier states what Ropes is getting in Copley is one of the best up and coming coaches today.
“Coach (Cameron) Copley is the best young coach I know,” Cavalier said. “Not just the best young coach. Not just the best young football or basketball coach, but the best coach that I know. Ropes is gaining someone that will plug into their community, inspire their classroom and in the athletic arena. As a bonus, they are also gaining a phenomenal young coach’s wife in Brooke. She will be a big part of the positive impact coming to the town.”
Ropes is in the midst of special athletic achievements on the boys’ side this past school year. The Eagles football program advanced to the regional championship, the basketball team made it to the state semifinals and the Ropes track team shined at the state track meet.
“Seeing what Ropes is doing made me want to be there,” Copley said. “I think the community is great and the athletes work hard. The administration is great, and coach (Beau) Riker feels like a perfect fit for me to work for. I just want to keep growing the culture and bring more success.”
Ropes head football coach and athletic director Beau Riker says an addition like Copley can only take the Eagles growing culture further.
“Cameron is the kind of coach that loves to build relationships and the type of person this place needs,” Riker said. “We had a lot of success this past year and he’ll only bring more energy to the program. He is a great young man and a game changer type coach with a bright future.”